Christy Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton.
Getty Images (2)Christy Yamaguchi She will never forget standing on the Olympic podium with a gold medal around her neck, thanks in part to the incredible support of figure skating icons who came before her.
“dorothy hamill, scott hamilton [and] Brian Boitano Everyone was very welcoming and encouraged me as I started my journey as a young skater,'' Yamaguchi, 52, said recently. our weekly magazine While discussing her new Barbie doll.
Yamaguchi made his Olympic debut at the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, France. She won the gold medal, becoming the first Asian American athlete to win the top prize at a Winter Olympics.
Ahead of her big moment on the podium, she turned to Hamilton, now 65, Hamill, now 67, Boitano, now 60, and other icons for guidance and advice.
Competing in the Olympics is a feat that countless athletes have dreamed of their entire lives. After years of blood, sweat and tears, participating in the world's most prestigious sporting event is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Some athletes compete in the Olympics once, hang up their hats, and gracefully step into retirement. […]
“The friendships you guys built are still very fond memories of meeting my idols,” Yamaguchi gushed. we. “[I remember] come in and sit in the dining room bonnie blair and Dan Jansen, they were my big idols. ”
She continued, “And to be at the opening ceremony and to be announced as the U.S. Olympic team was so humbling and really incredible at the same time. And of course to be able to compete and experience that… But when I got on the podium and was announced as the Olympic champion, I just pinched myself. [it was] It was a whirlwind and has definitely been a whirlwind ever since, but in a good way. ”
Yamaguchi now likes “passing.” [the advice she received] To the next generation of figure skaters.
“At the last Olympics I coached young skaters, Karen Chen, we are still very close,” she said. “We are both from the same area, Fremont, California. [and I’m currently] He is rising through the ranks, coaching young junior skaters and has a bright future ahead of him. You know, [it’s] always open door [any advice or support]”
Let the game begin! After being delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics have finally arrived. After the national parade and opening ceremony in July 2021, athletes began competing in all kinds of new and existing sporting events and winning medals.Many famous people, just like us, […]
Mr. Yamaguchi gave this advice: we She says she makes sure her athletes remember to enjoy their time on the ice.
“I think it was the most fun I've had the last two years I've competed. I think it's easy to get caught up in pressure and external pressure, and that really weighs on you,” she said. “So, really think about the core of why I started skating. It was about my resilience, my love for this sport, and my desire to go out there and compete, not knowing anything, even a year before the Olympics.” , I think it really helped me realize that even though I wanted to give it my all and see what would happen, I had a lot to give to this sport.”
She added: [remember to enjoy] Everything happens very quickly, so move through the process as best you can. But try not to leave any regrets. Just do your best and go for it. ”
Yamaguchi, who retired from competition after the 1992 Olympics, can revisit her Olympic glory with a brand new Barbie doll in her likeness. Mattel created a Yamaguchi doll wearing a replica of her Olympic outfit for its “Inspiring Women” collection.
“I was genuinely excited and honestly very honored to be a part of the Inspiring Women series in particular and to be able to follow in the footsteps of some of the amazing women I admire.” maya angelou, Anna May Wong [and] Dr. Jane Goodall'' Yamaguchi said. we. “So I was like, 'Wow, I guess I can be put in that category too?' I'm just not sure.'”
Yamaguchi Barbie dolls are now in stock.
