Yamaguchi: No to ’94 Olympics

Kristi Yamaguchi, gold medalist in figure skating at the 1992 Winter Olympics at Albertville, France, will not defend her title at Lillehammer, Norway, in February. Yamaguchi said she will not apply for reinstatement of her eligibility to compete as an amateur.

Yamaguchi, 22, has been touring with Scott Hamilton, Brian Orser, Rosalyn Sumners and other former Olympic stars. Yamaguchi was asked if the emergence of Ukrainian 15-year-old Oksana Baiul at the world championships had affected her decision.

“I wouldn’t say the worlds was the deciding factor,” Yamaguchi said. “But it helped to reinforce my decision.”