Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi is ‘tickled pink’ to inspire a Barbie doll

By TERRY TANG
Associated Press

Like many little girls, a young Kristi Yamaguchi loved playing with Barbie. So, it’s surreal for the decorated Olympian figure skater to now be a Barbie girl herself. Mattel announced Wednesday that there will be a Yamaguchi doll as part of Barbie’s “Inspiring Women Series.” Yamaguchi was the first Asian American to win an individual figure skating gold medal at the Olympics. She says that having a Barbie is an honor and she hopes it can inspire Asian American kids. The doll’s release is timed for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in May. Mattel replicated the then 20-year-old Yamaguchi’s outfit and look at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.