Kristine Tsuya “Kristi” Yamaguchi was born on 12th July 1971. She is an American figure skater. She is the 1992 Olympic Champion in ladies’ singles. Yamaguchi also won two World Figure Skating Championships in 1991 and 1992 and a U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1992. She won one junior world title in 1988 and two national titles in 1989 and 1990 as a pairs skater with Rudy Galindo. In December 2005, she was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. Yamaguchi was a local commentator on figure skating for San Jose TV station KNTV (NBC 11) during the 2006 Winter Olympics. In 2008, Yamaguchi became the celebrity champion in the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars.
As an athlete, artist, author, wife, mother and philanthropist, Kristi embodies the word champion. Her motto is “Always Dream,” and Kristi’s accomplishments prove that dreams can come true with hard work and dedication.
Following her victory at the 1992 Winter Olympics, Kristi founded the Always Dream Foundation to support the lives of children through educational and recreational initiatives. For almost 20 years, Kristi has championed the Always Dream Foundation, continuing to inspire children and supporting the local community.
“All the athletic glory and honors are wonderful but sometimes I come face to face with a disadvantaged child or with a struggling mother or father and I am grateful for my gifts. And I rededicate myself to doing whatever I can to help someone in need. The good feeling I get from contributing rivals anything I felt on the Olympic stand in Albertville.”
Over the years, Kristi has continued to stay involved in ice-skating. As a professional, Kristi toured with Stars on Ice from 1992-2002, won numerous professional competitions, frequently appeared on television specials and collaborated with several choreographers to create diverse programs.
During the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Kristi served as the Goodwill Ambassador and performed in both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. In addition, Kristi has been a spokesperson for National Skating Month and worked with U.S. Figure Skating and its member clubs to encourage people to learn to skate for fun and fitness.
Throughout her career, Kristi has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1996 she was named Skater of the Year by American Skating World magazine. She has appeared on International Figure Skating magazine’s annual “25 Most Influential Names in Figure Skating” list several times and was named the Most Influential person in the sport for the 2001-02 seasons. She was named to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1998 and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1999. On Dec. 8, 2005, she was inducted into the USOC Olympic Hall of Fame. In January 2006, she joined all her fellow American Olympic gold medalists for a special tribute at the 2006 U.S. Championships in St. Louis. Later that year, Kristi was named to the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame. In February 2008, Kristi received the prestigious Thurman Munson Award, acknowledging excellence in competition and philanthropic work within the community.
Kristi Yamaguchi’s victory on the sixth season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (the first woman since season one to claim the trophy) is another achievement in a career marked with golden success. She and professional dance partner Mark Ballas received perfect marks for their final three dances—testament to not only her talent but also her tireless preparation and commitment to excellence.
Kristi Yamaguchi achievements as a figure skater
- 1st Place Winter Olympics 1992
- 1st Place World Figure Skating Championships 1991
- 1st Place World Figure Skating Championships 1992
- 1st Place World Professional Figure Skating Championships 1994
- 1st Place World Challenge of Champions 1993
- 1st Place World Junior Figure Skating Championships 1988
- 1st Place Skate Canada 1990
- 1st Place Skate America 1991
- 1st Place Gold Championships 1995
- 1st Place Nations Cup Champion 1990
- 1st Place Goodwill Games Champion 1990
- 1st Place U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships 1986
- 1st Place U.S. Figure Skating Championships 1989
- 1st Place U.S. Figure Skating Championships 1990
- 1st Place Skate Electric 1989
Filmography
- Year Title Role
- 1994 D2: The Mighty Ducks Herself (Cameo)
- 1997 Everybody Loves Raymond (Episode 19, The Dog) Herself (Cameo)
- 2005 Go Figure Herself (Cameo)
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