How Kristi Yamaguchi Won Gold in 1992

Olympic legend Kristi Yamaguchi sits down to discuss the evolution of figure skating, the "scary" reality of overnight fame, and her thoughts on the current Team USA roster heading toward Milan-Cortina.

Yamaguchi opens up about the legacy of sportsmanship—referencing Stan Musial—and how her parents encouraged her to pivot from Olympic glory to community service, leading to nearly 30 years of her "Always Dream" foundation. She candidly reflects on the shock of becoming a household name at just 20 years old and the pressure that comes with the territory.

She also weighs in on the current American stars. She discusses the joy of seeing Alysa Liu’s comeback and the sheer disbelief she shares with fellow legends like Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill regarding Ilia Malinin’s quad axel, noting that the gold is "his to lose."

Finally, Yamaguchi takes us back to the ice in Albertville 1992, revealing the terror she felt mid-air during her final triple lutz and how "pure training" saved the landing that secured her gold medal.

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00:00 - Stan Musial Legacy & Giving Back
00:53 - The "Always Dream" Foundation
01:46 - The Shock of Olympic Fame
03:01 - Alysa Liu’s Comeback
04:11 - Ilia Malinin & The "Unfathomable" Quad Axel
05:02 - The Scary Moment During Her 1992 Gold Medal Run
06:01 - Inspiring the Next Generation