FACTOIDS
Full Name: Kristi Yamaguchi
Nickname: Kristi
Birthday: July 12, 1971
Height: 5’1”
Hometown: Hayward, California
Sports: Figure Skating
PROFILE
On Michelle Kwan's recent decision to part ways with her longtime coach Frank Carroll less than six months out from the 2002 Games: "I really identify with some of the emotions and pressures Michelle is going through, and I understand her need for more control and independence. It's probably earth-shattering because no one has done this, but Michelle has proven herself time and time again that she can handle the pressure." Today Yamaguchi continues to skate professionally and is in her 10th season of touring with Target's Stars On Ice.Though Kristi won the gold medal, she would be somewhat overshadowed in publicity and endorsements by Nancy Kerrigan who later endured the highly publicized attack staged by teammate Harding. Yamaguchi won endorsements deals from Wendy's and DuraSoft Colors contact lenses, but not high-profile, multimillion-dollar deals with corporate giants like Campbells or Pepsi. Some Asians were slighted that her Asian heritage may have put her at a disadvantage. Bill Imada, whose firm advises companies on marketing to Asian Americans observes that for marketers "People like Kristi Yamaguchi don't represent the wholesome all-American image".
Kristi Yamaguchi turned professional after the 1992 competitive season. She toured for many years with Stars on Ice and was also a fixture on the pro competition circuit. In recent years she has cut back on her skating schedule to concentrate on family life. Since July 8, 2000 she has been married to Bret Hedican, an NHL hockey player she initially met at the 1992 Winter Olympics. Yamaguchi and Hedican, who is currently with the Carolina Hurricanes, reside in Raleigh, North Carolina with their two daughters, Keara Kiyomi, born in 2003 and Emma Yoshiko, born in 2005. She also made a guest appearance as herself in the Disney Channel original movie Go Figure.
In 1996, she established the Always Dream Foundation for children.
She is good friends with fellow figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Kurt Browning.
