It was the sports scandal that rocked the world.
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Decades later, Margot Robbie immortalized the infamous skater inI, Tonya— a 2017 biopic that offers a surprisingly sympathetic view of Harding’s life before, during and after the shocking event.
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The Lead-Up
Kerrigan, on the other hand, became America’s Sweetheart after the 1992 games and went on to the sponsorship deals and public acclaim that eluded Harding. The two competed against each other leading up to the 1994 games as they vied for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
Kerrigan moments after she had been attacked in 1994.INTERSPORT TELEVISION
The Attack
Harding long disputed her involvement but was eventually convicted of hindering the investigation into the incident. She received three years probation, 500 hours of community service and a $160,000 fine — and was ultimately banned from the U.S. Figure Skating Association for life.
The Aftermath
Kerrigan was later inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2004 and served as a special correspondent during several Olympics. The former skater returned to the spotlight, competing on season 24 of Dancing with the Stars. Themarried mom of three– who danced alongside Artem Chigvintsev – made it to week seven in the popular television competition.
Gillooly changed his name to Jeff Stone and receded from the spotlight, thoughI, Tonyascreenwriter Steven Rogers told PEOPLE he agreed to be interviewed for the first time since the incident for the movie. Eckardt, who later changed his name to Brian Sean Griffith, died in 2007 from natural causes at the age of 40.
For Harding, life post-scandal proved difficult. According toa 2008 PEOPLE profile, Harding was arrested twice, once for a DUI and once for an attempted suicide. But in 2010, Harding wed Joseph Jens Price. The couple welcomed a son the following year, and Rogers said Harding lights up whenever he’s mentioned.
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Harding surprised fans — and even Robbie herself — when she attended the Los Angeles film premiere ofI, Tonya. The former skater was seen wiping away tears as she posed with Robbie on the red carpet.
Like Kerrigan,Harding also competedonDancing with the Stars. Appearing in season 26, a four-week event in 2018 that featured only athletes, Harding was paired with pro dancer Sasha Farber and placed third overall.
And although Harding continually denies her involvement in the scandal, she has remorse about the Kerrigan scandal. “Of course, I feel guilty for what happened,” she said in the 2008 profile, “But I can’t dwell. I have to go on living.”
source: people.com
