Holiday cards designed by Michelle Kwan for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundations

Two stars overlapping, one effortlessly flowing on top of the other. “Season’s Greetings” sweeping underneath them. Inside each star, a flourish of color. Behind the stars, a stark white background. Looking at all of these holiday cards elements, you might almost think that you are watching the marks left on the ice from the blades of an ice skater. There is a gracefulness to the lines making up the illustration above which might make you think of watching a poised world champion figure skater. It’s not that surprising then to discover that Michelle Kwan, winner of five World Championships, nine U.S. championships, and two Olympic Medals designed these holiday cards.

When you see the list of medals that she has won and the titles she has held, it is hard to believe that Michelle Kwan is not yet even 30! And still, with the consistency of her skating and her artistry on the ice, she is thought to be one of the greatest figure skaters of all time. Michelle began skating at age five, following both her brother and sister onto the ice. When she was eight years old, she began training in earnest and at age 12 began to compete at the senior level.

Despite her spectacular talent, the dream that eludes her is winning an Olympic Gold. She was an alternate on the 1994 team, but did not compete. A favorite to win gold in 1998, she placed second and earned a silver medal. Again, a favorite to place first at the 2002 games, she only won the bronze. In 2005 she injured both her hip and abdomen and withdrew from competitions which would enable her to compete in the 2006 Winter Games. She petitioned for a medical waiver to enable her to be placed on the team despite these injuries and was approved. During her first practice session in Turin, however, she suffered another injury forcing her to withdraw from the games. At the time, she did not indicate a desire to retire. Should she compete in 2010, she will be 29 years old. In October 2007, Michelle indicated that she would make a decision in 2009 about whether or not to compete in 2010. But until then, at least she can continue designing graceful holiday cards.