I do not think her mom knows how to skate. Michelle began to skate
when she was five years old after watching her brother Ron play ice
hockey. Her sister Karen also skated competitively up to 1996, so she
and Michelle trained together til then. Michelle's mother Estella has
always supported her, but she is more behind the scenes and quieter.
(Her dad Danny is the vocal one, and he was with her by the boards at
competitions during the 2001-2002 season.) I also remember Michelle
saying that her mom doesn't really know anything about figure skating
(like jumps, spins, etc.), but she does come to watch her at
competitions. So, basically, she supports her daughter's love for the
sport, and she has probably influenced how she handles herself in
public (graciousness, ability to overcome disappointments).

In an old interview for DisneyBooks.com, Michelle answered this
question, which might also help you:

Who are some of your role models ouside of skating?

Michelle Kwan: My biggest role models have always been my parents.
They've always been there for me and for my family and for each
other. I've never known two people who worked harder, but they've
never made their hard work seem, well, hard. The reason is that they
do it out of love. My parents are honest with me and keep me focused
on the things that really count. To them it's more important that I'm
enjoying my skating than that I'm winning my competitions. They
taught me how to have respect, discipline, and loyalty. They were
also the ones who first told me "Work hard, be yourself, and have
fun." I still think that's some of the best advice I've ever gotten.



--- In michellekwanfanatics@yahoogroups.com, "sargum_manley"
<sargum_manley@y...> wrote:
> Does anyone know whether Michelle Kwan's mom knows how to ice
> skate? Is there a way to ask Michelle directly? I am wondering if
> it was her mom who inspired her to ice skate or not...Doing a
report
> on mom's and what type of role models they are for their daughters.
>
> Thanks.
> Sargum