By now, you probably know that figure skater Michelle Kwan has dropped her bid to medal in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. While it was a groin injury that finally sidelined her, Kwan had been suffering for a while from a variety of physical ailments that made her progress toward the Games bumpy and unpredictable. After a successful petition to compete in January, Michelle's disappointing practice sessions over the weekend clearly indicated that she would never win Olympic Gold.

No doubt, the pressure was on for Kwan. While she is the most decorated figure skater in American history, the decision to leave Italy ended any hope that she would ever win a gold medal at the Olympics. It also put an end to the endorsement contracts that would have followed the competition, whether or not she earned a medal. And as if that was not enough pressure, some network big shots were said to have been actively pressuring Kwan to skate because they knew it would draw millions of viewers to the advertisements they had lined up for her swan song on the ice.

None of it was to be. But there's something especially touching and beautiful about Michelle's exit from the Games. I read a news account quoting her as saying, "I have no regrets. I tried my hardest. And if I don't win the gold, it's OK. I've had a great career. I've been very lucky. This is a sport, and it's beautiful." In withdrawing, Kwan did what was best for her, despite the intense pressure coming from all sides. In the midst of great physical pain and emotional disappointment, it's a defining moment indeed when you can leave the race and still say that you did your very best.

When you are living your passion as Michelle clearly is, no matter what happens, your best is always good enough. There is no such thing as failure. There are only opportunities and sometimes they work out the way we hope and sometimes they don't. But either way, they pave the way for The Next Good Thing to come our way. In the case of Michelle Kwan, who turns 26 years old in July, the opportunities have only just begun.

Congratulations Michelle. I'll be looking for The Next Good Thing.