The 26-year-old, daughter of Chinese immigrants from Hong Kong, was named a non-salary diplomat by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who also said Kwan will visit China early next year on the first mission as a goodwill envoy.

    "As an athlete, I have always been proud to represent the United States," Kwan said during a ceremony at the State Department. "I've always wanted to somehow serve our country."

    Kwan, the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history, will serve under Karen Hughes, the undersecretary of state for public diplomacy.

    The State Department said Kwan's mission would be to represent American values, especially to young people and sports enthusiasts.

    One of the world's best-known figure skaters, Kwan represents "a positive vision of hope", said Hughes, highlighting the "personal appeal of her unique American story".

    An injury early this year forced Kwan to withdraw from Olympic competition after a stellar career that also included two Olympic medals-- one bronze and one silver.

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]