Tonya Harding

Tonya Maxine Harding (born November 12, 1970) is a former figure skater from Portland, Oregon. Despite a tough childhood in an unstable lower-class family, as well as being plagued by asthma, she became an elite figure skater. She won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships twice and place second in the 1991 World Championships. She was the second woman, and the first American woman, to complete a triple axel jump in competition.

Related Topics:
November 12 - 1970 - Figure skater - Portland, Oregon - Asthma - 1991 - World Championships - Triple axel

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She became notorious for allegedly conspiring to harm competitor Nancy Kerrigan in an attack, which took place on January 6, 1994 at a practice session during the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly had hired Shane Stant to strike Kerrigan on the knee. Harding went on to win that event, while Kerrigan's injury forced her to withdraw. After Harding admitted that she had helped to cover up the attack, both the United States Figure Skating Association and United States Olympic Committee initiated proceedings to remove her from the 1994 Olympic team, but Harding retained her place after threatening legal action. She finished eighth while Kerrigan, recovered from her injuries, finished second.

Related Topics:
Nancy Kerrigan - January 6 - 1994 - Jeff Gillooly - Shane Stant - United States Figure Skating Association - United States Olympic Committee - 1994 Olympic

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