Who Is Kristi Yamaguchi? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on July 12, 1971, Kristi Yamaguchi is 53 years old as of 2025. She rose to prominence in the world of figure skating after winning a gold medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. Her achievements span various competitions, making her one of the most recognized figures in the sport. Kristi's biography is filled with remarkable milestones, leading her to not only excel in sports but also to become a successful author and philanthropist.
| Occupation | Figure Skater |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Fremont, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Kristi Yamaguchi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kristi Yamaguchi stands at an impressive height of 5 feet (152 cm) and weighs approximately 100 lbs (45 kg). Over the years, she has maintained her figure through a combination of healthy living and fitness routines. Her measurements reflect her dedication to an active lifestyle, showcasing her commitment to wellness even after her competitive skating days.
Yamaguchi made a public service video with the California Raisins in 1993 called "Hip to be Fit: Starring Kristi Yamaguchi and The California Raisins." She has appeared as herself on shows like Everybody Loves Raymond, Fresh Off the Boat, Hell's Kitchen and Freedom: A History of US as well as in films like D2: The Mighty Ducks, Frosted Pink, and th
e Disney Channel original movie Go Figure.
In 2006, Yamaguchi was the host of WE tv series Skating's Next Star, created and produced by Major League Figure Skating. Yamaguchi was a local commentator on figure skating for San Jose TV station KNTV (NBC 11) during the 2006 Winter Olympics.
In 2010, Yamaguchi worked as a daily NBC Olympics skating broadcast analyst on NBC's Universal Sports Network. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Yamaguchi was also a special correspondent for the Today Show.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kristi is happily married to Bret Hedican, a former professional hockey player, since 2000. Together, they have two daughters, Keara and Jamie. As of 2025, the couple continues to support each other's careers and shares a strong bond, often appearing together at public events. Kristi's family life remains a significant aspect of her personal narrative, with both her husband and children being an integral part of her story.
From sixth grade on, Yamaguchi practiced from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. before school and sometimes after school. Her mother would drive her to the rink every morning at 4 a.m. and wait for her to finish. She would also accompany Yamaguchi to competitions a couple of times a month.
Net Worth and Salary
Kristi Yamaguchi's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $8 million. Her wealth stems not only from her time as an Olympic athlete but also from her various business ventures and endorsement deals. Over the years, she has diversified her income through public speaking engagements, writing, and her involvement in philanthropic activities.
Career, Business and Investments
After her illustrious skating career, Kristi transitioned into a successful entrepreneur. She has authored several books, including titles aimed at inspiring children and promoting literacy. Additionally, Kristi has launched her own line of products, focusing on wellness and healthy living. Her investments in various projects and ventures demonstrate her acumen in business, ensuring her a sustained presence in various industries.
After Yamaguchi retired from competition in 1992, she performed in shows and participated in the professional competition circuit. She won the World Professional Figure Skating Championships four times in her career (1992, 1994, 1996 and 1997). In 2005, Yamaguchi was inducted into the U.S.
Olympic Hall of Fame, and in 2008, she became the celebrity champion in the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars.
Social Network
In 2025, Kristi maintains an active presence on multiple social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where she engages with her fans and shares insights into her life, career, and philanthropy. Her social media following continues to grow, providing her a platform to influence and inspire a new generation of skaters and fans alike.
As a pairs team, Yamaguchi and Galindo were unusual in that they were both accomplished singles skaters, which allowed them to consistently perform difficult elements like side by side triple flip jumps, which are still more difficult than side by side jumps performed by current top international pairs teams.
They also jumped and spun in opposite directions, Yamaguchi counter-clockwise, and Galindo clockwise, which gave them an unusual look on the ice. In 1990, Yamaguchi decided to focus solely on singles. Galindo went on to have a successful singles career as well, winning the 1996 U.S. championships and the 1996 World bronze medal.
Education
Kristi Yamaguchi attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a degree in Speech Communications. Her education laid the foundation for her articulate and impactful communication style, which she uses effectively in her public speaking and writing endeavors.
In conclusion, Kristi Yamaguchi remains a vital figure in the world of sports and beyond. Her achievements and contributions over the years highlight her multifaceted life, inspiring many with her story of success, resilience, and dedication.
Yamaguchi is Sansei (a third-generation descendant of Japanese emigrants). Her paternal grandparents and maternal great-grandparents emigrated to the United States from Japan, originating from Wakayama Prefecture and Saga Prefecture. Her maternal grandfather, George A. Doi, was in the U.S.
Army and fought in Germany and France during World War II during the time his family was interned at the Heart Mountain and Amache camps. Research done in 2010 by Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.
for the PBS series Faces of America showed that Yamaguchi's heritage can be traced back to Wakayama and Saga prefectures in Japan and that her paternal grandfather, Tatsuichi Yamaguchi, emigrated to Hawaii in 1899.
