Tonya Maxene Harding, now known as Tonya Price, is a figure who has experienced both the heights of athletic success and the depths of public scrutiny. Born on November 12, 1970, in Portland, Oregon, Harding’s life has been marked by a remarkable rise to prominence as a figure skater, a dramatic fall due to scandal, and a later reinvention as a boxer and reality TV personality. Despite the controversies that have surrounded her, Harding’s story is one of resilience, determination, and survival.
Early Life and Beginnings in Figure Skating
Tonya Harding’s early years were anything but easy. Raised in a working-class family, Harding faced financial hardships from a young age. Her mother, LaVona Golden, worked long hours as a waitress to support her daughter’s dream of becoming a figure skater, while her father, Albert Harding, struggled with various jobs due to health issues. Despite these challenges, Harding’s passion for skating began at the tender age of three, and her mother sewed many of her costumes to help make ends meet.
Harding’s early talent on the ice was evident, and by her teenage years, she was competing in national events. At 16, she placed sixth at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and she continued to rise through the ranks. By 1989, Harding had earned her first major victory at Skate America, solidifying her position as one of America’s most promising figure skaters.
Skating Triumphs: The Triple Axel and Beyond
One of Harding’s most significant achievements came in 1991 when she became the first American woman—and only the second woman in the world—to land a triple Axel jump in competition. This achievement set her apart from her peers and earned her the U.S. Ladies’ Singles title in the same year. Harding’s powerful athleticism and technical skill were her trademarks, and her second-place finish at the 1991 World Championships further underscored her status as one of the top skaters in the world.
Harding continued to perform at a high level in the years leading up to the 1992 Winter Olympics, where she placed fourth overall. However, the following years would see her career take a dramatic turn due to events off the ice.
The 1994 Scandal and Its Aftermath
In 1994, Harding became embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in sports history. In January of that year, Nancy Kerrigan, a fellow U.S. figure skater and Harding’s main rival, was attacked after a practice session at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Kerrigan was struck on the leg by a baton-wielding assailant, forcing her to withdraw from the competition. It was soon revealed that the attack had been orchestrated by Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and several associates. Although Harding denied direct involvement, she was accused of covering up the plot.
The fallout from the scandal was swift and severe. Harding’s 1994 U.S. Championship title was stripped, and she was subsequently banned for life from participating in U.S. Figure Skating events. Despite the damage to her reputation, Harding remained defiant and continued to insist on her innocence regarding the attack’s planning.
Life After Skating: Boxing and Reality TV
With her figure skating career effectively over, Harding sought new avenues to rebuild her life and income. In the early 2000s, she entered the world of professional boxing, a bold move that surprised many. Harding’s boxing career, though brief, was notable. Between 2003 and 2004, she competed in six professional matches, but her career in the ring ended prematurely due to health issues, including asthma.
Beyond boxing, Harding also appeared on various reality TV shows, most notably competing on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2018. Her participation in the popular competition marked a comeback of sorts, and she finished in third place. In 2019, Harding appeared on “Worst Cooks in America” and, against all odds, won the competition.
The Legacy of “I, Tonya”
The 2017 film I, Tonya rekindled public interest in Harding’s story. Starring Margot Robbie as Harding, the biographical dark comedy presented a more nuanced portrayal of her life, focusing on the struggles she endured, both in her personal life and in her rise and fall from figure skating stardom. The film was critically acclaimed, and Robbie’s portrayal of Harding earned her an Academy Award nomination. Harding herself was involved in the film’s production, reportedly receiving $1,500 to license her life story, with additional bonuses based on the film’s success.
The movie shed new light on Harding’s complicated relationship with her mother, LaVona, whom Harding has accused of physical and emotional abuse. I, Tonya highlighted these allegations, and the film’s narrative humanized Harding, portraying her not just as a scandalized athlete but as a person who overcame significant adversity.
Personal Life and Current Endeavors
Throughout her life, Harding’s personal relationships have been turbulent. She married Jeff Gillooly in 1990, but their marriage was fraught with conflict, and they divorced in 1993. In the years following the Kerrigan scandal, Harding’s romantic life continued to be rocky. After a short-lived marriage to Michael Smith, Harding married Joseph Price in 2010. The couple had a son, Gordon, in 2011, and they now reside in Vancouver, Washington.
In addition to her time in the spotlight, Harding has held various jobs over the years, working as a welder, a painter, and a sales clerk. Despite the ups and downs, Harding has proven to be remarkably adaptable, always finding ways to move forward.
Personal Information (Tonya Harding)
- Full Name: Tonya Maxene Harding (now Tonya Price)
- Date of Birth: November 12, 1970
- Age: 53 (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Portland, Oregon, USA
- Occupation: Former figure skater, retired boxer, reality TV personality
- Achievements: 1991 U.S. Ladies’ Singles Champion, first American woman to land a triple Axel, 1991 World silver medalist
- Spouse: Joseph Price (married in 2010), previously married to Jeff Gillooly and Michael Smith
- Children: Son, Gordon Price (born in 2011)
- Net Worth: Estimated $150,000
- Notable TV Appearances: Dancing with the Stars, Worst Cooks in America
- Controversy: Involved in the 1994 Nancy Kerrigan attack scandal
- Residence: Vancouver, Washington
Conclusion
Tonya Harding’s life has been a story of extremes. From the pinnacle of figure skating achievement to the depths of scandal and public shame, she has faced hardships that would have overwhelmed many. Yet through it all, Harding has shown an extraordinary capacity for reinvention. Whether through boxing, television, or simply as a mother and wife, Harding’s resilience remains her defining trait. Though her legacy may be marred by controversy, her strength and determination continue to capture the public’s imagination.
