Olympic | Tara Lipinski | World Figure Skating Museum | Kristi Yamaguchi

GOLDEN GIRL

As a member of the touring Target Stars on Ice, 19-year-old figure skater Tara Lipinski travels around the U.S. stopping in 61 cities to perform with fellow Olympians Kristi Yamaguchi, Katarina Witt, and others. As a member of the 1998 U.S. Olympic team, Lipinski skated past team member Michelle Kwan to capture the women’s gold in Nagano, Japan.

AW: How is traveling with the Target Stars different than other skating?
TL: With Target Stars on Ice we have the opportunity to perform as an ensemble and it’s such a thrill to look out on the ice and see so many Olympic and world champions. We all really love the chance to perform together in such a theatrical way.

AW: What events are you most looking forward to watching at the Olympics this year?
TL: I love skiing. I can’t get enough of watching Picabo Street and Jonny Moseley.

AW: What’s it like being a competitor in the Olympics?
TL: I loved being in the dorms and the village, meeting so many incredible people, and getting to hang out with athletes from all over the world. It really gave me a sense of what the Olympic spirit is all about.

AW: Where do you keep your gold medal?
TL: It is in the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They have the costume I wore, and it’s displayed next to Kristi Yamaguchi’s medal, which is a real thrill.

— James E. Mayfield