Nancy Kerrigan, a former American figure skater, has built a successful career both on and off the ice. As of 2025, the 55-year-old has a net worth of $10 million, earned through her achievements in competitive skating, endorsement deals, television appearances, and business ventures. While she is widely remembered for the infamous 1994 attack orchestrated by Tonya Harding’s associates, Kerrigan’s legacy extends far beyond that moment. Her story is one of resilience, success, and ongoing influence in the world of figure skating.
How Did Nancy Kerrigan Begin Her Skating Career?
Born on October 13, 1969, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, Nancy Kerrigan was the youngest child in her family. Unlike her brothers, who played hockey, she gravitated toward figure skating. She started lessons at age eight, and her father, Daniel Kerrigan, worked multiple jobs, including maintaining the local ice rink, to fund her training.
By age nine, Kerrigan won her first competition, the Boston Open. As she moved up the ranks, she faced challenges, particularly with compulsory figures, but excelled in jumping and artistic presentation. Her breakthrough came in 1991 when she placed third at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and earned a bronze medal at the World Championships, contributing to an American sweep of the podium.
What Were Nancy Kerrigan’s Biggest Competitive Achievements?
Nancy Kerrigan’s rise in figure skating was marked by steady progress:
- 1992 Winter Olympics: Won the bronze medal in Albertville, France.
- 1992 World Championships: Claimed the silver medal.
- 1993 U.S. Championships: Won the national title, securing her place as one of the top American skaters.
- 1994 Winter Olympics: Earned the silver medal in Lillehammer, Norway, just weeks after recovering from the infamous attack.
Her Olympic performances cemented her as one of the best skaters of her era, known for her grace and powerful jumps.
How Did the 1994 Attack Impact Her Career?
On January 6, 1994, during practice for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Kerrigan was attacked by Shane Stant, who struck her lower right thigh with a baton. The assault was orchestrated by Jeff Gillooly, the then-husband of rival skater Tonya Harding, along with co-conspirator Shawn Eckardt. The attack aimed to eliminate Kerrigan from competition.
Although Kerrigan missed the National Championships, where Harding won, she was still selected for the Olympic team. Just seven weeks later, she made an inspiring comeback at the Lillehammer Olympics, skating two near-perfect programs to win the silver medal.
The incident made international headlines and was later dramatized in the 2017 film I, Tonya.
How Did Nancy Kerrigan Capitalize on Her Fame?
Following her Olympic success, Kerrigan transitioned into professional skating and entertainment. She performed in major ice shows, including:
- Champions on Ice
- Broadway on Ice
- A skating adaptation of Footloose
Additionally, she wrote the instructional book Artistry on Ice: Figure Skating Skills and Style in 2002.
Her public profile skyrocketed after the attack, leading to major endorsement deals. In 1994, she secured contracts worth $9.5 million with brands such as:
- Reebok
- Campbell’s Soup
- Seiko
- Evian
These deals helped her amass a significant portion of her wealth, solidifying her financial stability beyond her competitive career.
What Has She Done in Television and Entertainment?
Kerrigan has made numerous TV appearances over the years, including:
- Dancing with the Stars (2017) – Competed in Season 24.
- Skating with Celebrities (2006) – A reality competition show.
- Fresh Off the Boat (2018) – A guest-starring role.
Additionally, she has worked as a commentator for skating events, bringing her expertise to television audiences.
What is Nancy Kerrigan’s Personal Life Like?
In 1995, Kerrigan married her agent, Jerry Solomon. The couple has three children together, and Solomon has a son from a previous marriage. Kerrigan has been open about her struggles with infertility, revealing that she had six miscarriages before successfully expanding her family.
Beyond her family life, she has been involved in philanthropic work, including organizations focused on blindness awareness, as her mother, Brenda Kerrigan, is legally blind.
How is Kerrigan Involved in Figure Skating Today?
While no longer competing, Kerrigan remains involved in figure skating through:
- Coaching and mentoring young skaters.
- Commentating for major competitions.
- Participating in special skating events and shows.
Her continued presence in the sport keeps her legacy alive and inspires new generations of skaters.
What is Nancy Kerrigan’s Lasting Legacy?
Nancy Kerrigan’s legacy is defined by resilience, grace, and an ability to rise above adversity. While many remember the 1994 attack, her career achievements, Olympic success, and contributions to figure skating far outweigh that single incident. With a net worth of $10 million, she has successfully transitioned from a competitive athlete to a media personality and mentor.
Her influence on the sport and her ability to navigate fame with dignity ensure that she remains one of the most respected figures in figure skating history.