Meaning: Nancy Kerrigan, a former American figure skater, made this insightful statement about her upbringing and the support she received from her parents regarding her skating career. This quote reflects the balance of encouragement and freedom that her parents provided to her, allowing her to pursue her passion for figure skating without feeling pressured or obligated to continue if she didn't want to.

Throughout her career, Nancy Kerrigan became known for her graceful and technically precise skating, earning numerous accolades and championships. However, her path to success was not without its challenges, particularly in the infamous attack on her in 1994, which brought her into the public eye in a different way.

In the quote, Kerrigan highlights the fact that her parents never imposed their own desires or expectations on her when it came to skating. Instead, they offered her the freedom to make her own choices, including the option to quit if she ever felt the need to do so. This approach demonstrates a healthy and supportive parenting style that allowed Kerrigan to develop a genuine passion for skating and take ownership of her decisions regarding her athletic pursuits.

The phrase "They always said I could quit if I wanted to" indicates that Kerrigan's parents valued her autonomy and well-being over any external pressures or ambitions they may have had for her skating career. This level of understanding and support likely contributed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for Kerrigan to thrive in her sport.

When Kerrigan mentions "They only expected me to skate when they had already paid for the expensive lessons," it suggests that her parents emphasized the importance of commitment and responsibility once a decision had been made. By investing in her skating lessons, they expected her to honor the commitment she had made to the sport, while still giving her the freedom to choose her own path.

The quote also conveys the idea that Kerrigan's parents recognized the financial sacrifices involved in supporting her skating endeavors, and they wanted her to appreciate and respect the resources they dedicated to her passion. This aspect of her upbringing likely instilled in Kerrigan a sense of gratitude and accountability, which are valuable qualities for any athlete.

Overall, Nancy Kerrigan's quote provides a glimpse into the supportive and nurturing environment that her parents fostered for her as she pursued her passion for figure skating. Their approach of offering her the freedom to make her own choices, while also expecting a level of commitment and responsibility, played a significant role in shaping Kerrigan's career and her personal development as an athlete.

In conclusion, Nancy Kerrigan's quote reflects the importance of providing support and freedom to children as they pursue their passions, allowing them to take ownership of their decisions and commitments. Her parents' approach to her skating career serves as an example of a healthy balance between encouragement and autonomy, ultimately contributing to Kerrigan's success as a figure skater and her development as an individual.