I would like to begin by saying how sorry I am about what happened to Nancy Kerrigan. I am embarra**ed and ashamed to think that anyone close to me could be involved.
I was disappointed not to have the opportunity to compete against Nancy at nationals. I have a great deal of respect for Nancy. My victory at nationals was unfulfilling without the challenge of skating against Nancy.
I had no prior knowledge of the planned a**ault on Nancy Kerrigan. I am responsible, however, for failing to report things I learned about the a**ault when I returned home from nationals.
Many of you will be unable to forgive me for that. It will be difficult to forgive myself.
When I returned home Monday, January 10th, 1994, I was exhausted but still focused on the national championships. Within the next few days, I learned that some persons that were close to me may have been involved in the a**ault. My first reaction was one of disbelief, and the disbelief was followed by shock and fear. I have since reported this information to the authorities.
Although my lawyers tell me that my failure to immediately report this information is not a crime, I know I have let you down, but I have also let myself down.
But I still want to represent my country in Lillehammer, Norway, next month. Despite my mistakes and my rough edges, I have nothing -- I have done nothing to violate the standards of excellence, of sportsmanship that are expected in an Olympic athlete.
Nancy Kerrigan and I can show the world two different types of figure skating.
I look forward to being on the team with her. I have devoted my entire life to one objective: winning an Olympic gold medal for my country. This is my last chance. I ask only for your understanding and the opportunity to represent my country with the best figure skating performance of my life.
Thank you.