Nancy Kerrigan, a two-time Olympic medalist and one of the most recognizable names in figure skating, has built an impressive career both on and off the ice. As of 2025, the 55-year-old former skater has an estimated net worth of $10 million, accumulated through her competitive successes, endorsements, television appearances, and post-Olympic ventures. Though widely known for the infamous 1994 attack orchestrated by Tonya Harding’s associates, Kerrigan’s legacy extends far beyond that single incident, as she remains a celebrated figure in the sport.
How Did Nancy Kerrigan Begin Her Figure Skating Career?
Born on October 13, 1969, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, Nancy Ann Kerrigan was the youngest child of Daniel and Brenda Kerrigan. Her father worked multiple jobs, including as a welder and an ice rink employee, to fund her expensive training. Unlike her older brothers, Michael and Mark, who played hockey, Nancy developed a passion for figure skating.
She started skating at age six and began taking private lessons at age eight. Recognizing her talent, her parents made significant financial sacrifices, including her father working extra shifts at the rink in exchange for coaching lessons. By the time she was nine years old, she won her first competition, the Boston Open.
What Were Nancy Kerrigan’s Biggest Competitive Achievements?
Kerrigan’s competitive career was marked by steady progress and major milestones, leading her to international success.
- 1987: Placed fourth at the junior level of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
- 1991: Won bronze at the World Championships, contributing to the first American podium sweep in women’s figure skating history.
- 1992: Secured silver at the World Championships and won a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.
- 1993: Became U.S. Figure Skating Champion, solidifying her position as one of the world’s top skaters.
- 1994: Won silver at the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, just weeks after recovering from her injury.
Her elegant performances, strong technical skills, and ability to handle pressure made her one of the most respected skaters of her generation.
What Happened in the 1994 Attack?
On January 6, 1994, during practice for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Kerrigan was attacked by Shane Stant, who struck her right lower thigh with a police baton. It was later revealed that the assault was orchestrated by Jeff Gillooly, the then-husband of her rival Tonya Harding, and his co-conspirator Shawn Eckardt. The goal was to eliminate Kerrigan from the competition, increasing Harding’s chances of winning.
Although Kerrigan was unable to compete at the National Championships, she recovered in time to participate in the 1994 Winter Olympics just seven weeks later. Her comeback was remarkable, as she delivered two near-perfect programs and won the silver medal, finishing second to Oksana Baiul of Ukraine.
The incident became one of the biggest scandals in sports history, gaining worldwide media attention. The story was later depicted in the 2017 film I, Tonya.
How Did Kerrigan’s Career Transition After the Olympics?
After retiring from competition in 1995, Kerrigan focused on professional skating, television, and business ventures.
Ice Shows & Performances:
She participated in major ice tours, including:
- Champions on Ice
- Broadway on Ice
- A figure skating adaptation of Footloose
Endorsements & Sponsorships:
Her increased fame post-1994 Olympics led to $9.5 million in endorsement deals from brands like:
- Reebok
- Evian
- Campbell’s Soup
- Seiko
Television Appearances:
Kerrigan also made several TV appearances, including:
- Dancing with the Stars (2017) – Competed in Season 24.
- Skating with Celebrities (2006) – Participated in this figure skating competition show.
- Fresh Off the Boat (2018) – Played a guest-starring role.
Additionally, she worked as a commentator for major figure skating events, offering expert analysis and insights.
How Has Kerrigan’s Personal Life Shaped Her Journey?
In 1995, Kerrigan married Jerry Solomon, who was also her agent. Together, they have three children, and Solomon has a son from a previous marriage.
Kerrigan has openly discussed her struggles with infertility, revealing that she endured six miscarriages before successfully expanding her family. This experience led her to advocate for women’s health awareness and participate in related initiatives.
She has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting blindness awareness, as her mother, Brenda Kerrigan, is legally blind.
What is Kerrigan’s Legacy in Figure Skating?
Kerrigan’s influence in figure skating goes beyond competition. She has contributed through:
- Mentoring young skaters and supporting new generations.
- Promoting women’s sports and gender equality in athletics.
- Speaking about resilience and overcoming adversity in various public forums.
Her perseverance, both on and off the ice, has inspired many, and her $10 million net worth reflects her ability to leverage her skating career into successful business ventures.
What is Next for Nancy Kerrigan?
As of 2025, Kerrigan continues to be active in the figure skating world. She remains a sought-after speaker, television analyst, and advocate for women’s health and sports empowerment.
Despite the challenges she faced—including the 1994 attack, the pressures of competition, and personal struggles—Nancy Kerrigan has built a lasting legacy that extends far beyond figure skating. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and continued success in multiple areas of life.