Former Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding recently disclosed that she had suspicions leading up to the infamous 1994 baton attack on her fellow Olympic teammate and rival, Nancy Kerrigan.
In a newly released clip from her interview with ABC News' Amy Robach, Harding asserted that while she was unaware of her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly's plan to harm Kerrigan, she overheard conversations about potentially eliminating someone to ensure Kerrigan's spot on the team.
Harding expressed her confusion at these discussions, as she believed her own skating abilities were enough to secure a place.
Harding recalled that these conversations occurred approximately a month or two before the attack took place.
However, she maintained that she never agreed to or participated in the planning of the assault.
On January 6, 1994, during a practice session for the U.S.
Figure Skating Championships, Kerrigan was struck on the right knee by an unidentified assailant wielding a baton.
It was later discovered that this man had been hired by Harding's ex-husband and his friend, Shawn Eckhart.
Footage captured the moment Kerrigan cried out in pain following the attack, which Harding admitted was distressing to witness.
Both Gillooly and Eckhart ultimately pleaded guilty to racketeering charges related to their involvement in the incident.
Gillooly received a two-year prison sentence, while Eckhart was sentenced to 18 months.
Although Harding denied any direct involvement in the attack, she pleaded guilty to conspiring to hinder prosecution.
As a result, she was fined $160,000, sentenced to three years of probation, and required to complete 500 hours of community service.
Furthermore, she received a lifetime ban from the U.S.
Figure Skating Association.
In a recent two-hour special titled “Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story,” aired on ABC News, Harding delved into the incident, as well as her challenging upbringing, allegations of abuse from her mother and ex-husband, her rise in the world of competitive figure skating, and her portrayal in the critically acclaimed movie “I, Tonya” starring Margot Robbie.
When questioned about whether she had apologized to Kerrigan, Harding claimed to have done so multiple times.
However, she expressed a desire to move beyond continually apologizing.
Kerrigan previously stated in an interview with ABC News that she had not received a direct apology from Harding.
Nearly 25 years after the attack, Harding acknowledged that many still view her as the villain in this story.
She admitted feeling anger toward those who refused to believe her innocence, asserting that she and Kerrigan were friends at the time of the incident.
Harding expressed frustration with the media, emphasizing that she was labeled guilty before having the chance to defend herself or share her side of the story.
She questioned whether this ongoing scrutiny was a test from a higher power, pushing her to the brink of breaking.
Harding married Gillooly at the age of 19, divorcing him in 1993, a year before the attack on Kerrigan.
When asked if she ever feared for her life during their marriage, Harding confirmed that she did, stating that she has overcome those experiences and refuses to be destroyed by them.
While Harding has since remarried and started a family, she remains estranged from her mother, LaVona “Sandy” Golden.
Harding expressed her firm stance against reconciling with her mother, who has denied her abuse allegations.
Despite the adversity she has faced, Harding credits her faith for enabling her resilience.
She emphasized that her family is now a source of love and happiness, and she cherishes the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.
To watch the full two-hour special “Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story,” visit the ABC News website.
