Biden nominates former Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan as ambassador to Belize

“She is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history, having won 43 championships, including five world championships, nine national titles, and two Olympic medals,” the White House said.

December 16, 2021

President Joe Biden has nominated former Olympic figure skating star Michelle Kwan to serve as U.S. ambassador to Belize, the White House announced Wednesday, the Washington Post reports.

Kwan, 41, is treasurer and a board member of Special Olympics International. She joined Biden’s presidential campaign in 2019 as director of surrogates and worked in a similar capacity for former secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Kwan has also previously worked in public diplomacy roles at the State Department and served on President Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

“Belize is full of incredible history and culture, and has been a tremendous partner to the United States,” Kwan said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the Belizean government on economic issues, to put an end to this pandemic, and to address the root causes of migration.”

“She is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history, having won 43 championships, including five world championships, nine national titles, and two Olympic medals,” the White House said. “She became the first Public Diplomacy Envoy in 2006, and for a decade, traveled extensively on behalf of the U.S. Department of State to engage youth around the world on social and educational issues.”