Tonya Harding (USA) - 1991 Skate America, Ladies' Free Skate.

Finishing 1st before Kristie Yamaguchi ! Tonya Lands a huge triple Axel and performs amazing the rest of the program.

[@danahatzimichaels3531]

Just imagine what this little lady could have been had she been given the right support and encouragement along the way. Her talent was never in question. She scared everyone shitless in the skating world.

[@tinadiffee9539]

You said it!!!

[@pgarciaAP]

And with the army of goons…..

[@clo999]

Just imagine if she hadn’t tried to take out her competition but listened to her coaches and worked on what she lacked.

[@edgarallanpoe209]

@@clo999 she didnt tho. it was her husband that tried to do it

[@bunnynorway]

She had that support in Barbara Flowers and Dodi Teachmann, but she threw it away. They tried!

[@megh9263]

I'm no judge. But I've watched other skaters, Tonyas jumps.... Incomparable.

[@Artist.359.]

She gets so much height in her jumps

[@user-th3ky5zw9b]

She was a powerhouse. If she had the right team behind her instead of fighting every battle alone.. she would've been unstoppable

[@drew8703]

I think she had the right coach and she did get to the top by winning nationals one year without anything like in '94 (forget if she won worlds at any point), but, even under the best of circumstances in figure skating, peaking at the time of the Olympics and then having two perfect skates makes winning a gold medal a total crapshoot, and thats pretty much the only thing that matters in terms of being remembered and realizing any lasting benefits from a skating career. Michelle Kwan is a great example of this -- multiple Olympics and never won a gold at Olympics even when she was winning the worlds year after year; the U.S. gold medal winners I remember, like Tara Lipinski, were dark horses and their wins seemed unexpected. I also wonder how the changes in scoring that have occurred could have changed things for Tanya. As I understand it, and I don't claim to have that much understanding, the changes were such that a skater trying to push the envelope won't be crushed by attempting and not landing the more difficult moves like the triple axle. I think back then Tanya's only chance to win was to land the triple axle and it never quite made sense that a skater who didn't even attempt that move would automatically beat her just based on that.

[@bonniehowell9206]

​@@drew8703I don't know much either, but generally agree with your assessment. The only ice skater was was ever able to land a back flip on one leg (sorry I forgot her name ) is another example of a strong and beautiful woman who is an extraordinary athlete who also pushed the envelope. It seems they judge harshly in style, grace , and playing it safe over the ones who tested boundaries.

[@drew8703]

@@bonniehowell9206 was it the French woman? Sanya Baul?

[@drew8703]

There's never been a repeat gold medalist at consecutive Olympics, right? I think they should do the winter Olympics every two years.

[@lindalou6808]

She was absolutely one is the best skaters ever. It’s really a shame she it all collapsed around her. Amazing jump and spin technique.

[@skatefan9495]

I love the power in Tonya's skating. She makes most other skaters look like little girls in comparison.

[@freddiemercury4evr]

Strongest female skater! Phenomenal. Always exciting to watch.

[@lsrasr158]

@@freddiemercury4evr actually at this time Tonya was the 2nd strongest female skater. Midori Ito of Japan was rated the #1 technical skater in the world by Scott Hamilton at the Albertville olympics in 1992. Tonya was rated #2. Midori was the 1st lady to successfully land a triple axel in competition in 1988 and the 1st lady to land a triple axel at the olympic games which she did at Albertville.

[@itsallgoodman1244]

@@lsrasr158 Yeah but Midori was'nt doing very well in 1991, in 1991 Tonya was on Top.

[@lsrasr158]

@@itsallgoodman1244 True, Tonya was on top in 1991, her best year. She won the US championship landing the 1st triple axel ever by an American woman. She also won skate america. Midori had a rough outing at the 91 worlds. She was injured in the collision with the french skater in practice and she fell out of the rink in her OP. But Midori came back strong at the end of 1991 winning the trophee lalique a few months before the 92 olympics. Search "Tonya Midori" on youtube and you can watch a video interview Tonya gave at the end of 91 about Midori's skating at Trophee Lalique. Tonya compares her skating to Midori's and explains why she did not compete at this last big competition before the 92 olympics.

