I don't mind the sparkle - I think it's kind of a tradition in skating. I don't think the men really need sparkles, but for the women it's part of the glamour of our sport. Kristi Yamaguchi
As a professional, I think we're not being judged solely on technical ability anymore. People really want to be entertained and enjoy what they're watching. Kristi Yamaguchi
I don't know how many people really knew who I was before the Olympics and that's the fun thing of the Olympics - you get to know someone who captures your heart, hopefully. Kristi Yamaguchi
I've always worked closely with the designers and whoever's making the costumes. Comfort is the last thing you want on your mind when you're competing. In an ideal situation, you'll have something where you'll put it on and you're fine and you don't have to worry about it at all. Kristi Yamaguchi
Skating was something I really wanted to do; my parents knew nothing about it. They said they'd support me as long as I was trying my hardest and enjoying it. Kristi Yamaguchi
With 30,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations from the seasonal flu, those numbers are certainly higher than what we've seen of the swine flu. Protecting yourself from both viruses is very important. Kristi Yamaguchi
In terms of my career, having the gold definitely changed my life. The Olympics are different, you know? They're every four years and it's such a small group. Kristi Yamaguchi
I learned to put 100 percent into what you're doing. I learned about setting goals for yourself, knowing where you want to be and taking small steps toward those goals. I learned about adversity and how to get past it. Kristi Yamaguchi
I always try to start out with some type of goal. Then I work backward and think of what I need to do to get there, and give myself smaller goals that are more immediate. Kristi Yamaguchi
There are two or three performances in your life that are absolutely on, where all the planets are lined up for you and you feel you're invincible. Kristi Yamaguchi
The good feeling I get from contributing rivals anything I felt on the Olympic stand in Albertville. Kristi Yamaguchi
Dorothy Hamill was my big idol as a kid. She'd won the Olympics in 1976. She was America's sweetheart with her personality, her talent, her haircut. Kristi Yamaguchi
Winning in women's singles felt surreal. I felt that everything I had done - the hard work, the tough times - was all worth it. Kristi Yamaguchi
Growing up as an athlete, I started skating very young. My parents didn't know anything about the sport, so they went with the flow. I had two great coaches who gave great advice and gave guidelines for my parents. My parents let the coaches dictate what was going on on the ice. Kristi Yamaguchi