Kristi Yamaguchi Looks to Milan Cortina 2026, Praises Malinin and Liu
Updated (2 articles)
Yamaguchi Reflects on 1992 Gold and Its Personal Impact She won the ladies’ singles at the Albertville Games in February 1992, becoming the first Asian‑American athlete to capture a Winter Olympic gold medal, a milestone that reshaped her public profile and career opportunities [1][2]. She says the victory still resonates as she watches a deep U.S. roster prepare for the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games. Her comments link past triumph to future expectations for American figure skating.
She Describes Fear During the Winning Long Program Yamaguchi recalls standing on the ice for the long program, fearing she might miss the second‑to‑last jump and fall [1][2]. The pressure intensified before a crucial triple Lutz, yet she stayed upright thanks to years of disciplined training. She uses the memory to illustrate the mental demands Olympic athletes face.
Yamaguchi Highlights Ilia Malinin’s Quad Axel as Game‑Changing Calling him the “Quad God,” Yamaguchi notes that Malinin’s ability to land a quadruple axel pushes technical limits and positions him as a favorite for gold in Milan‑Cortina [1][2]. She asserts that the next Olympic gold medal is “his to lose,” emphasizing how his jumps could redefine competition standards. Her praise underscores the United States’ confidence in its male skaters.
Alysa Liu’s Retirement‑to‑World Title Return Earns Praise Yamaguchi applauds Liu, who retired at age 16, for returning to win a world title and rekindling excitement among fans [1][2]. She describes Liu’s comeback as joyful and surprising, highlighting the narrative of resilience within U.S. women’s skating. The endorsement signals renewed depth on the American women’s side.
Broadcast of 1992 Performance Aims to Inspire Perseverance Television networks will replay Yamaguchi’s gold‑medal routine during the 2026 coverage, and she hopes viewers absorb a message of perseverance [1][2]. She encourages young athletes to pursue dreams, confront fears, and pass that drive to future generations. The broadcast ties her legacy to the next wave of competitors.
Sources
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WBNS: Kristi Yamaguchi reflects on 1992 gold as she looks ahead to Milan Cortina: Yamaguchi recounts her historic 1992 win, details the fear in her long program, praises Ilia Malinin’s quad axel and Alysa Liu’s comeback, and stresses the inspirational purpose of rebroadcasting her performance for the 2026 Games .
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King5: Kristi Yamaguchi reflects on 1992 Olympic gold as she looks toward Milan Cortina: Mirrors WBNS coverage, highlighting Yamaguchi’s personal transformation, the mental pressure of her winning routine, Malinin’s “gold to lose” status, Liu’s surprising return, and the broadcast’s focus on perseverance .
Timeline
Feb 20, 1992 – Kristi Yamaguchi wins the women’s figure‑skating gold at the Albertville Winter Olympics, becoming the first Asian‑American athlete to capture a Winter Games gold medal and sparking a dramatic shift in her public profile and opportunities [1].
Feb 20, 1992 – During her winning long program, Yamaguchi feels intense pressure before a crucial triple Lutz, admits she fears a fall on the penultimate jump, yet stays on her feet thanks to rigorous training [1].
2024 – After retiring at age 16, Alysa Liu returns to competition and captures a world title, a comeback Yamaguchi describes as joyful, surprising fans and revitalizing U.S. women’s skating [1].
2025 – Ilia Malinin lands a quadruple axel in competition, pushing technical boundaries and earning Yamaguchi’s praise as the “Quad God” whose abilities set a new standard for the sport [1].
Jan 2026 – Yamaguchi reflects on her 1992 gold while looking ahead to the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Games, noting how the victory changed her life and urging a new generation of skaters to pursue their dreams [1][2].
Jan 2026 – She highlights the depth of the U.S. Olympic figure‑skating roster for Milan‑Cortina, singling out Malinin’s quad prowess as a key strength for the team [1][2].
Jan 2026 – Yamaguchi praises Liu’s comeback and world title, saying the return “generates excitement” and shows that skating can remain enjoyable and inspiring [1][2].
Jan 2026 – Broadcasters replay Yamaguchi’s 1992 performance during the 2026 coverage; she hopes viewers absorb a message of perseverance, encouraging them to face fears and pass that drive to their children [1][2].