The Rivalry Turned Violent: Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan’s Infamous Feud
Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan, two figure skaters, were embroiled in a bitter rivalry that culminated in a shocking attack on Kerrigan. On January 6, 1994, a hitman hired by Harding’s ex-husband and bodyguard struck Kerrigan’s right leg with a collapsible baton, leaving her bruised but not seriously injured. The incident sparked a media frenzy, and Harding was implicated in the plot, though she denied knowing about it beforehand. Harding went on to win the U.S. Championships while Kerrigan recovered, but the attack ultimately led to Harding’s downfall, as she was banned from competitive skating and served probation for her role in the conspiracy.