Always Dream

How Kristi Yamaguchi Turned Her Dreams Into a Reality

Kristi Yamaguchi is a celebrated figure skater, known for her grace, talent, and triumphs. 

But it wasn’t a linear path to success for the icon on-ice.

Kristi has been an underdog her entire life, but that didn’t stop her from achieving her dreams as both an athlete and businesswoman.

Who is Kristi Yamaguchi?

Born in 1971 in Hayward, California, Kristi was raised in Fremont along with her two siblings, Lori and Brett. 

Yamaguchi grew up in a middle class family. Her father, Jim, was a dentist, and her mother, Carole, a medical secretary.

Kristi overcame significant challenges of her own as a child because she was born with bilateral clubfeet, requiring corrective treatment during her early years. 

At age six, she began skating and taking ballet lessons as physical therapy, developing a passion for the sport despite her initial physical limitations.

“At 6 years old, the ice became a place for me to express myself. Because I was so shy off the ice, it became my safe haven, with music and freedom and self-expression. That was my emotional outlet.”

Kristi Yamaguchi

Her dedication led to homeschooling due to her rigorous training schedule, but she eventually attended Mission San Jose High School for her junior and senior years to finish out primary schooling. 

Kristi began her competitive skating career with partner Rudy Galindo, winning the US Figure Skating Championships Junior title in 1986 and the US Championships gold in 1989 and 1990.

In 1988, Kristi also won the Ladies Singles Gold at the World Junior Championships. 

After 1990, she decided to focus on singles skating and moved to Edmonton, Alberta to train with renowned coach Christy Ness and study psychology at the University of Alberta.

Her hard work paid off as she won two World Championships in 1991 and 1992.

“Do your best and forget the rest.”

Kristi Yamaguchi

But Kristi's legacy was cemented at the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, where she won the gold medal in the Ladies' singles event, becoming the first Asian-American to win an individual figure skating gold medal.

Turning professional after her Olympic victory, Kristi competed in the World Professional Figure Skating Championships, becoming a 4 time champion by the time it was said and done. (1992, 1994, 1996, 1997).

She also toured extensively with Stars On Ice for a decade, growing the tour from a 30 city tour to a 60 city tour due to her star status in the world of figure skating.

In December of 2005, Kristi received the prestige of being inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

More recently, in April 2024, Kristi was honored with a Barbie doll in Barbie’s “Inspiring Women Series,” celebrating her story and incredible achievements – a full-circle moment for her, given her love for the dolls as a young girl.

What is Kristi Yamaguchi’s Net Worth?

As of 2024, Kristi Yamaguchi's net worth is estimated at $8 million.

Her wholesome and inspirational image made her a sought-after partner for many brands. 

Top-tier companies like Visa, Smuckers, and Campbell’s Soup provided substantial support and increased her influence.

Following her Olympic win, she secured more endorsement deals with brands such as Kellogg’s, Hallmark, Got Milk?, and various fast food chains.

Additionally, Kristi has a couple of properties under her belt, further contributing to her portfolio.

Kristi Yamaguchi’s Business Ventures

Always Dream Foundation

Unlike many athletes who use their fame to pursue a quick buck, Kristi defined her ventures in business with purpose. 

She founded the Always Dream Foundation in 1996 to combine her passion for education and making a difference in children's lives. 

The foundation focuses on serving low-income, at-risk, and disabled children, inspired by her history with clubfoot.

The Always Dream Foundation emphasizes childhood literacy and empowerment through the Always Reading Program.

 “This is about more than just reading; we’re building confidence in each child, helping them find their unique voice, and empowering them to dream bigger. “

From the Always Dream Foundation Website

This initiative provides families with tablets, access to a digital library, and a Book Coach to bridge the gap between classroom and at-home learning. 

By promoting reading for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children, the program encourages family engagement to make reading a fun and integral part of their lives.

“Family engagement is the number one predictor of early literacy success.”

Kristi Yamaguchi

Operating with a team of 12 members and 14 board members, the foundation serves the San Francisco Bay Area and Hawai’i through school partnerships. 

The impact of Always Dream on these communities is clear:

  • 83% of families read at least 15 minutes with their child each session.

  • 86% of families reported increased interest in reading from their children.

  • 548,525 total minutes read by families in the 2022-23 school year.

From 2023-2024, Always Dream partnered with 28 schools, serving 2,642 students and family members. They aim to reach 10,000 family members and children by 2027.

