A St. Louis Cardinals legend and an Olympics icon forever will be linked.
The Musial Awards announced that gold-medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi is the 2025 recipient of the Stan Musial Lifetime Achievement Award for Sportsmanship.
Since winning her medal in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, Yamaguchi has devoted much of her time to others, particularly by positively impacting young people.
“The special award recognizes iconic sports figures who have embodied class, dignity, generosity, integrity, and excellence throughout their lives and careers,” the organization said in a news release Monday.
“Her ever-present ebullience, determination to reach the pinnacle of her craft, and penchant to uplift others make Yamaguchi a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Stan Musial Lifetime Achievement Award for Sportsmanship.”
She will be given the Musial Award, presented by Maryville University, on Nov. 22 in a ceremony at Stifel Theatre in St. Louis.
Previous winners include Bob Costas, Bill Bradley, Albert Pujols, Wayne and Janet Gretzky, Hank Aaron, Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci, Jim Thome, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Cal Ripken, Jr., Arnold Palmer and Joe Torre, who played for the Cardinals from 1970-74.
“The Musial family is so happy that Kristi Yamaguchi is accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award named for Stan. As a competitor, role model and humanitarian, she has long demonstrated a passion for excellence and kindness,” the family said in the news release. “She understands the magnitude and responsibility of her success, and she carries that with respect, engagement with her fans, and compassion for all. We are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate her achievements, virtues, perseverance, and the way she has inspired so many.”
Yamaguchi, 51, has worked with organizations that include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and she formed Always Dream in 1996, which focuses on literacy as a foundation to learning. She also has written inspirational children’s books and mentored up-and-coming skaters.
She said in the news release that she appreciates the Musial honor.
“Being a successful athlete is great, but my parents always taught me the importance of giving back and improving my community, so the Musial Award is touching to me personally because of what it means beyond my accomplishments on the ice,” Yamaguchi said. “I knew I had the support and encouragement to go after my dreams, but I wanted every child out there to have access to whatever their dream is.”
Musial, who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Cardinals (1941-44, 1946-64), also was known as a role model throughout every phase of his life. The three-time World Series winner died Jan. 19, 2013, at age 92.