WASHINGTON (AP) – With a smile that could light up the world and a grace unmatched in her graceful sport, Michelle Kwan soared into the record books Saturday night.

Kwan became only the third American to win five World Figure Skating Championships, and she did it with the kind of magnificent artistry that would match anyone.

And for those who criticize her for not trying the most difficult jumps, she answered with a technical masterpiece of spins, spirals and footwork that had the crowd in ecstasy.

Russia’s Elena Sokolova capped her breakthrough season by winning the silver.

, and Japan’s Fumie Suguri won the bronze.

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AP-ES-03-29-03 2300EST