The figure skating icon discusses her Olympic memories and the next generation of U.S. stars.
DENVER — Kristi Yamaguchi, one of the most celebrated American figure skaters in Olympic history, is looking back on her 1992 gold‑medal performance while turning her attention to the rising athletes preparing for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina.
Yamaguchi, who became the first Asian American athlete to win a gold medal at an Olympic Winter Games, said the spotlight that followed her victory as a 20‑year‑old was life‑changing.
“It’s pretty incredible when you have success there and then come home and life is a lot different,” she said.
She recalled the pressure she felt during her winning long program, particularly leading into a 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.”