As an athlete, I know that I'm such a perfectionist that I'll want to go out and keep working on something over and over until it's perfect. Part of growing up is learning to take a step back.

Growing up, I really didn't have a lot of role models.

I think that in figure skating, and in sports in general, that when you're young, it's considered a huge advantage because you're fearless, and you also don't have bad past experiences. But with age comes experience, and I have found that my experience is a huge advantage to me as a competitor.

I came out seven times in one weekend. I have a flair for the dramatic.

My long-term aim has always been to play football at the highest level I possibly could for a big club. When that is in your mind, you don't give up; you constantly fight and battle to make that happen.

I think I was a good student, because I jumped over a school. My main interest was basically history and literature. Sports were basically basketball and swimming at a pool. I was so happy.

Being on stage isn't so tough compared to the football pitch.

I attended the bedside of a friend who was dying in a Dublin hospital. She lived her last hours in a public ward with a television blaring out a football match, all but drowning our final conversation.