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Blind Landing

Kristi Yamaguchi: Asian American Idol

Blind Landing

Ari Saperstein

Documentary, Sports, Society & Culture

4.81.7K Ratings

🗓️ 18 May 2022

⏱️ 52 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

For many Asian Americans, seeing Kristi Yamaguchi win the gold in women’s figure skating at the 1992 Olympics was everything. She was more than a famous athlete — she was one of the few Asian Americans on TV, period. Yet for Kristi, the polished, glamorous image that we all saw was very different from her experience on the inside. From her choice to skate solo to seeking endorsements in an anti-Asian climate, reporter Stefanie Ritoper looks at the moments that almost stopped Kristi from becoming the Kristi Yamaguchi that we all know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

To the Class of 2023, the Body Shop would like to share this advice for living more

0:06.4

resiliently. Be kind to yourself. Know that the knockbacks and setbacks will

0:11.6

ultimately help you thrive. Change your mind loudly and often.

0:18.0

Breathe. Your kitchen is your disco. Hit that dance floor whenever you can.

0:23.7

Help your skin thrive with the Adelvae Skinco range from the Body Shop. Pop in to store or shop online.

0:31.2

Are you ready for a Monzo Business Bank account? Mike from Blue Water Plumbing was.

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0:38.8

When I first used the payment link feature in my Monzo Business account, I was impressed

0:42.2

how quick and easy it was. At the end of each job, I just create a payment link, send it to the

0:46.2

customer and get paid then and there. I can also track all of my payments and my get paid tab.

0:51.0

If you're ready for a Monzo Business account, apply today. Just search Monzo Business,

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tease and seize apply. Only sole traders or limited company directors in the UK can apply.

1:00.7

Hey everyone, my name is Stephanie Retopper and I'm a producer on blind landing.

1:06.5

So, if you're an Asian-American woman who grew up in the 80s and 90s, odds are like me,

1:13.9

you have a special place in your heart for Kristi Yamaguchi.

1:18.5

Okay, so when you hear Kristi Yamaguchi's name, what do you think of?

1:23.6

I mean, I just remember thinking she was like the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen.

1:29.2

I just remember being like, oh my god, I want to be her.

1:32.4

I just remember thinking Kristi Yamaguchi was just like so beautiful and athletic and admired and

1:39.3

she did the most beautiful, perfect pump bangs, which was something very aspirational in the early 90s.

1:45.2

I remember like I saved the sports illustrated cover she was on with a gold medal in a plastic sleeve.

1:54.0

I still have that magazine somewhere. Like we bought the cereal box she was on.

...

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