American figure skating legend Nancy Kerrigan recently spoke to the media following a heartbreaking tragedy in Washington, D.C. A devastating plane crash claimed the lives of everyone on board, including members of the Skating Club of Boston—a community close to Kerrigan’s heart. As an Olympic medalist and alum of the club, Kerrigan shared her grief and paid tribute to those lost.
The crash occurred when an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter, plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River. Among the victims were two teenage figure skaters, their mothers, and two world champion coaches from Boston. The group was returning from a national development camp for young skaters, held after the U.S. Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
The Skating Club of Boston confirmed the heartbreaking losses, including teenage skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, as well as 1994 pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. In total, 14 members of the skating community lost their lives in the tragedy.
As the skating world mourns, many are reminded of Nancy Kerrigan’s own resilience and strength. Known for her Olympic triumphs and her ability to overcome adversity—most famously the 1994 attack that shocked the world—Kerrigan has become a symbol of perseverance in the sport.
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So, who is Nancy Kerrigan? From her early days as a rising star to her Olympic glory and beyond, Kerrigan’s story is one of talent, determination, and inspiration. Stick around as we dive into her life, career, and legacy—including her bio, her iconic moments, and even her net worth.
Who is Nancy Kerrigan?
Nancy Kerrigan, born on October 13, 1969, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, is a renowned American figure skater celebrated for her remarkable achievements on the ice. She began skating at the age of six and quickly showcased her talent, leading to a successful competitive career.
Kerrigan’s dedication to figure skating was evident from a young age. She won her first competition, the Boston Open, at just nine years old. Her family made significant sacrifices to support her passion; her father worked multiple jobs and even drove the Zamboni at the local rink in exchange for her lessons.
Nancy Kerrigan’s talent and hard work culminated in her representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. She secured a bronze medal in the 1992 Albertville Games and went on to win a silver medal in the 1994 Lillehammer Games.
In January 1994, Kerrigan was the victim of an attack orchestrated by associates of her skating rival, Tonya Harding. Despite the injury, she made a remarkable recovery and competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics, where she earned a silver medal.
After retiring from competitive skating, Kerrigan performed with various ice shows and pursued opportunities in television and film. She also established the Nancy Kerrigan Foundation, which supports the visually impaired, honoring her mother, who is legally blind.
Nancy Kerrigan’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nancy Ann Kerrigan |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Stoneham, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | – Studied at Emmanuel College, Boston |
| Occupation | Former Olympic figure skater, Actress, TV Personality |
| Skating Career Start | Began skating at age 6, won first competition (Boston Open) at age 9 |
| Coach | Evy and Mary Scotvold |
| Notable Achievements | – 1992 Winter Olympics (Bronze Medal, Albertville) |
| – 1994 Winter Olympics (Silver Medal, Lillehammer) | |
| – 1993 U.S. National Champion | |
| The 1994 Attack | – Attacked in January 1994 by an associate of rival Tonya Harding |
| – Recovered and competed at 1994 Winter Olympics | |
| Post-Skating Career | – Competed in “Dancing with the Stars” (2017) |
| – Starred in ice shows and figure skating events | |
| Philanthropy | Founded the Nancy Kerrigan Foundation (Supports the visually impaired) |
| Books & Films | – “I, Tonya” (2017) featured her story (played by Caitlin Carver) |
| – Appeared in multiple documentaries and talk shows | |
| Spouse | Jerry Solomon (m. 1995) |
| Children | Three children (Matthew, Brian, Nicole) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Current Activities | Public appearances, advocacy work, and figure skating commentary |
Nancy Kerrigan remains an iconic figure in American sports, known for her resilience, grace, and contributions to figure skating and philanthropy.
Nancy Kerrigan Measurements
Nancy Kerrigan, the talented figure skater known for her grace and athleticism, has a physique that reflects her dedication to her sport. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall, she has a compact and athletic build that has served her well on the ice. Her height is often noted as ideal for figure skating, allowing her to execute spins, jumps, and routines with precision and elegance.
When it comes to her weight, Nancy maintains a healthy and fit 121 pounds (55 kg), which complements her height perfectly. This balance is key for figure skaters, as it helps them maintain agility and strength while performing.
Her body measurements—34 inches (bust), 26 inches (waist), and 35 inches (hips)—highlight her toned and proportional figure, a testament to her rigorous training and active lifestyle.
Nancy wears a 32B bra size, which aligns with her overall petite and athletic frame. Her dress size is a U.S. size 6, a common size for someone of her height and build. As for her shoe size, she wears a U.S. size 8, which is typical for someone of her stature.
Here is a table summarizing Nancy Kerrigan’s body measurements:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | 121 pounds (55 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 cm) |
| Bra Size | 32B |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
These details not only give us a glimpse into Nancy Kerrigan’s physical attributes but also reflect the discipline and care she puts into maintaining her health and fitness, both on and off the ice.
