65 Quotes by Kristi Yamaguchi

I always try to start out with some type of goal. Then I work backward and think of what I need to do to get there, and give myself smaller goals that are more immediate.

I’ve realized how precious life is. When I was younger, I was more adventurous. I felt invincible. I was game for everything. As a mom, I don’t want to get injured because then I can’t take care of my kids.

I’d try to channel my nervous energy in a positive way into strength and endurance. It didn’t always work.

Growing up as an athlete, I started skating very young. My parents didn’t know anything about the sport, so they went with the flow. I had two great coaches who gave great advice and gave guidelines for my parents. My parents let the coaches dictate what was going on on the ice.

I learned to put 100 percent into what you’re doing. I learned about setting goals for yourself, knowing where you want to be and taking small steps toward those goals. I learned about adversity and how to get past it.

I feel like I missed out on the regular high school social life, but that’s the way I chose to be.

I don’t mind the sparkle – I think it’s kind of a tradition in skating. I don’t think the men really need sparkles, but for the women it’s part of the glamour of our sport.

Dorothy Hamill was my big idol as a kid. She’d won the Olympics in 1976. She was America’s sweetheart with her personality, her talent, her haircut.

I don’t know how many people really knew who I was before the Olympics and that’s the fun thing of the Olympics – you get to know someone who captures your heart, hopefully.