Ep 11. Tonya and Nancy

In this episode of The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade, we are taken back to the winter of 1994, a time when the United States was captivated by one of the most notorious and bizarre crimes in recent history. The episode is titled "Tonya and Nancy," and it explores the infamous attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and the scandal involving her fellow skater and competitor, Tonya Harding.

The episode starts by introducing us to Nancy and Tonya, both talented and successful in the world of figure skating. Nancy was a two-time Olympic medalist, while Tonya was known for her athleticism and daring stunts. But as the winter of 1994 approached, tensions between the two skaters began to come to a boiling point.

The focus then shifts to January 6, 1994, when Nancy Kerrigan was attacked outside of a skating rink in Detroit. We hear from several witnesses and experts who were involved in the investigation, including the FBI agent in charge of the case and the doctor who treated Nancy for her injuries. We learn about the brutality of the attack, which involved a man hitting Nancy in the knee with a metal baton, causing her to scream out in pain.

The episode then delves into the investigation, which quickly led to suspicion falling on Tonya Harding and her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly. We hear from Gillooly himself, who admits to being involved in the planning of the attack, as well as several other key players in the scandal. We learn about the bizarre chain of events that led up to the attack, including a series of threatening letters and a botched attempt to sabotage Nancy's performance at a previous competition.

Throughout the episode, we see archival footage of both Nancy and Tonya, as well as news reports and interviews from the time of the attack. We also hear from several experts on the world of figure skating, who offer insight into the intense pressures and competition that can drive athletes to resort to extreme measures.

As the episode comes to a close, we hear from Nancy herself, who reflects on the impact that the attack had on her life and career. We also learn about the aftermath of the scandal, including the ripple effects it had on the world of figure skating as a whole.

Overall, "Tonya and Nancy" is a gripping and fascinating look at one of the most shocking and controversial events of the 1990s. With its mix of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, the episode offers a compelling and nuanced portrait of the two skaters and the scandal that unfolded around them.