Current:Home > MyHow Kristi Yamaguchi’s Trailblazing Win Led to Her Own Barbie Doll -Wealth Pursuit Network
How Kristi Yamaguchi’s Trailblazing Win Led to Her Own Barbie Doll
View
Date:2025-04-12 09:29:24
Kristi Yamaguchi left France with more than just a gold medal.
The figure skater also became the first Asian American woman ever to win at the Winter Olympics. But she didn't step on the ice 32 years ago expecting to make history.
"At 20, it was kind of overwhelming, like, 'Oh, wow, what just happened?'" Kristi told E! News in an exclusive interview. "I remember feeling the incredible support and the pride from the Asian American community."
But while the 52-year-old has cemented a prolific legacy in the three decades since that iconic moment, winning gold at the 1992 Winter Olympics remains a moment that stands out—for her and Olympic history. And now it's a moment immortalized forever. Kristi now has her very own Barbie doll—donning her black leotard with dazzling gold accents and her black and red bouquet—as part of Mattel's Inspiring Women series for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
"It was surreal to see the doll finished," she recalled. "It's like, 'Wow, that's my 20-year-old self.'"
In reaching this achievement, she couldn't help but reflect on other pioneers, like the late Anna May Wong, the first Asian American actress, who was honored with a doll last year.
"Looking back," the Dream Big, Little Pig! author explained, "I have a greater appreciation for the generations before me, who paved the way for that to be able to happen."
"It's incredible to have the opportunity to inspire other young girls out there," she continued. "With all the challenges they face and the things they overcome, having role models out there where they can think, 'Hey, if they can overcome it, if they can have a big dream, so can I.'"
Kristi knows this experience first-hand as she's previously reflected on bringing her Dorothy Hamill Barbie doll to the rink as a child, hoping to one day follow in the famed Olympian's footsteps.
But her doll wasn't just a toy or decoration—it was motivation.
"As a 6-year-old, there was something meaningful to me about having Dorothy's doll next to me as I would jump, fall and pick myself back up again," Kristi recently wrote in an essay for USA Today. "She was there for me, reminding me of my dream and inspiring me."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (95)
Related
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Opening statements begin in Jonathan Majors assault trial in New York
- LAPD: Suspect in 'serial' killings of homeless men in custody for a fourth killing
- Florence Pugh hit by flying object while promoting 'Dune: Part Two' in Brazil
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Israel's military publishes map of Gaza evacuation zones for Palestinians as airstrikes resume in war with Hamas
- Friends Actress Marlo Thomas Shares Sweet Memory of Matthew Perry on Set
- U.N. climate talks head says no science backs ending fossil fuels. That's incorrect
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- Watchdog: Western arms companies failed to ramp up production capacity in 2022 due to Ukraine war
Ranking
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Shooting at home in Washington state kills 5 including the suspected shooter, report says
- We all know physical fitness is crucial. But how many days weekly should you work out?
- In some Czech villages, St Nicholas leads a parade with the devil and grim reaper in tow
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- 50 Fascinating Facts About Jay-Z: From Marcy to Madison Square
- Global warming could cost poor countries trillions. They’ve urged the UN climate summit to help
- 50 Fascinating Facts About Jay-Z: From Marcy to Madison Square
Recommendation
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
Friends Actress Marlo Thomas Shares Sweet Memory of Matthew Perry on Set
Florence Pugh hit by flying object while promoting 'Dune: Part Two' in Brazil
South Africa intercepts buses carrying more than 400 unaccompanied children from Zimbabwe
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Brock Purdy, 49ers get long-awaited revenge with rout of Eagles
Chris Christie may not appear on Republican primary ballot in Maine
Former top Ohio utility regulator surrenders in $60 million bribery scheme linked to energy bill