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Renowned figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi shares her Olympic experiences and insights on the future of U.S. figure skating talent.
DENVER — As one of America’s most iconic figure skaters, Kristi Yamaguchi reflects on her unforgettable gold-medal performance at the 1992 Winter Olympics while casting her eyes forward to the promising athletes preparing for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina.
Yamaguchi, celebrated as the first Asian American to clinch a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, describes the transformative impact of the spotlight she encountered as a 20-year-old champion.
“It’s truly remarkable how success on such a global stage can change everything,” she remarked.
She vividly remembers the intense pressure during her winning routine, especially the pivotal moment leading up to her crucial triple lutz.
“I had no idea if I was going to land my second‑to‑last jump,” she said. “I was so scared. In the air I thought, ‘I’m going to fall.’ Somehow I was on my feet at the end, and it was pure training that kicked in.”
As the United States prepares to send a deep roster of figure skaters to the 2026 Games, Yamaguchi said this year’s team could be one of its strongest.
She highlighted Ilia Malinin, nicknamed the “Quad God,” whose technical skills have pushed the boundaries of modern skating.
“I don’t think we ever fathomed we’d see a quad axel in our lifetime, and here is Ilia Malinin doing it almost with ease,” she said. “The gold is really his to lose. He’s just heads and tails above the competition.”
Yamaguchi also praised Alysa Liu, the Northern California native who retired at 16 before unexpectedly returning to competition and winning a world title.
“Everyone was excited to hear her comeback,” Yamaguchi said. “She found the joy again and realized it was still really fun for her. I think she surprised herself.”
As this year’s Olympic broadcast revisits highlights from her 1992 performance, Yamaguchi said she hopes viewers take away a message of perseverance.
“I hope they say it was a memory of inspiration,” she said. “Something that inspires them to go after their dreams, face a fear or get over a hump—and hopefully pass that on to their kids.”
