Tonya Harding to Perform in Vancouver Skating Show
The former figure skater is set to return to the ice for a public exhibition on December 12, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Ice Skating
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Tonya Harding will perform in the Tonya and Friends public skating show in Vancouver on December 12, 2026. The 55-year-old skater announced her return to the ice following practice sessions that began in the spring of 2026.
Why it matters
Harding is returning to the ice because of her stated love for skating, marking a return to the sport decades after her professional career ended. Her participation follows years of involvement in other public roles, including boxing and reality television appearances.
Harding was convicted of conspiracy in 1994, resulting in a $160,000 fine and 500 hours of community service. Since her skating career, she competed in six boxing matches and won $25,000 in charity prize money during a 2019 television competition.
The players
Tonya Harding
She is a former competitive figure skater who was banned from the U.S. Figure Skating Association for life in 1994 following a conspiracy conviction.
Dody Teachman
She is the coach currently working with Tonya Harding to assist in her return to ice skating.
The details
Working alongside coach Dody Teachman, Harding has been utilizing a harness during practice to rebuild her strength for the upcoming performance. She has been training twice a week since the spring of 2026 to prepare for the exhibition in Vancouver.
Timeline
Harding became the first American woman to land a triple Axel in competition in 1991.
The U.S. Figure Skating Association issued a lifetime ban against Harding in 1994.
Harding resumed ice skating practice sessions twice a week in the spring of 2026.
The return to skating was officially announced on October 30, 2026.
Harding will perform in the Tonya and Friends show on December 12, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This public exhibition marks a significant departure from the professional competitive skating circuit due to the lifetime ban imposed by the U.S. Figure Skating Association. It highlights Harding's ongoing public presence decades after her involvement in the 1994 Olympics era.
The upcoming event in Vancouver provides an opportunity for audiences to see Harding perform in an exhibition setting for the first time in years. This show exists outside of the competitive scoring and ranking systems managed by the U.S. Figure Skating Association.
The takeaway
Harding's return to the ice serves as a personal milestone driven by her stated commitment to the sport. Fans and observers can anticipate a public exhibition that highlights her continued physical training and preparation.
Further reading
For more background on the sport, visit the Ice Skating section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by People.
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