Kristi Yamaguchi

Kristi Yamaguchi is a retired American figure skater of Japanese descent who has made a significant impact on the Asian American community through her accomplishments in the world of sports and her philanthropic work.

Born in California in 1971, Yamaguchi began skating at a young age and quickly rose to prominence as a competitive figure skater. She won her first national championship in 1989 and went on to win the gold medal in women's singles at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. She is also a two-time world champion and a four-time national champion.

Yamaguchi's success on the ice made her a role model for young Asian Americans who were pursuing careers in sports. She was one of the few Asian Americans to achieve international success in figure skating, and her accomplishments helped to break down barriers and open doors for other Asian American athletes.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Yamaguchi is also known for her philanthropic work. She founded the Always Dream Foundation in 1996, which supports underserved children in the areas of early childhood literacy, access to sports and the arts, and critical medical needs. The foundation has raised millions of dollars and has helped to improve the lives of countless children and families.

Yamaguchi's impact on the Asian American community extends beyond the world of sports and philanthropy. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in media and entertainment, and has used her platform to promote greater understanding and appreciation of Asian culture.