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)
All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
Kristi Yamaguchi Figure Skating Olympic Champion and two times World Champion is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You began taking skating and ballet lessons as a child and latter reached the pinnacle of success on becoming Olympic Champion in 1992. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
Skating was something that I absolutely loved. I had a passion for it and was willing to put the work in and make the sacrifices in order to have success. I also had incredible support from my family who did most of the sacrificing. I was also fortunate to find the best coach in Christy Ness who I trained with from the time I was 9yrs old through my professional career.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
I like to do 30 minutes of cardio a few times a week. Either the elliptical or walking or riding stationary bike. Then some exercises that incorporate my own body weight or very light free weights, as well as some pilates inspired moves.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
No strict diet. My moto has always been everything in moderation. I do try to lean towards fresh fruit, vegetables, wholesome cheese, whole grain products.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hairs. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hairs to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
Nothing too special. I try to use an exfoliator once a week, cleanse and moisturize every night. Use retinol periodically. Just the usual shampoo and condition my hair. Every other day. I’ve had the same stylist for about 20 yrs.
Video
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the young figure skating girls who want to make a career in field of Figure Skating ?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
If skating is your thing…dream big. Set your goals- your ultimate, your yearly, and even weekly ones. Don’t be afraid to work hard, train your programs everyday. Know that you can only ask yourself to skate YOUR best and the chips fall where they may as far as the judges are concerned. Be OK with that. Have FUN!!!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel before and after your memorable win 1991 World Championships ?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
I felt renewed before the 1991 World’s. I had a new attitude and was having the most fun I had skating in a long while. I remember enjoying and having fun on each of my practice sessions in Munich. My performances showed this renewed love. I skated very well, even received my 1st perfect 6.0 from the Italian judge. It was an exhilarating time and set me up for a positive Olympic year.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
In 2008, you became the celebrity champion in the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars. Tell us about your this experience ?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
I had the best partnership with Mark Ballas. He was incredible to work with and we had so much fun. It was exhausting with no days off but such a thrill to learn so much in a short time. I loved it.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been associated with “Always Dream Foundation” and number of other charities which are all dear to your heart, tell us how you have been able to achieve and quench your thirst of giving back to the society through this endeavor of your?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
Anytime I see a need, I am compelled to do something. I feel so grateful for all the support and success I have had in my life and I want to be able to provide some of that to whoever I can. The Always Dream Foundation has allowed me to focus on causes close to my heart and currently we are focused on early childhood literacy. It’s so important for our youngest learners to be exposed to books and reading as much as possible to give them a chance at success in school and in life. I love when I am able to go read to students and give them books and then see their excitement.
Video
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about your book “Dream Big Little Pig” ?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
It’s about Poppy the pig, who had big dreams but couldn’t find her niche. Like most of us, she tried many different activities before she found her passion- ice skating. She never gave up and she worked hard.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You were awarded the Inspiration Award at the 2008 Asian Excellence Awards. How much does it mean to you?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
It was an incredible honor. I remember having my Asian role models and it’s important to see someone who looks like you have success and help you believe it is possible for you too. I have received a lot of support from the Asian American community and am certainly proud of my Japanese heritage. My family endured quite a lot to live the American dream and allow me to as well.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi:
Thank you Womenfitness.net for all of your fun insight and I hope your visitors live life to it’s fullest and remember to always dream!
To know more about Kristi Yamaguchi: Check out at: http://kristiyamaguchi.com
Women Fitness Team thanks Kristi Yamaguchi for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.
Video
All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.