Golden Future For U.S. Skaters

Whether they count their blessings in gold, silver or bronze, Michelle Kwan and Tara Lipinski will soon probably be two very rich teen-agers.

Only a disastrous collapse by either American in tonight's free skate seemed capable of robbing them of an Olympic medal. Kwan won the short program and Lipinski was second, and both skated at a far higher level than any of their competitors.

The winner of the women's figure skating gold medal immediately becomes one of the most attractive commodities in the sports business. One agent estimated an Olympic title would be worth $17 million to Kwan and about $13 million to Lipinski.

Even a silver medal can be worth a lot, as American Nancy Kerrigan found out after placing second at Lillehammer four years ago.

Michael Rosenberg, a prominent agent/promoter in the sport, thinks America already has fallen in love with both Kwan and Lipinski.

"They are very different, but they also both are champions and very tough and very lovely to watch," Rosenberg said. "They will be very big stars for many years to come, even if they don't go 1-2."

On the ice, Kwan's future seems less certain than Lipinski's. After all, Lipinski is considered the United States' best shot for gold in 2002, when she will be all of 19. She is expected to remain in the Olympic-eligible ranks and probably will collect a podium full of titles before Salt Lake City not to mention the lucrative prize money available these days even to non-professionals.

But Kwan might decide to turn pro after next month's world championships. She says she hasn't thought about it, but her coach, Frank Carroll, has hinted he might retire if Kwan becomes an Olympic champion. That almost surely would send Kwan to the pros.

The International Skating Union is exploring setting up its own lucrative tour to keep skaters from turning pro. Kwan and Lipinski are two of the showpieces ISU president Ottavio Cinquanta is eager to keep.

"Whatever they do," Rosenberg said, "they will be very successful."

And very wealthy.

Written by Barry Winler AP Sports Writer
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