Kristi Yamaguchi

American figure skater

Kristine Tsuya Yamaguchi (born July 1971) is a retired American figure skater. She was the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating. Her skills have inspired many people.

Kristi Yamaguchi
Kristi Yamaguchi in 2009
Personal information
Full nameKristine Tsuya Yamaguchi[1]
Country represented United States
Born (1971-07-12) July 12, 1971 (age 52)
Hayward, California, U.S.
Height4 ft 11.5 in[2][3]
Former partnerRudy Galindo
Former coachChristy Ness
Former choreographerSandra Bezic
Skating clubSt. Moritz ISC
Retired1992
Medal record
Representing the  United States
Ladies' figure skating
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1992 Albertville Ladies' singles
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1991 Munich Ladies' singles
Gold medal – first place 1992 Oakland Ladies' singles
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 1988 Brisbane Ladies' singles
Pairs' figure skating
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 1988 Brisbane Pairs
Bronze medal – third place 1987 Kitchener Pairs


Childhood change

Yamaguchi was born in July 12 1971 in Hayward, California. As a child, she had a bad foot condition. She had to wear casts on her legs when she was young. Her mother said this could be why she is such a hardworking person. She was inspired by Olympic gold medalist, Dorothy Hamill and other famous figure skaters. She started figure skating at a young age and worked very hard through her teenage years.

Awards change

When she was 20, Yamaguchi won an Olympic gold medal for figure skating in the 1992 Winter Olympics. She also won many other awards. She is also a member of the United States figure skating Hall of Fame.

Accomplishments change

After she retired from skating, she continued to inspire and prove herself to the world. She wrote many books, Including Figure skating for Dummies, Always Dream, and Dream Big, Little Pig. These books are about figure skating and dreaming big. Yamaguchi started the “Always Dream Foundation” to help kids pursue their dreams. She is also a mother of 2 kids and continues to figure skate for fun.

References change

  1. "Kristi Yamaguchi". Biography. A&E Television Networks, LLC. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  2. "Kristi Yamaguchi". sports-reference.com. Sports Reference. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  3. Creef, Elena Tajima (2004). Imaging Japanese America: The Visual Construction of Citizenship, Nation, and the Body. USA: New York University Press. pp. 159–160. Retrieved September 24, 2015.