Tonya was born in Portland, Oregon and was raised mostly by her mother. Her lower-class family did not have the money to foster her athleticism. Nonetheless, Tonya started to skate at the young age of 3. In the mid-80’s, she became a prominent face in the world of skating. Tonya achieved several accomplishments throughout her skating career, like being the first American woman to execute a triple Axel.
She also competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Competition. However, controversy seemed to trail Harding every step of the way.
Nancy Kerrigan – Then
While her family wasn’t exactly financially equipped to deal with the high costs involved in professional figure skating, her father did everything in his power to help his daughter make her dreams come true. Daniel Kerrigan worked 3 jobs to be able to support her passion, including driving the ice resurfaced at a local rink in Stoneham, Massachusetts in exchange for Nancy’s lessons.
In 1987, Nancy took fourth place at the junior U.S Figure Skating Championships and her jumping skills and talent became widely recognized.
Nancy Kerrigan – Now
Nancy fell for the sport of figure skating at the young age of 6. She became a prominent name in figure skating and took home the bronze medal in the 1992 Olympics game in Albertville, France.
After the scandalous attack that changed her life, she luckily recovered and was able to compete in the 1994 Olympics in Norway. Most recently, she was spotted on Dancing With The Stars for season 24 and made it until the seventh week.
Tonya Harding – Now
One month prior to the 1994 Winter Olympics, champion Nancy Kerrigan was beaten in the knee. She was forced to drop out of the competition and Harding was able to join. Rumors began to circulate that it was Tonya and her ex-husband who hired somebody to assault Kerrigan. Harding was convicted in court and the attack received a lot of publicity. The incident greatly impacted Harding and she was later arrested twice and attempted suicide.
In 2017, a biographical film was released titled “I, Tonya.” It received positive reviews. Harding continues to be referenced in popular culture, in T.V, film, and music.
Judi Sheppard Missett – Then
The 80’s fitness industry would be nothing without Jazzercise. Jazzercise, a dance fitness franchise company that was founded by Judi Sheppard Missett in 1969. The full-body workout combines dance, strength, and resistance training with popular music. The company today has grown to over 8,300 franchises around the world in 32 countries.
Judi started the company after teaching at a dance studio and noticing the high dropout rate among participants. She made it her mission to create a class which combined dance with physical fitness. The concept quickly took off and people were hooked.