Nagano 18 February 1998, XVIII Olympic Winter Games. Figure skating, women's individual: Tara LIPINSKI of the United States during the short program. Credit: Getty Images/BRUNSKILL Clive

Born: 10 June 1982

Birthplace: Philadelphia (United States)

Nationality: United States

Sport: Skating

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Nagano 1998

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 1

Other results:

World Championships

Gold: 1 (97)

Youngest Winter Winner of an Individual Event

Raised in in Sugarland, Texas, tiny Tara Lipinski first attracted international attention when, at the age of 13, she qualified for the United States team at the 1996 world championships. She placed 15th, but the following year she caused a sensation when she finished first and became the youngest world champion in figure skating history. Still, when the 1998 Olympics came around, Lipinski was picked for the silver medal behind Michelle Kwan. Kwan led after the short programme, but Lipinski's exuberant long programme won her the first place votes of six of the nine judges and she edged ahead to take the gold medal. At the age of 15 years and 255 days, Lipinski became the youngest winner of an individual event in the history of the Winter Olympics, beating Sonja Henie's 70-year-old record by two months.