In an instant, Nancy Kerrigan's life changed. As the victim of an unprovoked attack over 20 years ago, Kerrigan joins the cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 24 to create a new chapter in her story - one without vicious attacks, or ice skating.
DWTS Pro: Artem Chigvintsev
Most Known For: US Ice Skater
Age: 47
1. She's a Performer
Ice skaters are like ballroom dance competitors, but with skates on. She's well versed in the glitz and glam, and her poise and presentation skills will be a big plus as a ballroom dancer.
2. Re-Branding
A 20 year old attack seems to have overshadowed the fact that Kerrigan was a fantastic skater, and that she's made some great accomplishments in her life since. Dancing with the Stars may be just the platform to help the world turn the page and see her differently.
3. She is Resilient
Imagine being asked the same question, over and over, for 20 years about something horrible that happened to you. An incredible skill to have when she stands to hear the judges feedback.
1. She's a Mom
Kerrigan is Mom to three kids, Matthew, 19, Brian, 11, and Nicole, 8.
2. She Started with Ice Hockey
As an overweight 5th string running back on his high school team, there wasn't a lot of upside for Jennings. Then after a series of injuries to his teammates, Jennings had his moment and shined. The only hangup? He was sitting on a 0.6 Grade Point Average until a scout told him to get his grades up. With hard work he got his weight down, his grades up, and played college football.
3. People are Still Obsessed with the Tonya Harding Attack
There is a musical chronicling the epic saga of the Tonya Harding prompted lead pipe attack on Kerrigan. Yes, a musical. The movie "I, Tonya" has begun casting with Margot Robbie cast as Harding, and Caitlin Carver cast to play Kerrigan.
4. She's Rumored to be A Diva
Every niche has it's own set of superstars, and ice skating is no exception. It is par for the course within that tiny universe, but can cause problems when said superstar tries to transpose their feelings of grandeur into another ecosystem. Case in point - Kerrigan is already rumored to be a bit of a diva, and there are reports that she's trying to choreograph her own routines.
5. She's a Spokesperson on Eating Disorders
With the intense amount of detail and focus to the shape and flexibility of an ice skater's body, Kerrigan is set to produce a documentary on eating disorders within sports. Shining the spotlight on this dark spot within so many sports, Kerrigan can relate, "“This is an important topic that goes largely under the radar,” said Kerrigan. “I have seen this issue rear its head as an athlete and now see it as the mother of a young gymnast and ballerina. This film will help to bring this conversation into the mainstream and hopefully encourage coaches, parents and athletes to better communicate about fitness, training, diet and self esteem.” Taken from a 2016 press release announcing that she will be the executive producer of a documentary on the subject.
Final Thought
Here's hoping that Kerrigan, the Mom, Kerrigan, the activist, and Kerrigan, the woman who wants to create a new chapter in her life is the competitor we see on Dancing with the Stars.
There is no Tonya Harding this time. Kerrigan, the diva, could be her only villain standing in her way.
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