Sarah Hughes

Credit: University of Denver; The Hughes Family

Michelle Kwan & Sarah Hughes Graduate College

Originally posted 06/07/2009 05:15PM

Between Michelle Kwan and Sarah Hughes, they’ve won enough ice-skating medals to fill a museum. But in recent years, the skaters have set their sights on a different goal:­ getting a college diploma.

On Saturday, Kwan earned a bachelor's degree in international studies with a minor in political science from the University of Denver. "It feels great," the five-time world champion told PEOPLE about being a college grad. "I've always known you can only skate for so many years and then you have to rely on your education to carry you through life."

And the 28-year-old, who earned a silver at the 1998 Olympics and bronze in 2002, was recently admitted to the international affairs program at Tufts University's Fletcher School, where she expects to continue her work as an envoy for the state department. "It was difficult to travel and go to school, but it was so enjoyable visiting other countries," she said.

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