A salute to a champion

Mike fans write:

Mike, at the 2006 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Your most recent journal entry made me look back on a lot of times in my life as well. Like you said we should be happy about what we have been able to achieve and not focus on what we don't. Thanks for helping me realize this. Thanks for helping to make skating so enjoyable to watch.
Julie

I have to commend you on your professionalism. I have watched your career over the years, at the professional and competition levels. I was very saddened to view your loss at the nationals. My family and I watched together, and my first impression was that I was glad that my children were watching you. What a great conversation you had at the spectacular about your blessings in life. I only wish that other sports had role models such as yourself. How much more our country's youth would learn from your attitude.

Later after watching the spectacular, we went to your Web site, because my 8-year-old really made a connection with you. The more we read, the more impressed we became.
Barbara (and Morgan)

I just wanted to commend you on a great long program at Nationals in St. Louis. The way you reacted when you came out to receive your medal at the end of the night made me respect you so much more than before. I enjoyed seeing you out there with your own digital camera, taking pictures of the crowd and taking photos while you were on the podium, it's a moment from St.
Louis that I doubt I ever will forget.
Brenda from Rochester, N.Y.

I thought you skated absolutely beautifully last week in the national figure skating championships. Your performance was an inspiration. It was beautiful and courageous and will be remembered by those who love figure skating for many years to come.
Marilyn from Philadelphia

I just wanted to congratulate you on your courage and determination. I thought you did an outstanding job at Nationals. I will miss seeing you in competition but I hope to see you perform at some of the competitions and ice shows.

I wish you luck in everything you do. You are an inspiration to our kids and you have made a difference in their lives.
Mary Jo

What a pleasure it was to watch you skate once again on TV at Nationals. Your choreography and choice of music were especially delightful this year -- from Beethoven to George Michael -- and your performances strong and compelling. In the exhibition you lit up the ice with your athleticism, humor and showmanship.

Thanks for all you have given to skating and skating fans, and most of all, for being a class act on and off the ice.
Janet from Logan, Utah

I would like to commend you on your achievements on and off the ice that you have accomplished in your sport. You are obviously making a huge positive impact to the ice skating world.
Becky

Your skating is so beautiful that it often takes my breath away. As I watched your free skate, I was in complete awe of how gorgeous and emotional your program had become. You skated with such passion and fluidity that it reached out to me even through the television. You have a heart both on and off the ice.

To me, you are what the Olympics are all about. Anyone who has the dignity to congratulate his competitors just moments after a major disappointment, deserves recognition and praise. You are a true champion!

Thank you for bringing joy and honor back to the sport of figure skating! But most of all, thank you for making a difference in my life and giving young skaters a positive role-model.
Alicia

I will pay whatever to see you when you turn pro because I see that you have the same..."it" quality that Scott and Brian have.
Trini

Thank you for putting your sport in the proper light. I wish that others appreciated you and your skating as much as we on the sidelines do.
Jody