After coming up short for a gold medal in the 1998 and 2002 Olympic games, Kwan was determined to maintain her amateur eligibility for the 2006 games in Torino.  In the previous two Olympic games she was favored to win the gold medal, but ended up settling for a silver in the 1998 Nagano games and a bronze medal in the 2002 Salt Lake City games.

Kwan mentioned not having any regrets, she has had a great career that included 9 US championships and 5 world championships.  Kwan did not participate in this years U.S. Nationals due to a groin injury and the same injury is keeping her from being at 100% for the Olympics.  She did not want to participate without being as healthy as possible.  She will replaced by Emily Hughes, who was placed 3rd in the U.S. Nationals. This is a change, as the norm sees the top two skaters competing in the Olympics.