Kristi Yamaguchi Shares Heartwarming Memories of Olympic Debut with Icons

Kristi Yamaguchi Recalls Scott Hamilton and More Icons Being So Welcoming During Her Olympic Debut 177

Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton. Getty Images (2)

Kristi Yamaguchi will always remember the moment she stood on the Olympic podium with a gold medal around her neck. This memory is especially dear to her because of the amazing support she received from figure skating legends who paved the way before her.

Yamaguchi, now 52, shared with We magazine how Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, and Brian Boitano were incredibly supportive and welcoming to her when she was a young skater. Their encouragement meant a lot to her as she was starting her skating journey.

Yamaguchi participated in her first Olympics in 1992 at the Winter Games in Albertville, France. She achieved a gold medal, becoming the first Asian-American athlete to win the top prize at a Winter Olympics.

Prior to her memorable victory, she sought inspiration and advice from skating legends like Hamilton (65), Hamill (67), and Boitano (60).

Yamaguchi shared, "The friendships I formed are still cherished memories for me. I had the pleasure of meeting some of my idols." She recalled, "I vividly remember sitting at the dining hall with Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen, who I looked up to."

Kristi Yamaguchi Recalls Scott Hamilton and More Icons Being So Welcoming During Her Olympic Debut 175

She shared, "Walking in the opening ceremonies and being announced as a U.S. Olympic team was truly humbling and incredible. And of course, competing, going through that, and feeling like I was dreaming when I was announced as Olympic champion and brought onto the podium. It has been a whirlwind experience since then, but in a positive way."

Yamaguchi enjoys passing on the advice she received to the next generations of figure skaters.

She mentioned, "During the last Olympic Games, I mentored a young skater named Karen Chen, and we have remained close. We both hail from Fremont, California. Currently, I am mentoring a promising junior skater who is rising through the ranks and has a bright future ahead of him. I always keep an open door for anyone who needs advice or support."

Yamaguchi shared some advice with Us about how she ensures that athletes remember to have fun while on the ice. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the sport and not letting outside pressures weigh them down. Yamaguchi reflected on her own experience, mentioning that she found the most enjoyment in her last two years of competing. She encouraged athletes to remember the core reason why they started skating, which helped her rediscover her love for the sport and motivated her to give her best performance, even when facing uncertainty before the Olympics.

Kristi Yamaguchi Recalls Scott Hamilton and More Icons Being ‘So Welcoming’ During Her Olympic Debut 178

Mattel

Yamaguchi, who retired from competition after the 1992 Games, can now revisit her Olympic glory with a brand-new Barbie doll in her likeness. Mattel created a Yamaguchi doll, wearing a replica of her Olympic costume, for its “Inspiring Women” collection.

She added, “I think, remember to enjoy the process as much as you can because it all happens so fast but also, leave no regrets on the table. Just do everything in your power to go for it.”

Yamaguchi expressed her excitement and gratitude for being included in the 'Inspiring Women' series, alongside iconic figures like Maya Angelou, Anna May Wong, and Dr. Jane Goodall. She was honored to follow in the footsteps of these incredible women whom she idolizes. Yamaguchi admitted feeling a sense of disbelief at being placed in the same category as these remarkable individuals.

Yamaguchi's Barbie doll is currently on sale.

Editor's P/S:

Kristi Yamaguchi's journey as a figure skater is a testament to the power of mentorship and support. The guidance and encouragement she received from skating legends like Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, and Brian Boitano played a pivotal role in her success. Yamaguchi's commitment to passing on this legacy to future generations is a reflection of her gratitude and recognition of the importance of creating a supportive environment for young athletes. Her Barbie doll, part of Mattel's "Inspiring Women" collection, serves as a symbol of her achievements and the impact she has had on the sport.

Yamaguchi's advice to young skaters to enjoy the process and leave no regrets highlights the importance of embracing the journey and focusing on personal growth rather than solely on outcomes. Her own experience of finding the most enjoyment in her final years of competition underscores the value of staying true to one's passion and striving for excellence, even amidst uncertainty. By sharing her insights and experiences, Yamaguchi continues to inspire and empower aspiring figure skaters, fostering a positive and supportive community within the sport.