Kimmie Meissner recalls 2006 World Championships:<br />’One of my dreams was becoming a reality’

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It was just like in a movie.

I could see the crowd on their feet, feel the building shake, but the sound was muffled. The only sound in my head was the sound of my blades slicing the ice as I came to a stop at the end of my long program.

For that split second I knew in my heart that I could not have skated any better. Suddenly these emotions bubbled up inside of me and I was the happiest person in the world.

As I came to a stop, I realized what I had just done and I let the wave of noise from the Canadian audience wash over me. I felt my heart beating fast in my chest as I raced from one emotion to the next.

First came happiness, then relief, then excitement, then confidence and so on. It was like an out-of-body experience. One of my dreams was becoming a reality and I wasn’t sure how I should act or feel. I just wanted to scream and do it all over again. Hugging my coach after leaving the ice, this huge sense of accomplishment washed over me and I didn’t even care how I finished in the standings.

That was one of the best parts. I was skating at the World Championships and had just performed an outstanding program, one that was sure to bring in top-notch scores, but it didn’t matter. What I had just accomplished was not about a medal or about a title, but instead it was a moment to realize that all of the training and sacrifice of the long years had just paid off.

It is hard to believe that it has already been three years since experiencing all of this as a wide-eyed 16-year-old. Our lives are filled with moments that we never expect and opportunities that are just waiting for us to take hold of. That cold day in March, I not only seized the moment, but I sprinted to the finish line. The feeling of pride that I had not only for myself, but for my country as well is nearly indescribable.

As I stood there on the podium watching the American flag being raised high while the anthem played, I got goosebumps -- and still do when I think about it. I knew that my performance was the reason all of this was happening and I was so happy to lead the U.S. to victory. Being able to represent the U.S. in international competitions is always a thrill, but it was a whole different experience when the anthem is played in your country’s honor. All I could do was put my hand over my swelling heart and proudly sing.

People often ask me what I remember most about my first senior World Championships. Aside from the obvious memories of skating clean and standing atop the podium, I remember details.

Life is made up of small moments, that when combined make for the whole experience and this competition was no exception. I distinctly remember walking out to the ice for my long program and saying to my coach that it smelled like popcorn. The smell was overwhelming and it actually helped me to relax because this is what the arenas had smelled like when I was on tour with Champions on Ice.

The temperature was bitter cold that weekend. My mom waited for me outside the building after I won and both of us walked away with tears in our eyes and pride in our hearts. The crowd was one of the best that I had ever skated for. They were so appreciative of every skater and every performance, and they really helped to give strength and support.

This week will be bittersweet for me, since it is the first time in many years that I will not be competing at a World Championship.

Injury has plagued me this year and I was unable to compete at U.S. Nationals, not giving me the opportunity to qualify for the World Championship. What I do know is that the U.S. has a strong team and they will represent us all very well. I wish them all the best. GO TEAM USA!

-- Kimmie Meissner
2006 World Champion