Tonya Harding is preparing to return to the ice, decades after a scandal ended her competitive figure skating career. The former U.S. champion, now 55, hopes to perform in front of a live audience this December. Her comeback is not about chasing medals or rewriting her past. Instead, Harding wants to reconnect with the sport that shaped much of her life, even as she works to rebuild the strength needed to skate again.
Tonya Harding prepares for December skating show with harness training
Tonya Harding discussed her plans in an October 30 interview with KOIN 6, revealing that she will take part in a public skating event called “Tonya and Friends” on December 12. The show will take place at Mountain View Ice Arena in Vancouver, Washington.Harding’s return has required patience. Harding began skating twice a week in the spring, hoping that an opportunity to perform would eventually come along. She now uses a harness during practice as she works to improve her balance, stamina and strength.The training offers a glimpse of how much work goes into returning to a physically demanding sport after years away. Harding is not currently eligible to compete in official U.S. Figure Skating Association events, but the December appearance gives her a chance to perform for fans again.“I just want people to come out and have fun and be able to enjoy a real skating show,” she told KOIN 6.She also made clear that her attachment to skating has never faded.“The love of skating is the reason why I’ve always come back,” she told the outlet. “I just can’t walk away from it.”.Her former coach, Dody Teachman, who is helping her prepare for the show, also praised her determination. “She’s a force all her own.”
Tonya Harding’s skating comeback revisits a controversial past
Tonya Harding rose to fame in 1991 after becoming the first American woman to land a triple Axel in competition at the U.S. Championships. She won the national title that year and later earned silver at the World Championships. She also represented the United States at the 1992 Winter Olympics.However, her career took a dramatic turn before the 1994 Winter Olympics. Nancy Kerrigan was attacked with a metal baton, and the investigation exposed a conspiracy involving Harding’s former husband, Jeff Gillooly, and her bodyguard, Shawn Eckardt. They had arranged for Shane Stant to assault Kerrigan.Harding denied knowing about the attack beforehand but later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder the investigation. She received probation, community service and a $160,000 fine. The U.S. Figure Skating Association subsequently banned her for life from competing in or coaching the sport.Her life after skating included professional boxing, television appearances and renewed public attention through the 2017 film I, Tonya, starring Margot Robbie. Harding also competed on Dancing with the Stars and won Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition.Now, her December performance offers a different kind of return. Harding says skating still brings her happiness, and she is eager to share that feeling with an audience.“It makes my heart feel good,” Harding said about her return. “And I am really glad people can come see me skate again.”