Disney Hires Kwan As Celebrity Spokeswoman
Feb 17, 9:27 AM EST
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -- Figure skater Michelle Kwan, whose quest for Olympic gold ended because of a groin injury, has signed on with The Walt Disney Co. as a celebrity spokeswoman, the entertainment conglomerate said Thursday.
Kwan, 25, will be featured in ads and other media promoting Disney's businesses. She'll also appear in the media company's original programming, the company said.
Financial terms of the multiyear deal were not disclosed.
Kwan, a five-time world figure skating champion, lost what could be her last chance to win an Olympic gold medal last weekend when she withdrew from the Turin Games because of a strained groin muscle. She won a silver Olympic medal in 1998 and a bronze in 2002.
After withdrawing from the Olympics, the Torrance, Calif., native turned down an offer to work as a broadcaster for NBC, saying she didn't want to be a distraction for remaining members of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team.
Kwan has established ties to Disney, which published her fictional book series "Michelle Kwan Presents Skating Dreams" and she has appeared in Disney and ABC television specials.
In 1998, she also skated on a TV special based on the music of Disney's animated film "Mulan."