Not long ago, Kimmie Meissner was one of many promising young American figure skaters. Now the 17-year-old Maryland high school student is the reigning world and national champion and has replaced Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen as the queen of American skating. Meissner will attempt to defend her world championship starting Friday in Tokyo. Staff writer Clay Latimer talked with Meissner recently during a teleconference.

1 You're known for your high-risk triple jumps, which can be the difference between a gold medal and . . . no medal. Will you attempt one at the worlds?

"It's an on-again, off-again thing. You just never know until that week, or that day. If it's going to be worth it, I'll put it in. But it's very risky. I've got a lot of other triples in, and that's risky enough. It's really a decision I'll have to make that day. (But) jumping has always been the strong point."

2 Who's your main competition?

"I think my main competition is myself because I always want to beat my personal best. That's my goal. That's what it's all about for me."

3 Mao Asada and (men's skater) Daisuke Takahashi of Japan have had record-breaking seasons. And, of course, they'll be competing in front of a home crowd. Are you doing anything mentally to prepare for the pressure that will be involved?

"There will be some pressure on me because I am the reigning world champion, but also a lot of it will be on the Japanese girls. When you're in your home country, you, obviously, want to skate the best you can to represent your country well. I think there's going to be a lot of pressure on them with the media. The media is unbelievable. They're everywhere."

4 Your first jump combination seems to give you trouble at times. Have your worked on that at all?

"I think sometimes I get overexcited, so for the first jump, I just rush it. So we've been working on it, slowing things down, so I can be successful with that jump. I obviously want to do (it well) because it kind of sets the tone for that program."

5 Do you have a goal - a specific number - of world championship and Olympic medals you hope to win?

"Just as many as I can. As for Olympics medals, definitely one. And a gold. That would be nice."