Kristi Yamaguchi - Figure Skater
(Sun Life Stars On Ice)

Publication: Chatelaine v68 n3 pS10(1).
Date: March 1995

Full Text: COPYRIGHT Maclean Hunter Ltd. (Canada) 1995

Abstract: Kristi Yamaguchi's determination to mimic Dorothy Hamill's Olympic success fuelled her Olympic victory in 1992. According to the 23-year-old figure skater, her new-found fame has not affected her since her family keeps her sane when 'things get out of hand.'

     From the time Kristi Yamaguchi was a young girl, she dreamed about becoming a successful skater. She was only 5 when American skater Dorothy Hamill won her celebrated Olympic gold medal in 1976. Like many other American girls, Kristi was inspired by Hamill's achievement. But it was Yamaguchi's hard work, dogged determination and skating talent that put her at the top of the podium 16 years later.

     Long hours at the rink, combined with her extraordinary natural talent, helped her reach the top at a young age. At 17, Yamaguchi won two world junior championship titles, in both singles and pairs skating. A tenacious young woman, she was determined to continue competing in two events. "I knew it was difficult, but I really felt I could do it; I wanted to go to the Olympics in pairs and singles."

     Her conviction remained steadfast until 1989, her "most difficult" year. Her singles coach, Christy Ness, moved from Yamaguchi's hometown of Fremont, Calif., to Edmonton. Kristi followed her to Canada, leaving behind her home and family. She went back and forth to the States to skate with her pairs partner, Rudy Galindo, but the travel was taking its toll. The U.S. Figure Skating Association pressured her to make a choice. She felt she had a better chance for success in singles. The death of her pairs coach, Jim Hulick, late that year put an end to her pairs skating.

     Once she was able to focus her energy, she soared to the top. Yamaguchi won the 1991 world championship before she had won a U.S. national title!

     If 1989 was her worst year, 1992 was her best. "I won my first national title in January, I won Olympics, then I won another world title." The first U.S. woman to win gold at the Olympics since Hamill, Yamaguchi became an instant American superstar. She credits her family for helping her keep a level head. "I have a great family, who brings me back to earth if things get out of hand," she says.

     And it seems to be working. Now 23, Kristi Yamaguchi is a pleasant, friendly young woman, who is a little shy - she giggles a lot - and modest. She still has dreams: she wants to go back to school some day and study for a new career, perhaps in broadcasting. "I believe that whatever it is that you really want, you have to believe in it, and go out there and get it."

Before Kristi started skating...
She was born with severely pigeon-toed feet. She had to wear casts for two years, and corrective shoes as a child.

Other activities:
Kristi has recently taken up a few new sports: tennis, in-line skating and golf. Just 5 feet tall and 93 pounds, she also weight-trains whenever she can. "I look a lot more fragile than other skaters (like Katarina Witt), so I've used my weight program to build strength and stamina."

Kristi's love life...
Over the past few years, Kristi has been linked romantically to a few male skaters. She now has a steady boyfriend - she prefers to keep his identity private, but "no, he's not a skater."

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