Tonya Harding

ABOUT

Tonya Maxene Harding, born November 12, 1970, in Portland, Oregon, is an American former figure skater, retired boxer, and reality television personality. Harding's rise to fame in the early 1990s was marked by her sheer talent and athletic prowess, but her career took a dramatic turn due to events surrounding the infamous 1994 attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan. Despite her controversies, Harding remains a notable figure in the world of sports and popular culture.

BEFORE FAME

Harding's interest in skating began at a young age. She was just four years old when she first laced up a pair of skates. Guided by her mother, LaVona Golden, who pushed her relentlessly, Harding pursued the sport with determination. By the age of twelve, she had landed her first triple lutz, showcasing an athleticism and power that would become her trademark. Harding's early years were challenging both on and off the ice, but her exceptional abilities set the stage for what would become an impressive, albeit contentious, career.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Tonya Harding's career in figure skating was defined by both brilliant achievements and notable controversies. She made history by becoming the first American woman to land a triple axel in competition at the 1991 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Her athletic ability was unprecedented, and she was recognized for her powerful jumping skills and technical proficiency.

However, her career was overshadowed by the attack on Nancy Kerrigan, her main competitor, in January 1994. The incident, orchestrated by her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and his associates, led to Harding's expulsion from the U.S. Figure Skating Association and essentially ended her competitive skating career.

TRIVIA

• Tonya Harding is one of only a few women who have successfully completed a triple axel in competition.
• After her figure skating career ended, Harding briefly pursued a career in professional boxing.
• She has had a varied post-skating career, making appearances on reality TV shows, including "Dancing with the Stars".

FAMILY LIFE

Tonya Harding's upbringing was turbulent. She experienced a strenuous relationship with her mother, LaVona Golden, who was known for her demanding and abusive nature. Harding married Jeff Gillooly in 1990, but the couple divorced in 1993, amidst the controversy of the 1994 attack. Harding remarried in 1995 to Michael Smith, but the marriage was short-lived. In 2010, she married Joseph Jens Price, and in 2011, the couple welcomed their son, Gordon.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout her career, Tonya Harding has been closely associated with Nancy Kerrigan. The two skaters were rivals, and their connection became infamous due to the 1994 attack. Despite this, Kerrigan and Harding are often mentioned together as key figures in one of the most talked-about incidents in sports history. Additionally, Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harding in the 2017 biopic "I, Tonya" brought Harding's story back into the public eye, challenging audiences to reassess her legacy.

Tonya Harding's life and career continue to intrigue and fascinate, embodying a complex narrative of talent, controversy, and resilience.