Tonya Harding: Figure Skating's Biggest Victim

Tonya Harding: Figure Skating’s Biggest Victim I, Tonya, a biographical comedic drama directed by Craig Gillespe, is based on the life of controversial figure skater Tonya Harding, infamously known for her involvement in the attack on rival skater Nancy Kerrigan. The film explores central themes regarding classism, gender bias, destructive relationships, and femininity in both athletic and personal endeavors. Initially gaining notoriety for her impressive athleticism and standout choices in competitive skating, Harding was on track to become one of the strongest figure skaters of her time. Her skill and drive is largely in credit to her tumultuous upbringing and relationship with abusive mother, LaVona Golden. Despite the athletic payoff, the relationship between Tonya and her mother creates a rocky foundation and a skewed view

Her mother often made her own garments, which manifest a tacky, childish appearance. Big-haired and homemade dress-bearing Tonya’s scores often suffered because of her appearance. Within her characteristically, extremely feminine sport, Tonya would time and time again receive scores far lower than her presented skill, and face defeat against competitors of a lower level than herself. The judges, media, and skating community of the time idolized the “America’s Sweetheart” archetype, and can be seen holding prejudice against Harding for her failure to fit within the golden girl box. Tonya never delivered the feminine role she was expected to, largely in part to never having seen her mother assume a “female” role. We may be able to acknowledge a persistent tomboy persona, but without a true female figure and role model in her life, appearing and conforming to conventional female roles and traits within society was not natural for Harding. This came to her disadvantage within her career and love life, and ultimately played a large part in her