Financially, Always Dream received $1.3 million in grants in 2023, totaling approximately $1.65 million in revenue and finishing with a net profit of $190k. 

This marks significant growth compared to 2019, when they received about $650k in grants, totaled approximately $850k in revenue, and finished with a net profit of $250k. 

Kristy is clearly prioritizing growth over profits.

The organization’s assets have also increased from $3 million to $3.4 million over that five year stretch.

In recognition of her impact, Kristi was named one of the Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley in 2021.

“Having achieved my own dreams, I want to give to kids who are less fortunate, who struggle with everyday obstacles. I want to give them something positive in their lives: support.”

Kristi Yamaguchi

Tsu.ya

In 2012, Kristi Yamaguchi ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of her clothing brand, Tsu.ya. 

Before launch, Kristi honed her eye for design after serving on the Olympic Fashion Committee for many years.

Inspired by her role as a mother juggling multiple responsibilities, Kristi created an athletic apparel line that combined the streamlined aesthetic of skating wear with feminine touches like ruffles, zippers, and ruching.

“[Tsu.ya] is actually my middle name, and it was my grand-mother's name [and] a nod to my Japanese heritage. We put the period in there because we thought it would break it up and make it easier to pronounce." 

Kristi Yamaguchi

The collection, sold through Lord & Taylor, featured 18 pieces, including t-shirts, jackets, and yoga pants. 

A portion of sales benefited the Always Dream Foundation.

Unfortunately, it seems Tsu.ya ceased operations in 2017 as the domain is no longer registered and there has been no brand activity since.

But, during her time in entrepreneurship, Kristi found parallels between being an athlete and an entrepreneur, like “being able to set goals and having the patience to put the work in ahead of time.”

Media

Entertainment

Kristi's fame surged after her 1992 Olympic victory. 

She co-starred in the California Raisins fitness video “Hip to be Fit” (1992) and guest-starred on shows like "Everybody Loves Raymond" (1997) and more recently on "Fresh Off the Boat" (2018). 

Her film appearances include “D2: The Mighty Ducks” (1994) and “Go Figure” (2005), and she portrayed Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin on Ice” in a Disney special in 1995.

In 2008, Kristi was not only a fan-favorite on "Dancing with the Stars," but left victorious at the end of the season, showcasing her rhythm off the ice. 

She hosted the single season of "Skating’s Next Star" in 2006 and served as a figure skating commentator and analyst during the 2006 and 2010 Olympics.

Author

Kristi has authored several books reflecting her journey and inspiring young readers:

"Figure Skating for Dummies" (1997): A guide detailing her experiences in figure skating.

"Always Dream" (1998): An autobiography sharing her life’s challenges and triumphs.

"Dream Big, Little Pig" (2011): A New York Times Best Seller about a persistent pig with big dreams.

"It’s a Big World, Little Pig" (2012): A follow-up featuring the same pig on a world adventure.

"Cara’s Kindness" (2016): A children’s book about a cat seeking help to achieve her dreams.

"Finding the Edge: My Life on Ice" (2017): An introductory section for Karen Chen's biography.

We see her children’s books featured in many marketing materials for the Always Dream Foundation’s Always Reading Program.

The Success Strategies of Kristi Yamaguchi

  1. Legacy Comes From Purpose: Even after achieving Olympic gold and pursuing her career and entrepreneurial goals, Kristi's efforts always feed back into her purpose.

  2. Don’t Forget Where You Came From: Kristi’s purpose is deeply rooted in the challenges she faced early in life, never losing sight of her origins.

  3. You May Be Down, But You’re Never Out: Kristi exemplifies the ultimate underdog story, continually overcoming obstacles on her road to success.

  4. Entrepreneurship is like Being an Athlete: Kristi demonstrates that the drive and mindset from being an athlete are equally as important  entrepreneurship.

The Bottom Line

Kristi Yamaguchi has been an underdog since she was six years old, but she never let that stop her from reaching her dreams. 

She has fought through failure, loss, and handled victory with humility. 

On top of all of that, how she found her purpose in helping children who face similar challenges is truly inspiring. 

Kristi's journey as both an athlete and entrepreneur is a textbook example of resilience, determination, and commitment to making a difference.

I never wanted to feel I hadn’t worked hard enough.

Kristi Yamaguchi

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