reconnecting with: kristi yamaguchi
I learned two things things as a kid from Kristi Yamaguchi: 1) how to use a remote and, 2) how to receive the nastiest carpet burns by attempting to do a triple-fancy-jump-thing on dry land.
The instant she was on the television set I would run up, nose touching, eyes wide, and be in awe. My sisters pushing me out of the way, vice versa, parents yelling at us to be nice to each other. She brought that spirit of hope and wonderment in to the household, with such grace.
Excerpt from the announcers in the video footage above:
“Favored to win the gold again, the home town favorite of this crowd, 20 year-old, she’s the youngest of the three U.S. skaters [...] you talked about the clean program will win the gold medal here we have not seen that before, that is the strength of Kristi Yamaguchi. Her mother, Carol, who was born in an internment camp during World War 2, father spent time there as well. They have never expressed any bitterness about that experience only pride to be American. (*Yamaguchi enters the ice and crowd roars!*) And how proud they are as she comes home in an effort to redeem the gold medal.”
“A hero’s greeting for Kristi Yamaguchi,” the announcer declares at the end of her performance as she receives a standing ovation.
Back then, I was too young to realize all the fine details about her family and their courageous story — more importantly, a story in which they chose to grow from, without resentment, developing strength, pride, honor. That is truly a hero’s tale.
Makes you realize its never really the incident that matters, its what you make of it.
Kristi Yamaguchi isn’t quite done with giving and I hope we’re not done supporting her.
She started the Always Dream Foundation in 1996 with a continuing goal to find innovative ways of funding for a diverse range of programs designed to inspire and embrace the hopes and dreams of children and adolescents. This Summer of ’09, construction has began on her latest project: the Always Dream Play Park.
- “The goal of the design is to create a play area for children of all abilities that allows for physical as well as mental development through a diversity of play experiences, and is also a gathering place for the entire community. The design also aims to incorporate natural elements and provide an engaging, interactive environment.”
- The Always Dream Foundation invites interested corporations and individuals to support the construction of this enduring legacy for the children of the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Foundation COO, Jim Adler at 510-451-7275 | Email: jim@alwaysdream.org
Construction management services will be provided on a pro bono basis by Swinerton Builders. The Playground is being designed by (MIG) Moore, Iacofano & Goltsman, an internationally renowned design and planning firm.
[ALWAYS DREAM]
Earlier today, a friend of mine asked for a list of my top 20 favorite things. This would probably top that list. Nearly 17 years later and I’m still learning from one of America’s greatest performers.
P.S. Omma recalls, “Around the time you were 4, we were going to send you away to become a professional figure skater. But when you found out that training was away from home, you cried like a baby and said no.” I was 4, you shoulda shoved me on the first bus out.
Leave a Comment
Be the first to comment!
