'I should have won': Nancy Kerrigan discusses notorious Olympic skating scandal two decades on
Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan are two of the most famous ice skaters in the world, known not only for their award-winning performances on the rink, but for being involved in one of the biggest scandals in sporting history.
In January 1994, Nancy – dubbed America's ice princess - was viciously attacked in a mafia-style kneecapping as she competed for a place on the Olympic team.
The attack became known as the "Whack Heard Around the World" as video footage of the incident was screened on televisions across the globe.
"I saw something come from the right, from above… I had no idea how bad it was, but I couldn't walk on it for a couple of weeks. It was very traumatic."
The next day, Nancy’s very public rival Tonya Harding went on to win the National Championships and secure a spot on the Olympic team as Nancy was forced to watch on from the audience.
Within days Tonya and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly were revealed as prime suspects, and under intense media pressure Tonya’s bodyguard Shawn Eckardt confessed to hiring friends Shane Stant and Derrick Smith to carry out the clubbing. Tonya’s ex-husband was the mastermind, and they all pointed the finger at Tonya.
Tonya insisted she only learned of the hit after it happened and kept her spot on the team. While all of this was taking place, Nancy had begun intense physio hoping to be included in the team and was granted a last minute position.
The face-off between the two women became one of the most watched sporting events in history.
This week on 60 Minutes, more than twenty years on, reporter Peter Stefanovic revisits the bitter feud to reveal a new twist in this controversial story of jealousy, revenge and ambition.
"A bit of nostalgia this Sunday", says Stefanovic. "That whack is still unbelievable 23 years on."
Following the Olympics, justice was finally served on Tonya as she was fined $100,000 and given a lifetime ban from competitive skating. However, it’s what has taken place behind closed doors in the last twenty years that has seen this sporting scandal resurface.
In a preview for this week’s 60 MINUTES, Stefanovic speaks to Nancy on the two-decade long feud. “Did Tonya ever apologise to you?” he asks.
Stefanovic also sits down with Sandra Luckow, Tonya’s skating team mate who went on to create a documentary on her early success and tough childhood. Reflecting on the violent attack that has defined the lives of both women for decades, Sandra responds, “It was unlike anything that anyone had ever seen.”
Where are Tonya and Nancy now? On Thin Ice airs this Sunday on 60 Minutes, 8.45pm on Channel 9.