Kristi Yamaguchi, the legendary Olympic figure skater, has been immortalised as a Barbie doll. The release coincides with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), celebrating Yamaguchi’s historic win at the 1992 Winter Olympics, where she became the first Asian American woman to claim gold in figure skating.
Yamaguchi expressed her amazement and pride at the honour: “It’s a huge, huge honor…not just recognizing the Olympic achievement, but also being recognized during AAPI Month and following in the footsteps of some incredible women that I idolize — Anna May Wong, Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks.”
The doll, part of Barbie’s ‘Inspiring Women’ series, meticulously replicates Yamaguchi’s dazzling 1992 Olympic look, including her black and gold costume, gold hair ribbon, and even a red and white bouquet. Yamaguchi describes the detail as “incredible”.
“There are so many of the small things that really make it Kristi from 1992,” Yamaguchi reflects, mentioning “the big hair with the gold bow in it!” She worked closely with the designers and is thrilled with the result – even the brand of her skates is accurate.
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The significance of the doll isn’t lost on Yamaguchi, who sees it as an opportunity to inspire the next generation: “I think for AAPI Month, it’s all about shining the spotlight on the Asian-American culture and celebrating it…it’s meaningful to the community to have positive stories out there and symbols to inspire…go after their dreams and know that it’s possible.”
The Kristi Yamaguchi Barbie doll is available now.
