Kristi Yamaguchi Fell at Olympics, Won Gold Anyway
When figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi fell during her 1992 Olympic free skate, her gold medal dream seemed over. Instead, she made a split-second decision that turned disaster into triumph.
Search
Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
62 results for "kristi yamaguchi"
Kristi Yamaguchi: First Asian American Winter Gold Winner
In 1992, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi made history as the first Asian American to win Winter Olympic gold. Thirty-four years later, she reflects on making history without even knowing it and what today's athletes mean to her.
Olympic Gold Medalist Brings Books to 6,000 Kids Yearly
Figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi surprised Sacramento elementary students with free tablets and books through her literacy nonprofit. Her Always Reading program now serves 6,000 underserved children across 40 schools every year.
5-Foot-1 Badminton Star Wins 3 World Titles Her Way
Akane Yamaguchi shattered the myth that only tall players can dominate badminton, proving technique and strategy beat height every time. The Japanese champion's signature move? Sky-high tosses that exhaust even the tallest opponents.
NC Runner Beats Rare Pancreatic Cancer, Runs Marathons at 42
Five years after a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Kristy Shafer is running more miles than ever before. Her story shows how far cancer treatment has come and what survival can look like.
Japan Hosts 264 Athletes for Para Swimming World Series
Paralympic champions from 29 nations gather in Japan for the biggest Para swimming event before the 2026 Asian Para Games. World record holder Naohide Yamaguchi headlines an 84-member home team ready to compete against global stars.
3 Aussies Join WNBA as League Expands to 15 Teams
Rising basketball star Nyadiew Puoch is heading to the WNBA after nailing a half-court buzzer beater made her impossible to ignore. She'll join fellow Australians Chloe Bibby and Kristy Wallace as two new expansion teams bring fresh energy to women's basketball.
Oakland Celebrates Alysa Liu's Historic Olympic Gold Win
Figure skater Alysa Liu returned to her hometown of Oakland to a hero's welcome three weeks after becoming the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the sport in 24 years. The 20-year-old, who started skating just one block from City Hall at age 5, was celebrated with performances, speeches from fellow Olympic champions, and messages from NBA stars.
Japan Teacher Survived Two Disasters, Now Shares Hope
A schoolteacher who lived through earthquakes in 1995 and 2011 dedicates his career to helping students understand disaster resilience. His unique perspective bridges two tragic events separated by 16 years and hundreds of miles.
Oakland Plans Parade for Gold Medalist Alysa Liu
Twenty-year-old figure skater Alysa Liu just became the first American woman in 24 years to win Olympic gold in singles skating, and her hometown of Oakland is throwing her a victory celebration. The East Bay athlete trained at the Oakland Ice Center before stunning the world at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Olympic Skater's Rink Started as a Bold City Bet on Joy
When Oakland turned an empty lot into an ice rink 30 years ago, the plan nearly failed. Today it's where Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu trains, proof that betting on community spaces pays off.
Olympic Gold Skater Trains at Rink Built by Community Funds
Alysa Liu won gold for the U.S. in figure skating, training at an Oakland ice rink that almost never existed. Her home rink was built 30 years ago through a bold community investment program that helped neighborhoods before California shut it down.
Scientists Flip Quantum Effect to Create Magnetism
Japanese researchers just discovered they can switch quantum materials between magnetic and non-magnetic states by adjusting a single property. The breakthrough could help build the next generation of quantum computers.
Mississippi Rescue Saves Pregnant Dog and 9 Puppies
A pregnant dog wandering the streets of Brookhaven, Mississippi, was hours away from euthanasia when rescuers stepped in and saved 10 lives. Sweet Caroline gave birth to nine healthy puppies just 14 hours after her rescue.
Alton Family Creates $2K Scholarship for Educator Parents
Three brothers are honoring their late parents' teaching legacy with a new $2,000 scholarship for Alton High School seniors. The award celebrates Jim and Emily Wigger's decades of service to the Alton School District.
Golfer Wins First Title After 8-Year Injury Comeback
Bud Cauley won his first PGA Tour title at age 36, eight years after a devastating car accident nearly ended his career. His victory at the Canadian Open came on his 239th tournament attempt, proving that persistence pays off.
97-Year-Old Attends Great-Granddaughter's Med School Grad
Westel Creager kept a promise he made years ago, traveling to watch his great-granddaughter graduate from the same medical school he attended 60 years earlier. The emotional reunion brought together two generations of doctors and one powerful family legacy.
Golfer Bud Cauley Wins First PGA Tour After 8-Year Battle
Nearly eight years after a devastating car crash that left him with broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a fractured leg, professional golfer Bud Cauley finally won his first PGA Tour victory. The 239-start journey culminated at the RBC Canadian Open, where he finished with his wife and two young sons by his side.
Gym Owner Opens Combat Sports to All in Franklin
A Franklin gym owner is breaking down barriers in combat sports by offering free training sessions in local parks. Hira McClutchie has organized two major fight shows while making fitness accessible to everyone in the community.
Hiroshima Survivor, 80, Brings Peace Message to U.N.
An 80-year-old atomic bomb survivor who was exposed to radiation in his mother's womb delivered a powerful call for nuclear disarmament at the United Nations. His message echoes decades of advocacy from Japan's hibakusha community.
Showing 20 of 62