The 1992 Olympic gold medalist actually found success as a pairs skater for the first time, teaming up with Rudy Galindo to win the U.S. Junior Championships in 1986 and the World Junior Championships in 1988.
But going it alone was a decision, as her victory in Albertville confirms. Yamaguchi went on to become the first Asian American woman to win a Winter Olympics, and spent many years touring professionally. always dreaming A foundation that funds after-school programs and other educational necessities for underprivileged children.
She has appeared in numerous TV and movie cameos, written best-selling children’s books, released fitness videos, developed an activewear line, and last but not least, in 2006, she became the first Olympic figure skating champion to win on Dancing with the Stars.
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, we took this opportunity to reflect on her legacy and express our gratitude. “I thank my lucky stars every day that things went the way I wanted them to,” she told the Nob Hill Gazette. “I can’t imagine what my life would be like if things had turned out differently.”
In April 2026, Yamaguchi confirmed that she and her husband, Brett Hedican, had divorced after 23 years of marriage, telling People that she and the former NHL player were “probably not the happiest of people, and we amicably thought we would be happier apart.”
The parents, who have daughters Keala and Emma, met during the 1992 Olympics, where he made his debut with the U.S. hockey team, and married in 2000.
