Disgraced Figure Skater Tonya Harding, Now 54, Makes Surprising Return To Social Media

Tonya Harding was once a prominent figure in the world of ice skating, and she has re-entered the public eye in recent times. At 54, she opened an account on X and shared a personal video message that got people talking.

Harding expressed her excitement about joining the social media platform in the selfie-style clip and wished her audience a Happy New Year. She also encouraged viewers to connect with her, and ended the message with a warm farewell.

Fans react to Tonya Harding’s post on X

Hi everyone! I’ve finally figured out how to make an account on here!!

I’m very excited to reconnect with you all
(if anyone remembers me) ?

With love,
Tonya pic.twitter.com/lfhiwdeYbY

— Tonya Harding (@itstonyaharding) January 29, 2025

 

The responses to Harding’s X debut was heartwarming, as one follower assured her of being hard to forget and asked about her well-being. Another inquired about her current involvement in ice skating, while someone else reminisced about watching her perform a triple axel in 1994, calling it “one of the greatest moments in sports history.” “You’re the champ,” they said.

However, some noted that the timing of her introduction to X was wrong and her post was “tone-deaf.” That day, several members of the United States Figure Skating team were involved in a tragic accident when their plane collided with a military helicopter near Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The identities of the passengers have yet to be confirmed.

Tonya Harding was banned from skating for life

Despite the warm reception from fans, Harding’s past includes a significant controversy that led to her lifetime ban from figure skating. In January 1994, as she and fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan prepared for the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships, Kerrigan was attacked in the women’s locker room. Harding’s partner at the time, Jeff Gillooly, hired a hitman who struck Kerrigan in the leg, aiming to eliminate her from the competition.

Harding pleaded guilty to hindering the prosecution of the attackers, and her sentence included three years of probation, 500 hours of community service, and a substantial fine. Additionally, she was stripped of her national championship title and received a lifetime ban from figure skating.