Who Is Tonya Harding? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tonya Harding, born on November 12, 1970, is a former American figure skater and a polarizing figure in the world of sports. By 2025, she has turned 55 years old. Harding gained prominence in the 1990s not just for her athletic prowess but also for being embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in sports history—the attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan in 1994. Despite her controversial past, Harding remains a significant figure in American pop culture.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Tonya Harding's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) tall, Tonya Harding has a striking presence. As of 2025, her weight is reported around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her body measurements are noted to be 36-28-38 inches (91-71-96 cm). Harding's athletic background has provided her with a strong and toned physique, which she continues to maintain.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Tonya Harding has seen many changes in her personal life. Previously married to Jeff Gillooly, her most notable relationship was tumultuous and highly publicized. Harding is currently in a committed relationship, though details about her boyfriend remain private. She strives to maintain a low profile following her previous experiences in the public eye and focuses on building a stable family environment.
Born in Portland, Oregon, Harding was raised by her mother, who enrolled her in ice skating lessons when Tonya was 3 years old. Harding spent much of her early life training, eventually dropping out of high school to devote her time to the sport. After climbing the ranks in the U.S.
Figure Skating Championships between 1986 and 1989, Harding won the 1989 Skate America competition. She was the 1991 and 1994 U.S. champion, and 1991 World silver medalist. In 1991, she became the first American woman and the second woman in history (after Midori Ito) to successfully land a triple Axel in an international competition.
Harding is a two-time Olympian and a two-time Skate America Champion.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Tonya Harding's net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. While her figure skating career and various appearances on reality TV contributed to her earnings, Harding has faced financial challenges over the years. She has participated in various projects, including cameo appearances and speaking engagements, which have helped supplement her income.
On March 16, 1994, Harding pled guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution as a Class C felony offense at a Multnomah County court hearing. She and her lawyer, Robert Weaver, negotiated a plea bargain ensuring no further prosecution.
Judge Donald Londer conducted routine questioning to make certain Harding understood her agreement, that she was entering her plea "knowingly and voluntarily." Harding told Londer she was.
Her plea admissions were: knowing of the assault plot after the fact; settling on a cover story with Gillooly and Eckardt on January 10; witnessing pay phone calls to Smith affirming the story on January 10 and 11; and lying to FBI with the story on January 18.
Law enforcement had known about the pay phone calls, as investigators had been following and videotaping the co-conspirators since January 10. Her penalties included three years of probation, a $100,000 fine, and 500 hours of community service.
She agreed to reimburse Multnomah County $10,000 in legal expenses, undergo a psychiatric examination, and volunteered to give $50,000 to the Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) charity. Oregon sentencing guidelines carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Career, Business and Investments
Tonya Harding's career has seen significant ups and downs. In addition to her time as an athlete, she has explored various avenues, including participation in reality television shows and professional boxing. Harding has also spoken publicly about her experiences, offering insights into her life and challenges. As for investments, she has expressed interest in promoting her own brand of ice skating apparel, aiming to encourage young skaters to pursue their dreams.
From 2003 to 2004, Harding competed as a professional boxer. Her life has been the subject of many books, films, documentaries, and academic studies.
In 2014, two television documentaries were made about Harding's life and skating career (Nancy & Tonya and The Price of Gold), inspiring Steven Rogers to write the film I, Tonya in 2017, for which Australian star Margot Robbie portrayed Harding, and also produced the film.
In 2018, she was a contestant on season 26 of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in third place. In 2019, she won season 16 of Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition.
Social Network
Tonya Harding has a notable presence on social media, where she engages with fans and shares updates on her life. She is active on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where she posts pictures related to her personal life and career endeavors. Through her social media, Harding often reflects on her journey, aiming to inspire others who have faced adversity.
On January 11, Harding was interviewed for KOIN-TV in Portland, Oregon. Harding was asked whether someone she knew could have planned the attack. Harding replied, "I have definitely thought about it." Gillooly stood in her view behind the camera during the interview. The interview ended with Harding saying, "No one controls my life but me...
if there's something in there that I don't like, I'm going to change it." Harding also confirmed she had spoken with FBI agents in Detroit and again in Portland. On January 13, Eckardt and Smith were arrested.
On January 14, the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) made a statement on whether Eckardt's arrest affected Harding's Olympic placement: "We will deal only with the facts." Harding's and Gillooly's separate lawyers confirmed the couple were in daily contact and cooperation with law enforcement.
On January 15, Harding and Gillooly spoke with reporters, but declined to comment about the investigation. On January 16, Harding's lawyer held a press conference, in which he read a statement denying Harding's involvement in the attack on Kerrigan.
Harding left her home that evening to practice with her coaches, where she spoke with reporters and performed a triple Axel.
Education
While Tonya Harding was primarily focused on her figure skating career from a young age, she completed her high school education. Harding's training and competitive experience in figure skating served as her education, providing her with life lessons that continue to influence her today.
On February 1, 1994, Gillooly's attorney negotiated a plea bargain in exchange for testimony regarding all involved parties in the attack.
In July, he was sentenced to two years in prison and publicly apologized to Kerrigan, adding "any apology coming from me rings hollow." Gillooly and Eckardt pled guilty to racketeering; Stant and Smith (who drove the getaway car and funneled money) pled guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree assault.
Judge Donald Londer noted the attack could have injured Kerrigan more seriously. Eckardt died in 2007.
