Although Kerrigan withdrew from the Olympic trials, U.S. skating officials gave her one of the two Olympic slots. The other went to Harding, who won the trial competition. But less than a week later, authorities were investigating Harding's former husband and her bodyguard in connection with the attack. And during the February 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, Kerrigan skated away with the silver medal while Harding came home with nothing. Eventually, Harding and four others were convicted on charges related to the Kerrigan clubbing.
Life is too precious to throw away.
Ore. She is still the only American woman to land a triple axel in competition, but her current routine will show more maturity and less athleticism than five years ago. The professional competition that began Monday also features competition for men, dance and pairs. It will be broadcast on ESPN on Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8. Harding's competitors include Surya Bonaly, Elizabeth Manley, Tonia Kwiatkowski and Rory Burghart, the latter a replacement for Pasha Grischuk, who was injured in practice last week. For those who watch the competition and who are having their own problems, Harding said she hopes she can be a role model for getting a second chance.