Kristi Yamaguchi is an american Figure Skater and the 1992 Olympic champion in women's singles. She was the first athlete of Asian decent to win the Olympic Gold medal in figure skating. In December 2005, she was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. In 2008, Yamaguchi became the celebrity champion in the sixth season of "Dancing with the Stars." Kristi is also a published author and supporter of several charitable organizations. In 1996, Yamaguchi established the Always Dream Foundation for children. She is also the proud mother of two daughters.

KRISTI ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Q. Julia from Milpitas, CA asks:

Hi, I live next to Fremont, your home town. If I were interested in getting into skating competitively, how old do you think is too old to start?

A. It is never too late to start skating. But for competitive skating, I'd say that it's good to get started around 6-9 years of age.


Q. Hannah in Huntsville, AL asks:

Do you ever skate now, just for fun? Given that you're an Olympic champion, what's it like to just skate for fun?

A. I do skate for fun now. Usually it's with my 2 daughters and I have fun seeing them enjoy the sport. It is more like a hobby to me now whenever I skate.


Q. Vanessa from Citrus Heights, CA asks:

How do you get over your fear when trying a new trick for the first time?

A. It is hard to try something new. I remember just trying to imagine myself executing the new move and then making myself try it. Of course there were times when it hurt to fall, but the challenge and desire to perfect a move motivated me. Especially if my competitors were doing it!

“Every day someone realizes a dream. I believe dreams help light our darkness and give us the push we need to move across the rink of life.”

Kristi Yamaguchi

LINKS

Kristi Yamaguchi Official Website:
www.kristiyamaguchi.com