Kristi Yamaguchi
Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic athlete, philanthropist, author, artist, businesswoman, wife, and mother.
She is recognized as an awardee for the 2016 Asian Hall of Fame by the Robert Chin Foundation.
Her Japanese heritage stems from both her mother’s and father’s side, with her mother’s parents being among those sent to internment camps during World War II.
Born with a congenital foot deformity, Yamaguchi’s figure skating began as a form of physical therapy.
Her career escalated quickly, and Yamaguchi won her first junior national title as a pair with Rudy Galindo in 1986. After much success as a pairs team with Galindo, Yamaguchi went on to focus on her singles career.
Rising in the ranks, she peaked at the right time as world champion in 1991 and as U.S., World, and Olympics Champion in 1992. Following her victory at the 1992 Winter Olympics, Yamaguchi founded the still-active Always Dream Foundation to support the lives of children through educational and recreational activities. (end)