Sure, the word “hero” isn’t what you think about when someone mentions Tonya Harding’s name. But did you know that Tonya did something truly heroic two years after the whole Nancy Kerrigan fiasco? Maybe she was looking for some sweet karma points, or maybe she isn’t as bad as people think…
On a late evening in October of ’96, Portland native Tonya Harding was escaping the world at The Lost and Found Saloon in North Portland near her home. She’d often come to her neighborhood bar for a beer and some video poker. This particular evening, Tonya witnessed an 81 year old woman collapse to the floor. She called 911 and administered mouth-to-mouth, saving the woman’s life.
The world needs more heroes like Tonya Harding.
Speaking of Tonya Harding, the new movie I, Tonya looks amazing! Did you know Margot Robie, the actress playing Tonya Harding, had no idea who Tonya was? She read the script and thought it was a brilliant work of fiction. If you think about it, the Tonya/Nancy events seem completely made-up – I mean, how on Earth could something so scandalous happen to an Olympian? Sigh, the 90’s were weird.
Are you a fan of Sufjan Stevens? He recently released a song about Tonya and it’s really good… check it out, along with the lyrics, below:
Tonya Harding, my star
Well this world is a cold one
But it takes one to know one
And God only knows what you areJust some Portland white trash
You confronted your sorrow
Like there was no tomorrow
While the rest of the world only laughedTriple axel on high
A delightful disaster
You jumped farther and faster
You were always so full of surprisesAre your laces untied?
What’s the frown on your face for?
And just what are the skates for now?
Tell me which is your good side?Are you lonely at night?
Do you miss all the glory
And the mythical story
Of the Olympian life?Yamaguchi in red
She had high rise and roses
And red-carpet poses
And her outfit was splendidNancy Kerrigan’s charm
Well she took quite a beating
So you’re not above cheating
Can you blame her for crying?Tonya, you were the brightest
Yeah you rose from the ashes
And survived all the crashes
Wiping the blood from your white tightsHas the world had its fun?
Yeah they’ll make such a hassle
And they’ll build you a castle
Then destroy it when they’re doneTonya Harding, my friend
Well this world is a bitch, girl
Don’t end up in a ditch, girl
I’ll be watching you close to the endSo fight on as you are
My American princess
May God bless you with incense
You’re my shining American starYou’re my shining American star
You’re my shining American star
