Remote Control - Believer Magazine

In the small town of Clackamas County, Oregon, figure skating was not just a sport but a way of life for Tonya Harding. Growing up in a difficult home, she found solace in skating, which provided her with a sense of purpose and belonging. As an adult, Tonya became known for her aggressive tactics against rival Nancy Kerrigan during the 1994 Winter Olympics, but her hometown remains unchanged, still holding onto its small-town charm. Despite facing harsh treatment in the media and from the public, Tonya's hometown is a testament to her resilience and determination. Even today, the rink where she learned to skate as a child is gone, but the rink at Portland's Lloyd Center mall remains, serving as a reminder of her incredible journey from a difficult childhood to Olympic stardom. For Tonya, figure skating was not just a sport but a way to tear apart the perfect surface of the ice and make her presence known, reflecting her determination to succeed despite the challenges she faced.