Tonya Harding, now known as Tonya Price, is a former Olympic figure skater, professional boxer, and television personality. As of 2024, she is 53 years old and has an estimated net worth of $150,000. Despite her early success in figure skating, Harding’s career took a dramatic turn following the infamous 1994 attack on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan. Over the years, she has pursued various careers, including boxing and television appearances, but financial stability has remained a challenge.
How Did Tonya Harding’s Early Life Shape Her Career?
Born on November 12, 1970, in Portland, Oregon, Tonya Harding grew up in a financially struggling household. Her mother, LaVona Golden, worked as a waitress, while her father, Albert Harding, took on multiple jobs, including truck driving and apartment management. From the young age of three, Tonya began figure skating under the guidance of coach Diane Rawlinson. Due to financial constraints, her mother hand-sewed her skating costumes.
Harding endured a turbulent childhood, facing alleged physical and emotional abuse from her mother. She also claimed in her 2008 authorized biography, The Tonya Tapes, that she suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her half-brother. Despite these hardships, her dedication to skating remained unwavering, leading her to drop out of high school to pursue the sport professionally. She later earned her GED in 1988.
What Were Harding’s Achievements in Figure Skating?
Tonya Harding rose to prominence in the late 1980s, consistently placing in the top ranks of U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Some of her notable accomplishments include:
- 1986: Sixth place in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
- 1989: Third place in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
- 1991: Became the first American woman to land a triple axel in competition, securing her victory at the U.S. Championships and finishing second in the World Championships.
- 1992: Finished third in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and fourth at the Winter Olympics.
- 1994: Initially won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships but was later stripped of her title due to the Nancy Kerrigan attack scandal.
Harding’s ability to perform the triple axel was a defining moment in women’s figure skating, cementing her place in the sport’s history. However, her career was soon overshadowed by controversy.
What Happened in the Nancy Kerrigan Attack Scandal?
On January 6, 1994, Nancy Kerrigan was attacked after a practice session at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit. The assailant, Shane Stant, struck Kerrigan’s knee with a baton. Investigations later revealed that Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and his friend Shawn Eckhardt orchestrated the attack.
Harding initially denied any involvement but later pleaded guilty to obstructing the investigation. As a result, she received:
- Three years of probation
- 500 hours of community service
- A $100,000 fine
- A lifetime ban from U.S. Figure Skating Association competitions
Despite her ban, Harding remained a controversial public figure, appearing in media interviews and later transitioning to other professions.
How Did Harding Transition to Boxing?
Following the end of her skating career, Harding attempted to reinvent herself as a professional boxer. Her notable boxing career moments include:
- 2002: Won a televised Celebrity Boxing match against Paula Jones.
- 2003: Made her professional boxing debut but lost to Samantha Browning.
- 2004: Participated in several matches but ultimately retired due to asthma and health issues.
Harding’s boxing career was short-lived, but it provided a temporary avenue for her to stay in the public eye. However, she faced difficulties securing fights and sponsorships due to her controversial past.
What Has Tonya Harding Done in Recent Years?
Since retiring from competitive sports, Harding has taken on various jobs, including working as a painter, welder, and deck builder. In 2018, she regained public attention by competing on Dancing with the Stars, where she finished in third place.
She also gained renewed media interest after the release of I, Tonya (2017), a biographical film starring Margot Robbie. While the film helped reshape her public image, reports suggest Harding was only paid $1,500 for her life rights, with additional incentives based on the movie’s success.
What Is Tonya Harding’s Personal Life Like?
Harding has been married three times:
- Jeff Gillooly (1990–1993): Despite their divorce, they remained connected until the 1994 Kerrigan scandal.
- Michael Smith (1995–1996): Their marriage was short-lived.
- Joseph Price (2010–present): The couple welcomed their son, Gordon, in 2011.
Harding has had several legal troubles, including a 2000 arrest for domestic violence against her then-boyfriend. Despite these struggles, she has worked towards rebuilding her life with her family.
Is Tonya Harding Still in the Public Eye?
Although Harding is no longer in competitive sports, she continues to make occasional public appearances and media engagements. She has spoken about her experiences in interviews, often expressing frustration over her portrayal in the media. However, I, Tonya played a significant role in softening public perception of her, painting her as both a victim and a complex individual.
Conclusion
Tonya Harding’s life has been a rollercoaster of triumphs, scandals, and reinvention. From being a trailblazer in figure skating to facing a lifetime ban, she has remained a subject of fascination. Despite financial struggles and past controversies, she continues to live life on her terms, maintaining a presence in the public eye while focusing on her family. Her story remains one of resilience, controversy, and the relentless pursuit of second chances.
