Catching Up with Olympic Figure Skating Champion Kristi Yamaguchi

Kristi Yamaguchi has gone from Olympic skater to supportive skater-mom.
Kristi Yamaguchi has gone from Olympic skater to supportive skater-mom.

She does it all: Clothing designer, best-selling author, philanthropist, mother, and, of course, 1992 Olympic Figure Skating Champion. We talked with Kristi about transitioning from skater to supportive parent, getting active, and giving back.

Q: What was it like growing up as a rising athlete?
A: I didn't get real serious with the skating until 3rd or 4th grade. Through junior high I started to compete within California. By the time I was about 15 or 16, I started to do international competitions.

My mom was the one who was around the most. She took me skating every morning, got me up before school, and sometimes drove me after school as well. She really knew that I had a passion for it, and that I was dedicated and ready to do whatever it took to reach my goals. She was great at balancing that "mom role" of unconditional support, yet pushing me and giving me that constructive criticism when I needed it.

Related: You'll Never Look at Figure Skaters in the Same Way After This

Q: Your younger daughter, Emma, is skating now. What's it like going from being the skater to being the skating mom?
A. Yeah, it's pretty funny! I enjoy it. Obviously, it's a sport that I absolutely love. We're not pushing her to be ultra-competitive at this point, but if she chooses [to compete], it would be fun to see her. You know, it's a little stressful. It's hard to sit there and be the typical skating mom -- not say much and let the coach do it all. There are times when I'm like, "Uh, you gotta correct this!"

Related: This Hot Chocolate Is Worthy of a Gold Medal

Q: What are some other fun ways you and your daughters get active together?
A: On weekends they love to ride bikes, sometimes just "hiking" around our neighborhood. Another fun thing to do is put together a scavenger hunt list. We'll just write down: a dog, a cat, a brown squirrel, yellow flower, etc. -- something so they're in tune with what's around them and looking for things.

Q: Eighteen years ago, you created the Always Dream Foundation to give back. What's that been like?
A: We started out very inspired by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their work as far as making a difference in the lives of children. The last three years we've narrowed our focus onto early childhood literacy. It's been great, we've partnered with organizations to bring reading programs into schools in Northern California, and we're gradually expanding out from there.

Related: With These Outfits, You'll Look Like a Member of Team USA

Q: What are you excited for in Sochi?
A: It's always thrilling to continue to be part of the Olympics, and to be on Team Kellogg's and cheer on the athletes. To see the competition live is so inspiring. I'm looking forward to that and helping the [United States Olympic Committee] cover it.

- By Chelsea Schlecht

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