Kristi Yamaguchi holds her Barbie doll that will be released next month.
RAFU STAFF REPORT
Kristi Yamaguchi — Olympic gold medalist, “Dancing with the Stars” champion, author, and children’s literacy advocate — can now add Barbie to her list of achievements.
“Elegance on ice — Barbie is proud to announce Kristi Yamaguchi as our newest Barbie Inspiring Women doll,” El Segundo-based toy company Mattel said in a statement. “An Olympic and world champion figure skater, Kristi’s story is one of determination, athleticism, and unwavering self-belief. With role models like Kristi Yamaguchi, girls can not just imagine, but actually see that their dreams are achievable.”
The doll recreates Yamaguchi’s look as she took gold during the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, at the age of 20, including the black-and-gold brocade outfit designed by Lauren Sheehan, the gold hair ribbon, and the red-and-white bouquet she held atop the podium.
“It looks like me for sure,” Yamaguchi told The Associated Press with a chuckle. “You know, the eyes and just the shape of the face. And then, of course, the hair, for sure. I mean, it has the bangs that are the ’90s.”
She added that her daughters Emma, 18, and Keara, 20, are fans of the “Barbie” movie and were “flabbergasted” when they heard about the doll.
As a little girl obsessed with figure skating, Yamaguchi’s favorite toy was a Doro-thy Hamill doll. Before Yamaguchi competed in Albertville, her childhood idol wished her luck.
The release of the Yamaguchi doll is timed to coincide with Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May).
“As the first Asian American to win a gold medal [for individual figure skating] in the Olympics, she has broken down barriers for women and Asian Americans in the sports industry, inspiring young girls to, as Kristi Yamaguchi says, ‘Dream big and accomplish big things,’” said Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls.
“Her determination, advocacy, and commitment to educating and empowering the next generation perfectly embodies the mission of the Barbie brand and we couldn’t be more thrilled to amplify her inspirational story for a new generation of kids.”
“Truly an honor to be included in the Barbie series Inspiring Women,” said Yamaguchi. “What fun it was to collaborate with Mattel on recreating this moment in time. Thank you all and Always Dream!”
Always Dream is the name of the foundation that Yamaguchi established to ensure that children have access to high-quality books in the home environment and extensive family engagement support. It’s based in the Bay Area, where she grew up. She has also written books for young readers, including “Cara’s Kindness” and “Dream Big, Little Pig!”
“Hi Barbie!” the foundation said on social media. “Did you hear the big news? Our founder is officially a Barbie! We can’t think of a more deserving person and are so grateful for her always-inspiring leadership. Congratulations, Kristi!”
Mattel has pledged to split a $25,000 Barbie Dream Gap donation between Yamaguchi’s foundation and ASPIRE (Asian Sisters Participating in Reaching Excellence), an organization committed to building and empowering Asian American women leaders.
In particular, Yamaguchi, a Sansei, has been an inspiration to her fellow Japanese Americans and other Asian Americans. The 1992 Winter Olympics coincided with the 50th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the mass exclusion and incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese Americans, including her grandparents. Half a century later, their granddaughter became a national heroine.
Yamaguchi, who recently explored her family history on Henry Louis Gates’ PBS show “Finding Your Roots,” has supported Japanese American and Asian American events, causes and organizations throughout California and across the country. She was among the prominent Japanese Americans who attended the White House’s recent state dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Other figures in the Inspiring Women series include:
Maya Angelou, Pulitzer-nominated memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist.
Susan B. Anthony, social reformer and women’s rights activist played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement.
Bessie Coleman, civil aviator and the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license.
Celia Cruz, a Cuban singer and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century.
Ella Fitzgerald, a jazz singer sometimes referred to as the “First Lady of Song.”
Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist known for her work with chimpanzees.
Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who played a key role in several NASA missions.
Frida Kahlo, Mexican painter known for her many portraits and self-portraits.
Helen Keller, author, disability rights advocate, political activist, and lecturer.
Billie Jean King, former world No. 1 tennis player and champion for gender equality.
Wilma Mankiller, Native American activist and first woman elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Florence Nightingale, social reformer, statistician, and the founder of modern nursing.
Rosa Parks, “the first lady of civil rights,” known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott.
Sally Ride, astronaut, physicist, and the first American woman in space.
Eleanor Roosevelt, diplomat, activist, and America’s longest-serving first lady.
Madam C.J. Walker, philanthropist and America’s first female self-made millionaire.
Ida B. Wells, investigative journalist, educator, and one of the founders of the NAACP.
Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood.