Chinese American figure skater Michelle Wing Kwan, also known as Michelle Kwan or &20851;&39062;&29642; in Chinese, was named the 1st public diplomacy ambassador by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at a State Department press briefing in Washionton on November 9th.

"Michelle embodies the American dream," Rice said at the Treaty Room of the State Department, "The daughter of Chinese immigrants, she rose to the heights of artistic and athletic excellence through her discipline, her drive and her determination."

Kwan's job will be to improve the image of the Unites States internationally. Rice said Kwan's experiences as a sportswoman who won her first world title at a tender age of 15 was "a deeply American story" admired by many.

Michelle Kwan is an American figure skater and media celebrity who has won nine U.S. championships, five world championships, and two Olympic medals. She has remained competitive for over a decade and is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Known for her consistency and expressive artistry on ice, she is widely considered to be one of the greatest figure skaters of all time and one of the most famous person of Chinese descent in the United States.

Source: People

Michelle Kwan Photos