Nancy Kerrigan Career Highlights
Nancy Kerrigan began her figure skating career at a young age, quickly rising through the competitive ranks. She gained recognition for her strong technical skills and graceful style on the ice.
She won her first major competition, the Boston Open, at the age of nine, setting the stage for a remarkable career in figure skating.
In 1991, Kerrigan made a major breakthrough by winning the U.S. National Championships bronze medal, which earned her a spot on the U.S. team for the World Championships.
She secured a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships and then won the U.S. National Championships in 1993, solidifying her position as one of the top figure skaters in the world.
Olympic Achievements
- 1992 Winter Olympics (Albertville, France): Nancy won a bronze medal, her first Olympic medal, which brought her international fame.
- 1994 Winter Olympics (Lillehammer, Norway): Despite being injured in a high-profile attack, she made a stunning comeback to win the silver medal. Her performance under pressure captured the hearts of millions and became one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history.
In January 1994, Kerrigan was the victim of an attack that was orchestrated by associates of her skating rival, Tonya Harding. She was struck on the knee with a baton, threatening her chances to compete in the Olympics. Despite the setback, Kerrigan made a remarkable recovery and competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics, where she delivered an outstanding performance and won the silver medal.
Key Achievements:
- Olympic Medals:
- Bronze (1992, Albertville)
- Silver (1994, Lillehammer)
- World Championships:
- Bronze (1991, 1992)
- U.S. National Championships:
- Silver (1991, 1992, 1993)
- Bronze (1990)
When did Nancy Kerrigan retire?
After the Olympics, Kerrigan turned professional, joining tours like Stars on Ice and performing in exhibitions around the world. She became a household name and a beloved figure in the skating community.
Kerrigan remained involved in the sport through ice shows and figure skating tours, such as “Champions on Ice” and “Ice Wars.”
She transitioned into television and film, making guest appearances on shows like “Dancing with the Stars”, “Saturday Night Live” and in various documentaries.
Nancy also founded the Nancy Kerrigan Foundation, which supports the visually impaired, inspired by her mother’s experience with vision loss.
Kerrigan’s story was depicted in the critically acclaimed movie “I, Tonya“ (2017), which revisited the events surrounding the 1994 attack.
She became a pop culture icon and was regularly featured in media discussions about perseverance in sports.
Beyond the rink, Nancy Kerrigan has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly focusing on causes related to disability and healthcare.
She continues to make public appearances and inspire young athletes with her story of overcoming adversity and achieving success in the face of challenges.
Nancy Kerrigan Net Worth
Nancy Kerrigan, the renowned American figure skater, has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
This wealth has been accumulated through her successful skating career, endorsement deals, and various media appearances.
Sources of Income
- Skating Career: Kerrigan’s achievements include winning a bronze medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics and a silver medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics.
- Endorsements: Following her Olympic success, she secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Campbell’s Soup, Evian, Reebok, and Seiko.
- Media Appearances: Post-retirement, Kerrigan participated in various ice shows and television programs, including “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017.
Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Children
Who is Nancy Kerrigan’s Husband?
Nancy Kerrigan is married to Jerry Solomon, a sports agent and producer. The couple married in 1995, shortly after Kerrigan’s retirement from competitive skating.
Solomon was previously Kerrigan’s sports agent, representing her during the height of her figure skating career. He has been a major influence in managing her post-skating career, helping her secure endorsement deals, media appearances, and public speaking opportunities.
In addition to his role in sports management, Solomon is a producer of various figure skating shows and documentaries.
Does Nancy Kerrigan Have Children?
Yes, Nancy Kerrigan and Jerry Solomon have three children:
- Matthew Eric Solomon (born 1997)
- Brian Solomon (born 2005)
- Nicole Elizabeth Solomon (born 2008)
Kerrigan has openly discussed her struggles with infertility, revealing that she suffered six miscarriages before having her second child, Brian. She has been an advocate for infertility awareness, sharing her story to help others going through similar experiences.
Kerrigan has prioritized family in her post-skating career, often balancing her professional engagements with being a mother. She has expressed how difficult it was to have a public career while raising a family, but she remains deeply involved in her children’s lives.
Her daughter, Nicole, has shown an interest in figure skating, following in her mother’s footsteps.
Where Does Nancy Kerrigan Live?
Nancy Kerrigan and her family reside in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. She remains active in the skating community, appearing at events and working as a mentor for young skaters.
Nancy Kerrigan has built a fulfilling personal life beyond her skating career, embracing family, advocacy, and mentorship. Despite the challenges she has faced—both professionally and personally—she remains a resilient figure in the world of sports and philanthropy.
