"Plus the public's attention span is so short right now, if a skater doesn't strike while the iron is hot... well it's not like people will forget you, but they just won't care anymore"

This quote by Brian Boitano is describing the short lived nature of popularity and success on the planet of competitive figure skating. He is recommending that if a skater does not profit from their minute of success, they will not be forgotten, however their popularity and success will not last. This is due to the public's attention deficit disorder, which indicates that if a skater does not continue to stay in the spotlight, they will not be able to preserve their success. Boitano is highlighting the importance of taking advantage of opportunities when they arise, as the general public's attention period is so short that if a skater does not act rapidly, they will not be able to keep their success.