As we all know, Michelle Kwan will probably never have an Olympic gold medal. But in sports, there truly are things that are more important than the medals that you wear around your neck. Michelle Kwan has always conducted herself with grace and dignity. She behaved no differently in stepping aside to allow others to pursue their Olympic dreams when she knew that it was impossible for her to win gold.

Some will argue that she should have known that when she missed Nationals. But the heart of a Champion never wants to quit. Sometimes you can tell the true Champions when they recognize that it’s time and set aside their own wants for the good of their team.

All our best to Michelle— and to the women who will be skating for the United States: Sasha Cohen, Kimmie Meissner, and Emily Hughes.