[@itsallgoodman1244]

@@lsrasr158 Yeah I watched that, but honestly Tonya admitted that she didnt practice hard enough, she drank and smoked. She ruined it for herself but it woulda been better with better people by her side but, everyones happy now.

[@kimberlybellefontaine1215]

Tonya was soooooo far ahead of her time in skating. She was so strong and so athletic....and that’s what allowed her to be soooo good at her jumps. This was during the time of women skaters who were thin and waif-like, floating across the ice with lots of grace and fluidity. Not too many were strong and athletic like Tonya. NOW, today, there are many many more skaters like her, and it’s all about the athleticism and the jumps today. But not back then. She was definitely a leader, a pioneer. I had no idea she was banned from the sport after the Kerrigan episode😢😞. Wow, as the movie showed, that move by the judge just about broke her. So very, very sad.

[@trkrgal73]

Tonya was awesome! I loved her "Wild Thing" routine and how she incorporated rock/rap music into her routines. That really broke up the monotony of the classical music that all the skaters used and made her stand out. Such a shame things turned out the way they did for her. She should've been at the top.

[@wishingwell_333]

so much energy in this performance and choreography... and the end is part of what MAKES it for me

[@websurfer4672]

@@wishingwell_333 Yes. So sad that she was banned for life. She was willing to go to prison instead if allowed to skate. Really harsh statement. America lost a very talented figure skater because of the system

[@mrs.6813]

Yes, that good rock music in her routines and her skills is what separated her from the monotonous crowd.

[@adventurousx8220]

This should have been her Olympic performance. I wish . I wanted her to winnnnnn

[@hollyjolly2066]

I did, too - she was absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

[@geslinam9703]

It would have been awesome if she had done this at the Olympics….but I bet she still would have only got the silver. If she even got that. No way, with what was going on, they would have given her a gold medal. Seems like from day one this girl was discriminated against for not looking the part, and at the end, she didn’t stand a chance.

[@mht4908]

@@geslinam9703 Even with the fall on the triple axel, I still believe she was robbed of the bronze in Albertville. Nancy popped 2 triples into singles and had a fall, but was still ranked higher than Tonya in the free skate. I would’ve put Nancy below 6th for the long program

[@geslinam9703]

@@mht4908 at least she has this performance, and the others….no one will ever forget this. They make it look so easy when you see them out there, but it’s a grueling life of practice/training and this poor girl had no real support, and faced so much discrimination.

[@dannyleo4791]

Had she skated like this at the 1992 Olympics, the gold would have been hers. Such a shame.

[@marcblunk542]

Danny Leo Agreed. 1991 was her year. If she had stayed focused and trained before those 1992 olympics. But alas, she didn't.

[@MrHulltech2]

I believe you are right.

[@chriscoyne9717]

Danny Leo she probably would have got silver. Kristi did amazing and had better artistry in her performances

[@conniemaheswaren554]

If everyone had skated their best I believe Midori ito would’ve won. She was a bit better than Kristi and she had the triple axel in her arsenal.

[@lsrasr158]

@@conniemaheswaren554 you are correct. Midori was the #1 skater in the world going into the 92 olympics having beaten everyone including Kristi at the Lalique Tournament the largest major competition before the albertville olympics. Unfortunately, the japanese press hounded Midori at the olympics and when Surya Bonaly almost did an illegal backflip into Midori in the morning warmup for the OP, Midori's concentration was broken and she fell in the OP on a triple lutz costing her a chance at the gold medal.

[@leannaporter6661]

What a shame she got more notoriety for an asShole ex husband than her phenomenal artistry! She was truly a bad ass on the ice. No one could touch her!! She was the BEST, and the entire skating community was threatened maybe?? had an influence in deciding to ban her from competing. No matter what anyone says or thinks her skill was undeniable. She was a force to be reckoned with, WOW!!!

[@chainsawkitten3766]

Because of how good she was, and how confident, I don’t beleive she knew about the attack on Kerrigan until after it had happened. I think she would have wanted to win on her own merit, not by hurting another skater.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@chainsawkitten3766 precisely!!

