Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic figure skater, credits the support and encouragement of figure skating icons like Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, and Brian Boitano for helping her achieve her gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 1992. Being the first Asian-American athlete to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, Yamaguchi looked up to these icons for guidance and advice throughout her career. She fondly remembers meeting her idols like Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen, and the humbling experience of being announced as an Olympic champion and standing on the podium.
Yamaguchi now pays it forward by mentoring young figure skaters, such as Karen Chen, and a young junior skater from her hometown of Fremont, California. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport and remembering why they started skating in the first place. Yamaguchi learned to appreciate the process and leave no regrets on the table during her last two years of competition. She encourages young skaters to go for their goals and give it their all while enjoying the journey.
After retiring from competition, Yamaguchi can now relive her Olympic glory through a new Barbie doll created in her likeness as part of Mattel’s “Inspiring Women” collection. The Barbie doll wears a replica of Yamaguchi’s Olympic costume, and she feels honored to be included in a collection that features incredible women she idolizes, like Maya Angelou, Anna May Wong, and Dr. Jane Goodall. The release of Yamaguchi’s Barbie doll marks a significant recognition of her achievements and contributions to the sport of figure skating.
Reflecting on her Olympic success, Yamaguchi remains grateful for the friendships she formed with her skating idols and the support she received throughout her career. She fondly remembers the overwhelming feeling of competing at the Olympics, walking in the opening ceremonies, and ultimately being announced as an Olympic champion. These experiences have continued to inspire her to give back to the next generation of figure skaters and provide them with guidance and support as they pursue their own dreams in the sport.
Through her Barbie doll and ongoing mentorship of young skaters, Yamaguchi hopes to inspire others to follow their passions and never give up on their goals. She encourages aspiring athletes to cherish every moment on the ice, enjoy the process, and approach each opportunity with no regrets. Yamaguchi’s legacy as an Olympic champion and role model for aspiring figure skaters is now immortalized in the form of her Barbie doll, a symbol of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of figure skating.
