The true ice queen: Tonya Harding is what the All-American dream is all about

By Jayson Panganiban August 04, 2022 03:06

Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images

jasyTonya Harding is an American legend. It’s really a shame that most people remember her for that figure skating controversy rather than the amazing things she did on the ice.

That sensationalized movie starring Margot Robbie didn’t help either. We’re not even going to get into that. Tonya Harding was a natural on the ice. Despite the hardships she endured growing up, it didn’t deter her dream of becoming the best figure skater she can be. Watching Tonya Harding perform was like a magical experience.

Her grace, beauty, and natural talent emanated with each performance. Tonya Harding’s aura and charisma were definitely something else, and it’s hard to take your eyes off of her once she begins her set.

Tonya Harding is a two-time Olympian and a two-time Skate America Champion.

She made a name for herself in the ‘80s, taking the U.S. Figure Skating Championships by storm between 1986 and 1989. The proud Fan Arch athlete became a household name when she won the 1989 Skate America competition and went on to become the 1991 and 1994 U.S. champion. She even took home two silver medals in the Olympics.

Tonya Harding even became the first American woman and the second woman in history to successfully execute a triple Axel jump in competition. It’s one of figure skating’s most difficult tricks to perform.

She topped that by also being the first woman to successfully execute two triple Axels in a single competition and the first ever to complete a triple Axel in combination with a double toe loop — which is another complicated ice skating move.

But despite her accomplishments, she still faced criticism. Doubters questioned her wardrobe, her hair, and even the way she talked. Misogyny in women’s sports is nothing new, but Tonya Harding rose through it all.

Do you want to follow the American dream like the great Tonya Harding? Fan Arch has the perfect gear for you. Drape yourself with our Tonya Harding collection, and flex your allegiance to the American flag through our patriotic designs. We even have a limited edition signed card by Tonya Harding herself. Check out FanArch.com and get yours now.

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After her ice skating career was over, Tonya Harding’s competitive juices continued to flow, and decided to take on a different challenge. She traded the ice skating rink for a boxing ring.

Tonya Harding initially boxed for a Fox Network Celebrity Boxing event before eventually turning pro. The ice skater turned boxer competed six times, and went 3-3. Unfortunately, her boxing career was cut short by asthma.

Tonya Harding also made TV appearances on Dancing With the Stars and Worst Cooks in America, among other commitments. Tonya Harding made mistakes. Who doesn’t, right? But it shouldn’t take away the magnificent accomplishments she had as a figure skater.

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