Kristi Yamaguchi, a former Olympic figure skater, credits her success to the support and encouragement she received from skating icons like Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, and Brian Boitano. Making her Olympics debut in 1992 in Albertville, France, Yamaguchi became the first Asian-American athlete to win a gold medal at a Winter Olympics. She looked up to Hamilton, Hamill, Boitano, and others for guidance and advice, and cherishes the friendships she made with her idols throughout her career.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Yamaguchi fondly remembers meeting her idols like Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen, as well as the feeling of walking in the opening ceremonies as a member of the U.S. Olympic team. She describes the whirlwind of emotions she felt when she was announced as the Olympic champion and brought onto the podium. Despite the intense pressure and external expectations, Yamaguchi advises young skaters to remember to enjoy their time on the ice and stay true to why they started skating in the first place.
Yamaguchi now pays it forward by mentoring the next generation of figure skaters, including Karen Chen and a young junior skater from her hometown of Fremont, California. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process of skating and leaving no regrets on the table, encouraging athletes to give their all and go for their goals. As a retired athlete, Yamaguchi continues to offer advice and support to young skaters who are following in her footsteps and pursuing their dreams in the sport.
To honor her achievements and inspire future generations, Mattel has released a Barbie doll in Yamaguchi’s likeness as part of their “Inspiring Women” collection. The doll wears a replica of Yamaguchi’s Olympic costume and serves as a representation of her legacy as an Olympic champion and role model for young girls. Yamaguchi expresses her excitement and honor at being included in the same category as other incredible women like Maya Angelou, Anna May Wong, and Dr. Jane Goodall through the creation of her Barbie doll.
The Yamaguchi Barbie doll is now available to the public, allowing fans and collectors to celebrate her historic achievements and lasting impact on the world of figure skating. Through her continued mentorship and involvement in the sport, Yamaguchi hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams with passion, dedication, and a spirit of enjoyment. Her legacy as an Olympic champion and advocate for women in sports lives on through her Barbie doll and the values she instills in young skaters around the world.
