A dominant force in the world of figure skating, Kristi Yamaguchi is considered a megastar on ice. Her professional career is marked by numerous championship titles and critically acclaimed performances, earning her accolades from sportswriters as the "best female skater in the world."

Her professional skating success followed a tremendous amateur career. Kristi was one of the first American women to compete in both pairs events and ladies singles. She and her partner (Rudy Galindo) were the 1988 World Junior Pairs champions. In that same championship, Kristi also won the Ladies World Junior Championship title. She ultimately decided to focus on singles skating, and in 1991, Kristi won the World Championships.

In 1992, Kristi won the U.S. National Championship, fulfilled a lifelong dream by winning the Olympic gold medal in Albertville, and defended her World Championship title in her hometown of Oakland, Calif.

In 1998, Kristi returned to the U.S. National Championships to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Kristi is one of the most popular female athletes in the country, as indicated by many  awards and surveys, including being recognized three years in a row as "Favorite Female Athlete" by Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. Her Q ratings, which measure likeability and popularity, continue to rank her as one of the top three women athletes. Plus, Kristi served as goodwill ambassador for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Corporate America loves Kristi, too. She has served as spokesperson for Celanese Acetate, General Mills, PrimeStar, Heinz Smart Ones and Mervyn's California. Kristi has appeared in top fashion magazines for Celanese Acetate and in a number of TV ads for Mervyn's California.

As part of General Mills' "Legends Series," Kristi reappeared on the Wheaties box. Other recent projects include two books, (Figure Skating for Dummies, which she authored, and a children's book, Always Dream), a CD-ROM and a fantasy children's line of Kristi Dreamwear by Mervyn's California. Kristi has also worked with Hallmark to develop a Christmas ornament and a skating snow globe in her likeness.

Kristi Yamaguchi is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children. In 1996, Kristi established the Always Dream Foundation. Its mission is to encourage, support and embrace the hopes and dreams of children.The Always Dream Foundation supports organizations in California, Nevada and Hawaii that are dedicated to  improving the lives of children. The foundation has produced two skating productions, entitled "A Golden Moment," a unique figure skating show combining the world's finest figure skaters with some of the music industry's brightest stars.

Kristi and husband Bret Hedican, an NHL player for the Carolina Hurricanes, live with their two children in Raleigh, N.C.