[@timsullivan4687]

Regardless of what went down, this woman is a fucking LEGEND

[@dawnymae6456]

Tonya is still one of the best ever!!!

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

Yes and Large

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

+A “Sailormoon234” No I mean by Fame

[@loreeclarymusicvideos9545]

Yes she is!!!!

[@quintinrice2733]

I was at this event and Tonya was so exciting to see in person. The Triple Axel is so fast in person, it's almost a blur when see it live. By the biggest ovation of the night.

[@muscularfriend]

It makes me sad, what could have been. 6.0's for technical merit? Never knew she accomplished that. And they won't even let her be a coach...it doesn't seem right.

[@TressBraga]

rich foster either she appeal her case to USFSA, or start coaching in Canada... But, I think she wants out of skating and its politics. A real shame because I feel she could be a great coach to skaters who have no confidence, like Gracie Gold. She could impart grit and tenacity

[@AuntStina]

Tress Braga A lot of it is politics. She wasn’t getting the sponsorship money the other skaters were getting & I remember hearing that when she did get money her husband was buying a corvette, etc. The USFSA complained about her costumes, which she had to design herself. Her sister-in-law made the costumes. She had to make do with old boots. That’s why she had the issue with the loose blade. She tried to put new blades on old boots. Tonya’s coach had to buy her skates on occasion.

[@Khloe_dancer_model]

Christina Cueto so much struggle and so much passion.Damn it,damn it,damn it! So unfair!!

[@kittygranollers6232]

rich foster what?! She can't coach?

[@ellencasey5699]

rich foster The Best in the world only for her damn stupid Ex Husband

[@person7056]

Tonya’s skating captures my full attention and makes me hungry for more.

[@hollyjolly2066]

It's the same for me!! ❤

[@Rose0004]

Her legs are so shapely and powerful!

[@0chibiichan]

honestly they did her dirty, no one can beat her she's amazing *chef kiss *

[@lisaparker9311]

I agree.... Done way dirty....

[@johannamix966]

The rock n roll ice Queen 😎😎

[@hollyjolly2066]

Love it!

[@elsplace896]

She looks great in that costume

[@tazmanf69]

i would love to see nancy try to do tonyas jumps she could not tonya rules

[@Johnathan04]

I. WYNN (correction) no woman can practically do it

[@kachinwosu3391]

She attacked that triple axel!

[@blancaaaae]

This is probably my favorite performance of hers

[@alexac3098]

Same.

[@loreeclarymusicvideos9545]

That’s my favorite performance, too of her

[@kimberlyhood4095]

Still have respect for her, she was rock n roll and they wanted her to skate to Frank Sinatra! Give me ZZTop any day!

[@contemplativegirl21]

She is honestly the only skater who has given me cold chills. Such a talent who truly loved and lived for skating. Such a tragic story. I just love watching her.

[@joeygrey9878]

She is one of the best Had she had help with her private life she would easily be Olympic Gold Champion. That you for your amazing skating. Still enjoy after all these years.

[@loreeclarymusicvideos9545]

In my book she “is” an Olympic gold champion!!!!!

[@danstafford5977]

Anybody that watches Tonya Harding is watching the best ice skater that ever was... and she still is the best skater!!

[@loreeclarymusicvideos9545]

I agree, 100%

[@azbycx56]

The slow section in this programme is like a dream. Simply gorgeous.

[@chriscoyne9717]

Her skating would have been perfect for film. That triple axel is so cinematic, especially this one here

[@iluvbluecookies97]

She was so so strong here!! So many highlights, her fast spins, triple axel, HUGE triple flip, gorgeous ina bauer, and that move at 2:34 (idk what it's called) is beautiful, she deserved those 6.0s! She and Midori Ito really did push the technical boundaries in ladies' skating, they were ahead of their time. What a joy to watch, my second favorite performance of hers after her 1991 Nationals long program.

[@hollyjolly2066]

I heard Scott Hamilton refer to it as a "Triple Loop."

