Michelle started her figure skating career when she began training and entering competitions. When she was 12 years old she entered and won the Southwest Pacific Junior Regional's. This was her first gold medal, but by no means would be her last.
In 1993 at the age of 13 Michelle had won some more competitions, but she wanted to try out for the ladies instead of the juniors. Her couch, Frank Carrol, didn't think she was ready and forbid her to do so. But Michelle knew what she wanted, and without Franks knowledge, got her mother to take her to the tryouts. Michelle was thrilled when she was accepted, but Frank was not. I am sure he got over it though, when Michelle placed 6th in this prestigious competition.
In 1994 Michelle won the silver medal at the US Nationals. This was the year of the Nancy Kerrigan/Tanya Harding saga. Because Nancy had been the favorite for the Gold for the USA, the USFA decided that if she was healed enough to go to the Olympics, she would go and Michelle would be the alternate. Michelle traveled with Frank to Lillihamer but didn't skate. She did however go to her first World Figure Skating Championship where she placed 8th.
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