THE SPORTSMISTAKES RECORD

Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan Scandal

1994 • Olympics • Player Mistake • Sportsmanship
Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan Scandal — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

On January 6, 1994, Nancy Kerrigan was attacked with a baton during a practice session at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The assault, orchestrated by Tonya Harding's ex-husband and bodyguard to hinder Kerrigan's Olympic chances, forced her withdrawal. Harding won the championship but later pleaded guilty to conspiring to obstruct the investigation, resulting in her lifetime ban from competitive figure skating.

TEAMS / PEOPLE: Tonya Harding, Nancy Kerrigan

WHY IT MATTERS

The scandal led to Harding's permanent ban from competitive figure skating and remains a significant example of unethical conduct in sports.

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