Kristi Yamaguchi is a retired American figure skater and Olympic champion, born on July 12, 1971, in Hayward, California. She gained fame for her exceptional skills and artistry on the ice, winning the gold medal in women's singles at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. In addition to her Olympic success, Yamaguchi is a two-time world champion and a four-time U.S. national champion. After retiring from competitive skating, she became a popular television personality and authored several children's books, promoting literacy and the importance of following one's dreams.