The new scoring system exposed the real talented skaters from the impostors. Irina Slutskaya the Russian skater at 27 years of age, two years older than Michelle showed real talent either in new or old system. Sasha Cohen could have beaten Michelle and should have gotten the bronze medal at the 2002 Olympics if the new system was in place then. The only reason why Michelle is still around is because she did not win an Olympic Gold.
— M. Enriquez in Kahului, Hawaii

It is truly sad that Michelle won't be able to participate in this year's Olympics. I was really looking forward to watching her skate. She is very gracious to pull out so early to let Emily come over early to prepare to participate. Those who would negatively say that Michelle is not a great Olympian are small petty mean-spirited people who only look at one aspect of a performer. Michelle is the epitome of a great Olympian, both in spirit and in performance!
— Patricia Lee Miller in Craig, CO

I felt that Michelle chickened out. She got nervous with the Olympics' new scoring systems and the threat of new skaters who've mastered a lot of new combination tricks.
— Carolina Ambas in New York, NY

I respect her for what she is doing and our prayers here will be with her! It has to be hard when you are so close! and she has proven to be what we all thought her to be, amazing, admirable and the perfect champion! Good luck!
— Tia in Boise, Idaho

WINTER OLYMPICS More on Michelle Kwan Injury forces skater to withdraw Readers voice strong support for Kwan Spotlight now on Cohen, Hughes Bondy: Kwan never great Olympian Opinion: Missed golds define career Commentary: This was Black Sunday WP: Now Kwan has time to find true self   Video: Kwan talks with Costas about decision   Video: Kwan says she has 'no regrets' Vote: Kwan's mistake? | Legacy? | Highlights MORE FIGURE SKATING COVERAGE

Reality is, She should have never made the trip to Turin considering everything, hopefully her back up can get there in a timely manner in order for her to practice. I don't believe she was 100 percent myself.
— Sherry in Mississippi

Michelle: You have the spirit of the fighting "Samurai" and liken to that, know when it's time to step aside for others to take your place. God Bless You! You will always be in the spirit of those in Japan, USA and the world as a "leader" for the youth of tomorrow! Best Wishes In Your Future Dreams.
— Michael & Miyoko Martin in Okinawa, Japan

I send her my prayers. It has always been the hope of so many that Michelle would achieve the gold in the Olympics. What a tough and heartbreaking decision to have to make. She is one classy person. She has only our respect and pride! You will have a bright future no matter what you choose to do!
— Margo Capucini in Fremont, Ohio

I think Filip Bondy's commentary on Michelle Kwan not being a great athlete because she never won a gold medal in an Olympic game is truly off base. Any skater who has won 5 World Titles and 9 national (titles) can't be called a mediocre skater. Michelle Kwan left a strong mark on ladies figure skating. Look at the young skaters who are just getting started and began because they aspire to be Michelle Kwan when they grow up. She has been gracious in defeat and just a class act. So she didn't win a gold medal in an Olympic games. She left a legacy that will make it a better sport for years to come. There are little girls out there right now who are taking skating lessons with big dreams just because of watching Michelle Kwan Making a difference in someone's life is the greatest accomplishment one can make on the world. Michelle Kwan did just that. Filip Bondy should be ashamed of himself. Maybe he needs to see what a little class looks like. Just stare at a picture of Michelle Kwan. What a great young woman she truly is!
— Flynt Nichols in Carrollton, Texas

Slide show   Emotional Moments Feb. 26: See photos of athletes' highs and lows from Sunday.

This is truly an unfortunate situation. But she knows what is best for her. She is hero, and will always be a hero.
— Gregory VanValkenburg in Kinnelon, NJ

I have followed Michaelle Kwan from Day One of her career. It crushed me to hear that she had to withdraw however, I respect her decision and with the grace that she did withdraw. In my option she will always be a gold medal winner, she is a great example of sportsmanship and what an Olympian should be. As a representative of the USA I am proud to have her represent what we stand for and what we should be about and as a human being she represents to me what we should all be about. Some of the comments that Filip wrote portray what he is really like and maybe he should take note of her gentleness and honesty. I am a senior that has noted Miss Kwan stepping on the ice and I am proud to have her represent what I have been taught and believe in. She has the integrity and a quality of character that should make us all re-evaluate what life is being all about...true to ourselves and honest enough to know when it is time to let it go. She is an icon in the sports field.
— Joseph A. Lupino in Virginia Beach, Virginia

I think Michelle Kwan is as gracious as always. But this article is garbage, poorly written by an egotistical journalist. "She said yesterday she didn't want to be 'a distraction,' here at the Olympics, though in the end that was all she was." Typical of today's journalists Fili Bondy misinterpreted her statement. She graciously bowed out and left early enough not to distract during the skating competition which isn't until Feb. 21. This reporter gets no respect from me.
— Denise Van Tilburg in San Dimas, Calif.

Slide show   Pictures of the Day Check out Sunday's best Olympic images.

I think it is tragic. I've waited ten years to see her win the gold. Win or loose, I wanted to see the one last fight, one last touch of magic that only Kwan has ever seemed to possess. I also thought Sasha's thrill over winning at nationals was ill placed and that she will spend the rest of her life knowing that she never beat kwan on home ice.
— Kris in Ridgefield, Wash.

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