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What is the most impressive moment in the history of skating?

Joyce Veryan

When it comes to the most impressive moment in the history of skating, there are countless options to choose from. But for me, one event stands out above the rest: the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, and specifically, the showdown between Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding.

For those who may not be familiar with the story, here's a quick rundown: In January of that year, Kerrigan, one of America's top figure skaters, was injured in a brutal attack carried out by an associate of her rival Harding's husband. The scandal quickly made headlines around the world, and as the Olympic Games approached, all eyes were on the two women as they prepared to compete against one another.

What followed was a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat competition that saw both skaters delivering technically impressive performances. Kerrigan, who had recovered from her injury in record time, skated with grace and precision, executing difficult jumps and spins flawlessly. Meanwhile, Harding, known for her athleticism and power, wowed the audience with her triple axel - a jump that few women could successfully complete.

In the end, Kerrigan came out on top, earning a silver medal and cementing her status as one of the greatest figure skaters in history. But what makes this moment so impressive to me isn't just the technical excellence of the performances, but the sheer drama and emotion that surrounded the entire event.

The fact that Kerrigan was able to come back from such a devastating injury and still perform at the highest level is a testament to her resilience and determination. And the fact that Harding was able to stand toe-to-toe with her despite the personal and professional turmoil she was facing is a testament to her strength and courage.

Of course, the story doesn't end there - in the years since the 1994 Olympics, both Kerrigan and Harding have faced their fair share of controversy and scandal. But for that one moment, in that one competition, they both proved what it truly means to be a champion.

So for me, the most impressive moment in the history of skating isn't just about technical skill or athletic prowess - it's about the human stories behind the performances, the triumphs and struggles that make us all root for our favorite athletes. And in that sense, Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding will always be two of the most impressive skaters of all time.