[@camnicole900]

Here after watching I,Tonya

[@showglowshowglow488]

Amazing &Powerful! So intriguing and the music is so fitting @ 1:43

[@suhugo9546]

Damn girl! Get it

[@lee5267]

Su Hugo it’s just so sad that she threw it all away just because she was worried that she would not make the Olympic team

[@muscariwhites]

Coralee R G she had the wrong people around her, she was a wonderful skater

[@lee5267]

muscari whites she really was amazing it’s just sad that’s she did not have the right people around her

[@keelinwallace5779]

1:40 is such a beautiful, dreamy performance. Just completely incomparable.

[@searanch32]

Look at how ecstatic she is when her scores come up for both marks. You'd think that feeling would have been enough to motivate her even more to train harder for Nats and the Olympics, and Worlds. Instead, she fizzled out and we never saw another performance like this again. Such a shame for what could have been.

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

tide32athlete I agree with you on this one.

[@dinavienna]

This is unfortunately what happens when a bad relationship drags a woman with too little social support down .. very very unfortunate.

[@USA-qm2bk]

94 nationals was great but she didn’t do the axel

[@erikamonicaazcaratecalle6595]

Es que con todo lo que le pasó y el terrible hombre en su vida la destruyó..sabemos que ella no mando a golpear a Sonia y la castigaron terriblemente...destruyeron una leyenda

[@Karamarika]

Unfortunately, she never had the work ethic to maintain this ability. She was too easily distracted by other things. Sad to waste that talent. She skated with so much SPEED and power.

[@leanneadams2549]

That was such a special time!! The early 90’s were incredible and I was the same age then ! Boy do I miss it !!! I never realized she was this good !! Only the overshadow of what happened 😞 so sad for all involved!!!

[@jewel8425]

Batman & Prince of Thieves. What a legend. I hope that if she ever watches these, she sees all the warm, understanding, and congratulatory comments. She deserves them.

[@tinarett]

She was amazing. Hands down the best.

[@danstafford5977]

Watching Tonya Harding makes my heart rate go up... I get pumped up!

[@MrVjtre]

I've come back to watch this performance and others of Tonya's so many times. Tonya is invigorating. It is such a joy to see her programs. Love her!!!

[@MELENAJACKSON]

Amazing Tonya God bless you😘

[@alejandroromero-jn8yk]

Saxo song is Europa by Gato Barbieri and Santana. That part is the sexiest I have ever seen, The shoulder, head, etc move is filling the music

[@determinedgamer7356]

She blends in so well with the music other don’t do that who cares about. dinky grace she’s the best

[@tazmanf69]

she is the best forever love her

[@nosferatussister4903]

Omg and her equipment was failing??? She is such a goddess, i love her

[@alexsdb9712]

Yes, such a tough and determined woman. However, it's a reflection that Tonya had less resources and support to work with (money and family) compared to the average/typical skater, and much less than the skaters also in her elite level.

[@nosferatussister4903]

@@alexsdb9712 so true, she did so much with how little she had.

[@alexsdb9712]

@@nosferatussister4903 Exactly. That's why it makes her one of the greatest figure skaters ever in the history of the sport.

[@yourchoice13]

I get goosebumps watching Tonya skate!! She’s really got it!! And she does look beautiful too ❤️

[@robb6823]

One of my most favorite Tonya Harding performances. Beautiful.

[@kerrystonec2485]

I still think she was the most accomplished skater we have ever seen. Never ever boring to watch like some skaters. If they backed her instead of making fun of her she would be the champion now.

[@giannas1065]

She’s such a badass, so inspirational!

[@dbulc5171]

Damn this triple axle is crazy good!! Better than men's triple axles.

[@danstafford5977]

I am very proud of Tonya Harding... and so are the people in the audience!

[@hollyjolly2066]

Count me in as well! 💯

[@amanda2469]

Hands Down! She is the best for me.

[@MsKendra79]

Oh Scott how times have changed. It probably would kill you to say anything positive about Tonya now. She was awesome. Such a powerhouse!

[@chooseyourpoison5105]

What gets me is that Scott, plus the rest of the skating world, knew full well that Tonya's husband was beating her, and nobody did a damn thing.

[@douglasstewart558]

Still and always...peerless. The ability of this girl - there aren't words. Only the greatest get crucified. I still can't believe my eyes watching her skate. It truly takes away one's breath every time. Thank you, Tanya! Thirty years later, no one can even come close.

