| Name of AAPI Figure | Kristi Yamaguchi |
| What is the person’s Asian heritage or ethnicity? | Japanese |
| Area of Influence | Ice Skating, Olympic Sports |
| Date of birth or time period | 12-Jul-71 |
| How did this individual make a contribution to their field or to society/culture at large? | Kristi founded the Always Dream Foundation to support children through educational and recreational activities. She encouraged and influenced many people to start skating for fun and fitness. She was born in Hayward, California. |
| Why did you choose this person? What about their story speaks to you? | I chose Kristi Yamaguchi because I enjoy watching ice skating performances. Her story is also a great story of perseverance. Figure skating takes a lot of skill, discipline, and strength, and Kristi Yamaguchi has mastered all of those things. |
| How does this person inspire you? | I admire Kristi Yamaguchi because she had a lot of perseverance when times were hard for her. She kept pushing through until she got the where she is now. For instance, she had to overcome her deformed club feet that she was born with by doing painful therapy. |
| What surprised you as you were learning about this person? | I was surprised about how she was a Olympic figure skater while being a New York Times Bestselling Author. I was also impressed that she was the first Asian American figure skater to win a figure skating Olympic Gold medal. She was also born with club feet and was still able to be a professional figure skater. |
| Resources to share if others want to learn more (optional)–list websites, books, or other resources you used to learn about the person | https://kids.kiddle.co/Kristi_Yamaguchi https://www.biography.com/athlete/kristi-yamaguchi https://www.sunsigns.org/famousbirthdays/d/profile/kristi-yamaguchi/ https://www.globalmentornetwork.net/insights/adversity-is-not-your-enemy |
| Submitted by | RE |
| Age | |
| City, State | Houston, TX |