Kristi Yamaguchi's Pets

Kristi Yamaguchi is an American former figure skater and Olympic gold medalist. She is known primarily for winning the gold medal in ladies’ singles at the 1992 Winter Olympics and the 1991 and 1992 World Championships. Yamaguchi also won two national titles in pairs skating with Rudy Galindo and is a World Figure Skating Hall of Fame inductee.

Yamaguchi transitioned from pairs to singles skating in the late 1980s, achieving significant success on the international stage. She also won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1992. Beyond her competitive career, Yamaguchi participated in ice shows and tours, including Stars on Ice. She authored children’s books and competed in and won the sixth season of the television show “Dancing with the Stars.”

Throughout her career, Yamaguchi collaborated with several notable individuals who played key roles in her achievements. She trained under coach Christy Ness, who helped her develop the skills necessary to excel in singles skating. Her pairs skating career included a partnership with Rudy Galindo, with whom she won two national titles. On “Dancing with the Stars,” she partnered with professional dancer Mark Ballas. Her participation in Stars on Ice involved performing with figure skating legends such as Scott Hamilton, Katarina Witt, and Brian Boitano. She also worked alongside figure skater Ekaterina Gordeeva in various ice shows.