Michelle Kwan, 20, has a sharp edge on the competition. At the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on January 20, Kwan gracefully glided to victory, becoming the first woman in 20 years to win four national titles in a row! The three-time world champ has a total of five U.S. titles, and is being compared to legendary Olympic gold medalists Peggy Fleming and Tenley Albright. Despite her peak performance-which earned two perfect 6.0s-Kwan doesn't expect an easy glide to the gold at the 2002 Olympics next February. "It doesn't get easier," she says. "You have to stay on top of your game."

Daily News from TIME for Kids

February 2, 2001 World Report