[@danjohnrob64]

This is the cleanest, most technically difficult program I ever saw Tonya complete. I'm blown away by how powerful her jumps were! Her triple axel here was so much better than any US woman has ever done it"s not even comparable! The height and distance she covered were ansolutely stunning! Yes, Yamaguchi was much more consistent and her performances more artistic, but her Lutz was somewhat of a flutz and despite the fact that she could tack on a triple toe loop at the end was nowhere near as powerful, and I think she would agree if you asked her. But I must take issue with all the comments about WHY she never won Olympic or World championships; just because she had so much talent does not mean she had the focus and discipline to achieve such incredibly difficult goals! It's not even a criticism of Tonya! SO MANY deserving skaters were unable to win those titles, including the best in US history IMO, Janet Lynn. Anyway, I really enjoyed watching this again, thanks for posting it!

[@PeterJockisch]

Figure skating unites dance, athletic excellence and feminine charm. Tonja Harding em­bodies this great synthesis of elements working in harmony: Lovely and at the same time pow­er­ful femininity and sensuality, artistic elegance and powerful athletic excellence.

[@derrviel]

I am absolutely in love with the sequence from 2:45 to 3:00 😍

[@USA-qm2bk]

derrviel 245 to 305

[@baritonebynight]

She was simply the best....the greatest of them all. There are good MEN who couldn't do a triple axel like Tonya Harding.

[@5piecekit]

Tonya is absolutely mesmerizing as a skater. Incredible power and charisma. That triple axel was stunning.

[@lisadominobuzz2967]

Never seen a skater as good as this.

[@glamsbytilly1188]

I can watch this performance all day

[@hollyjolly2066]

Count me in on that!

[@MistyGlades567]

She has incredible control!

[@lisadominobuzz2967]

Absolutely fantastic. 😁

[@adventurousx8220]

This is amazing. Love her

[@tammylovesmakeup]

Is it me or she kind of has the Amy Adams type of face look or is it just the eyes?

[@eizhowa]

It is something with the mouth and distance between the nose/eyes/mouth I think.

[@gfree4173]

So damn good!

[@ClaLu]

Hhoooouuuwwwauuw my heart almost jumped out of my body ❤ STUNNING REVOLUTIONARY AMAZING LEGENDARY ❤

[@tazmanf69]

tonya is and will always be the best

[@ellencasey5699]

tazmanf69 Of Course Tonya did all that will Asthma attacks.

[@itsdee178]

3:18 I love this part xx

[@magalic4624]

Me too 😍

[@hollyjolly2066]

Yes, that is my favorite part!! She is SO exciting!!

[@amaliasilva6193]

She's powerful!

[@joaquinjesika9829]

she's like a Butterfly❤

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

❇Absolutely amazing to watch her. The best skater ever ✳❇

[@lsrasr158]

This skate and Tonya's 1991 U.S. Nationals skate are probably her 2 greatest long programs. In both, I noticed the announcers' comparison of Tonya to Midori Ito. Scott Hamilton says in her skate america program above at the beginning of her skate "She is so strong. Tonya Harding is the only woman in the world who can compete jump for jump with Midori Ito." In Tonya's 1991 U.S. National's skate after she completes her 1st triple axel ever in competition, the excited announcer shouts "good girl. Isn't that great. the 1st time an american, only Midori Ito has completed a triple axel in competition." What are people's opinion on how Tonya compares to Midori Ito.

[@Dylvente]

For me the difference is that from the first note of music to the last, I can't take my eyes off of Tonya's performance, whether she skates well or not. Midori was more consistent in terms of her jumps, and her triple axel was probably better than Tonya's technically, but her programs (in this season especially) were not very exciting to watch. At 1992 Olympics (later this same season), Midori missed her first triple axel and then made a second, successful attempt late in the program. Amazing, and duly rewarded with the silver medal, but the rest of the program I felt like I was just waiting for the next jump. Tonya's skating, although not the most polished or elegant, is still interesting to watch. I can't explain exactly why, but that's the difference for me.

