Legendary Figure Skaters: Where Are They Now?

The Glam Of The Sport

Figure skating is one of the most dramatic yet beautiful sports one can ever witness. From the stunning costumes to the impressive display of skill and power while skating, the game takes center stage during the Winter Olympics. 

Over the years, the world has seen some greatest stars showcase their undeniable ability during figure skating competitions. The sport’s popularity grew with the onset of shows like Dancing On Ice. The combination of music, choreography and gymnastics makes for a stunning display, but where are the legendary athletes who are synonymous with ice and figure skating? Let’s find out. 

Michelle Kwan - Then

Michelle Kwan is undoubtedly one of the most prolific figure skaters, and it’s easy to see why. By 1998 when she was only 18, the star had won a silver medal at her maiden Olympic games, adding to the two gold and silver medals that she won at the World Championships. 

Soon, Kwan added to her already impressive trophy cabinet, taking home three gold medals in the World Championship over the next four years to take her tally to an impressive five. In 2002, she returned to the Olympics, where she wasn't on top of her game but still managed to win bronze. After battling injuries, the star retired from the sport in 2006.

Michelle Kwan - Now

After her retirement, Kwan opted for a career away from sports and went back to school, studying at the University of Denver and Tufts University and pursuing public service. The former athlete has worked with numerous politicians, including former president Barack Obama and Condoleezza Rice, and she was Hilary Clinton’s campaign coordinator during her 2016 bid for the presidency. 

In 2022, Kwan was appointed as the US Ambassador to Belize and has been recognized for her work as a diplomat. The athlete has also tried her hand at voice acting, appearing in numerous productions like Family Guy and The Simpsons. Kwan is also an accomplished author, with multiple children’s books under her belt. 

Tonya Harding - Then

Tonya Harding made history in 1991 when she became the first American female to land a triple Axel jump. The feat cemented her status in the history books, but her career, which had begun so brightly, was about to take an unexpected turn. 

The star won silver during the 1992 World Championships, and she went on to participate in two Olympic Games editions before controversy courted and forced her to retire. Harding’s main US competitor Nancy Kerrigan was attacked during a practice session in January 1994, and when investigations were concluded, it was established that Tonya was involved in the incident. As such, she was banned by the U.S. Figure Skating Association from the sport, which ultimately signaled her retirement. 

Tonya Harding - Now

Tonya had an innate desire for sports, and when she couldn't skate anymore, she opted to switch careers and pursued professional boxing. Her boxing stint lasted a year, between 2003 and 2004 when she won three and lost three more bouts, after which she hung her gloves. 

Since then, Tonya has been involved in numerous other activities; she set a new land speed record for a vintage gas coupe, reaching a speed of 97mph in a 1931 Ford Model A in 2009. Her dramatic story recently hit the headlines again when legendary actress Margot Robbie played Harding in a critically acclaimed biopic, I, Tonya, released in 2017.