Was Tonya ever allowed to skate again?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

No, Tonya Harding was not allowed to skate again after her involvement in the aftermath of the assault on Nancy Kerrigan. On March 16, 1994, Harding accepted a plea bargain in which she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution. This plea bargain was a result of her knowledge and involvement in the planning and execution of the attack on Kerrigan.

As a consequence of her actions, the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) made the decision to ban Harding for life on June 30, 1994. This meant that she was no longer allowed to participate in any USFSA-sanctioned events or competitions. The ban was a significant blow to Harding’s skating career, as she was unable to continue competing at a professional level.

The USFSA’s decision to ban Harding for life was met with mixed reactions. Some believed that the punishment was justified given her involvement in the attack on Kerrigan, while others felt that it was too harsh and that she should have been given a second chance. The ban effectively ended Harding’s competitive skating career, as she was unable to regain her standing in the sport.

Despite the ban, Harding did continue to skate in various non-sanctioned events and exhibitions. However, her opportunities to perform and compete were significantly limited compared to her previous professional career. She also made attempts to transition into other forms of entertainment, such as boxing and reality television.

In recent years, there has been some reconsideration of Harding’s ban by the USFSA. In 2018, the USFSA stated that they would consider allowing Harding to become a member again and skate in sanctioned events. This decision was made in light of the release of the movie “I, Tonya,” which depicted Harding’s life and the events surrounding the Kerrigan attack. However, it is important to note that this does not mean Harding has been officially reinstated or given permission to compete.

In conclusion, Tonya Harding was not allowed to skate again after her involvement in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan. The USFSA banned her for life in 1994, effectively ending her competitive skating career. While there have been discussions about potentially lifting the ban in recent years, no official decision has been made to reinstate Harding or allow her to compete in sanctioned events.