In this article, we draw attention to how being different can lead to becoming the first American woman to complete the very dangerous triple axel jump in figure skating competition (only six women have done it at the time of writing), as achieved by the gutsy American figure skater Tonya Harding, who overcame even her low-class background.
Tonya never had the support of her mother. What is more, her mother hit her when Tonya’s jumps were not perfect, and she never apologized for it. As a result, Tonya had a very poor relationship with her. Nevertheless, her training cost an arm and a leg, so her mother worked tirelessly in order to pay for her skating lessons.
Above all, Tonya was not a “princess” like her competitors, so we should never underestimate how difficult it can be to be different in the figure skating world.
Unfortunately for Tonya, in 1994, what judges were looking for in figure skating were princesses—ladylike, elegant girls. Her nails, makeup, clothes, and even her rock music and pop culture style did not fit into this traditional environment, where skaters resembled dolls in wedding-like dresses, performing to classical music. As a result, she was judged not for her training, but for her appearance.
It is utterly ridiculous and heartbreaking to see that, because of this, Tonya did not get sponsors, had to make her own outfits, and was criticized for them. She also had to train at a public rink because she could not afford a private one. Even so, she was head and shoulders above many of her “princess-like” competitors who had all those advantages.
Needless to say, she put her heart and soul into her training. It was more than a hobby, it was her life. She gave up her studies early and found true happiness on the ice. She was athletic, and in such a physically demanding sport as figure skating, she had the strength to perform the triple axel, a jump involving three and a half rotations in the air. Indeed, one key fact to bear in mind is that the triple axel is the only jump with a forward takeoff, requiring immense power from the quadriceps to generate speed and height.
Her career truly took off on February 16, 1991, at the National Figure Skating Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she performed the triple axel in competition, becoming the first American woman to successfully land it. No one before her had done it. In figure skating, a fall can cost everything, so this jump pushes skaters far beyond their comfort zones into a highly dangerous situation where failure is a real possibility.
Moreover, although figure skating may look graceful and effortless, jumping is not only physically demanding but also requires great courage, arguably the most important quality. The impact of landing a triple jump puts significant stress on the knees, hips, and ankles. As a result, a skater can suffer serious injuries that might end their competitive career. It is therefore understandable that many of Tonya’s competitors avoided attempting the triple axel to reduce the risk of injury or failure.
Harding, however, never suffered a major physical injury. Needless to say, she is a fighter, not as conventionally “pretty” as other American skaters, but strong, determined, real, and raw. In other words, she is a bold and remarkable character.
For all these reasons, I strongly believe she deserves recognition through this article and beyond. I highly commend Tonya’s determination to take action and strive toward her highest self and goals.
Tonya Harding – 1991 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Ladies’ Free Skate (ABC)
“Sharp Edges” is the title for a documentary about Tonya Harding. You can see it on the next websites:
abc news
Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story’: Part 1 – What Tonya Harding’s life growing up was like
Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story’ Part 2 – Transformation into a figure skater
Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story’ Part 3 – Ex-husband Jeff Gillooly
©Image: abcnews
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