[@danstafford5977]

Everyone knows who the world's top skater is it's Tonya Harding!

[@andresuston7692]

👎

[@lisa.agonterman5092]

I love Tonya !!!

[@THORNDIKE100]

True champion here, ladies and gentlemen.

[@hollyjolly2066]

She sure was!! 💯

[@glamsbytilly1188]

This is my favorite performance

[@hankjones2975]

Tonya was so good and treated so unfairly. Have a great life, Tonya.

[@emmalouie1663]

In life people only get one shot and certain things. There are no re-dos.

[@tazmanf69]

she is and will always be the best love ya tonya

[@christina12311979]

Tonya was so powerful on the ice. those legs. love her gold chanel studded earrings. the judge who banned her did her dirty. she should appeal the decision to reinstate her ability to coach.

[@Nesiantink]

so amazing

[@MrHulltech2]

Such a beautiful skater

[@sunnylefabulous6736]

She's amazing!!

[@meghanweston2450]

She is so good!

[@tazmanf69]

so dam awesome

[@Thinks-First]

Every young person should model Tonya. She practiced, sacrificed, and delayed gratification for the glory she knew would be hers if she remained constant and patient. It worked.

[@henryhernandez7769]

she had such perfect technique...strong lutz, flip, loop, axel, salchow, toeloop

[@JarenMorris21]

she definitely had the goods! Imagine what a bit more time riding on the new found confidence in her technique would have done if she were able to stay focused. Way to go Tanya!

[@ellencasey5699]

What her Ex Husband took away from her was unbelievable the Millions she lost and the Career damaged forever when She was born to skate.

[@Ltulrich]

She was amazing.

[@myfanwyrees2987]

Sheer natural talent. Amazing!

[@drew8703]

I didn't have cable and as a result, I ended up watching whatever was on the major networks on the weekend, and I was into women's figure skating and in particular Tanya Harding. She was hot and her skating was so fun to watch, the speed and power when she would start going backwards to start getting speed going for her jumps. Such a great athlete and she's always been my favorite through everything. I haven't see this since basically '91 and it's better than what I remembered. Tanya, you're the greatest and we love you. I just started getting back into Olympics these last couple years, and I think figure skating needs you back in it in some capacity, I think you'd be an awesome commentator.

[@deeskers1]

She was terrific.

[@swizzle1961]

One of her best skates

[@tjp2109]

Her body was incredible. Her jumps were spectacular....not sure about Ito. I think I'd rather watch water boil than watch Ito. Harding is exciting and powerful. What I really hated was seeing her come unraveled starting in 1994 :( Such a shame.

[@USA-qm2bk]

TJ P 93 tbh

[@lars1296]

She was ahead of her time. She brought true athleticism to the sport.

[@lsrasr158]

Alisha L - actually it was Midori Ito that was ahead of her time and brought true athleticism to figure skating. Midori was the 1st woman to land a triple axel in international competition in 1988. Midori was the 1st lady to land a triple axel at the Worlds. At the end of her exhibition skate at the 1989 worlds after winning the gold medal, Scott Hamilton said of Midori "witnessing the birth of a new age in figure skating." Tonya only learned the triple axel jump because she saw Midori do it at the 1990 NHK in Japan, which Midori won. When Tonya got back to the States she decided to learn the triple axel jump. At the 1990 Worlds exhibition skate when Midori was introduced, the Canadian TV broadcaster said of Midori "She has added an entirely new dimension to ladies free skating". And Midori became the 1st woman to land a triple axel at the Winter Olympics in Albertville in 1992.

[@Oliveandcheese]

Her skating just super.

[@akferren1]

A real powerhouse wow.. i never knew she was this good

[@ShyerLady]

💗💗💗 shes just so good. A titan.

[@minerdad02]

Just watched the show on NetFlix,...never knew of the hard life she went through,...

[@hollyjolly2066]

Which show was that?

[@patriciasalinas5312]

Yo vine a conocer a Tonya, después de ver la película, no se nada de patinaje, pero está mujer era realmente talentosa, era única en la pista, fue triste que le prihibieran patinar, podía seguir competiendo y llegar hasta mas lejos

[@melissaclark6622]

Awesome!