Rudy Galindo: On his Life, Skating, Kristi Yamaguchi & More

Entertainment Reporter Tim Estiloz chatted with champion pro skater Rudy Galindo... about Galindo's personal life, struggles, triumphs and tragedies in this 1996 TV interview. At the time of this interview, Galindo had - only days earlier - stunned the US figure skating community by winning the 1996 US Senior Men's National Title with a performance that was a "once in a lifetime" moment. Through Galindo's agent at the time - Estiloz scored the VERY FIRST, detailed interview with Galindo at his - then - "trailer park" home... well before Galindo would receive the wealth and notoriety he enjoys today as a successful professional skater. This video is unique in that it shows an extremely candid Galindo... and a unique window into the modest life he led with his wonderful supportive family. At the time, his was a life that was VERY different from more "privileged" figure skaters - and this video is a testament to the obstacles Galindo and his family - especially his supportive sister and Mom, had to overcome. His modest means displayed in this candid interview only typifies that great well-deserved triumph he enjoyed at the 1996 Nationals and since. This video also includes Galindo speaking "on the record" about how his break-up as a pair team with skating superstar Kristi Yamaguchi deeply affected him at the time. Included is RARE video of a very, very young Galindo and Yamaguchi skating together as a pair team - years before their eventual skating stardom individually. This is a unique window into the life of one of skating's most unique skaters. This video was shot under somewhat harried conditions - as the media attnetion on Galindo was building and the family was a bit unprepared for the attention - so Estiloz has expressed his gratitude to the Galindo family for granting him such personal access - despite deep reservations about meeting the media in their home at the time.
This story was written and produced by Tim Estiloz - who now covers entertainment news for CN8 - The Comcast Network.
See more of Tim Estiloz' videos on "You Tube" under the title "FilmFanTV".... and be sure to subscribe.
Be sure to visit Tim's website: www.TimEstiloz.com
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Her singles coach left, and Kristi had to choose between pairs and singles.