Olympic Skating Medalist, Nancy Kerrigan, To Speak About New Book On Long Island

BELLPORT, NY — Two-time Olympic figure skating star Nancy Kerrigan will share experiences from her life, and talk about her upcoming show, and children's book release at a news conference at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport next week, theater officials said.

Kerrigan, who will be appearing at the theater's Holiday Spectacular on Ice next month, will take questions about her career, rise to fame, and her place as one of the most beloved figure skaters of all time, according to theater officials.

Kerrigan has been one of America’s most recognizable sports icons for over 25 years. She placed third at the 1991 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, allowing her to qualify for the 1991 World Championships where she won the bronze medal as part of an American sweep.

In 1992, she won a bronze medal in the Albertville Winter Olympics, a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships, and in 1993, she became the United States Ladies Champion.

Her career was nearly sidelined by an attack orchestrated by the ex-husband of her rival, Tonya Harding, to keep her off the ice, but she recovered and went on to win the silver medal at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics.

Kerrigan will be joined by show creators, Keith Andrews and Tara Maurizi, who will present a sneak-peek presentation of a selection of numbers and songs from the upcoming exciting show.

The show will bring holiday songs to life "while emphasizing the beauty, grace, and artistry of figure skating" with "show-stopping" numbers, as well as a few "canine capers," theater officials said.

Kerrigan's first illustrated children’s book, "Stronger Than She Thinks," an empowering story to inspire children and their caregivers.

Her book features scenes from her childhood with Kerrigan sharing how she learned to work hard, believe in herself, and land her first axel jump.

In a news release, Book Publisher Bushel & Peck co-founder David Miles said Kerrigan and her book are a "shining example of how courage, character, and the love of a family can help you overcome anything."

"These are the stories kids need more than ever," he said.

Kerrigan also stated in the release that she is excited about the book's release this month.

"As a mom of three, I have thought about creating something for kids for a long time, and the partnership with Bushel & Peck with their matching giveaway program really got my attention," she said. "I am looking forward to seeing it in print and sharing this story with kids around the world who are chasing their dreams."

Kerrigan didn’t come from a typical skating background, theater officials said.

Her mother was blind and her dad worked three jobs, but they scrimped and saved to help pay for skating lessons.

The book is co-written with Ryan G. Van Cleave and illustrated by Arief Putra.

Kerrigan is known for her fashion on the ice and teaming up with designer Vera Wang and others to create some of the most memorable skating outfits in the history of the sport.

She has acted in television on shows like, "Boy Meets World," "Saturday Night Live," "Skating with Celebrities," and "Fresh Off the Boat," as well as movies like "Blades of Glory."

Kerrigan has appeared as a commentator on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, Lifetime Network, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and Inside Edition. She is well known for being instrumental in the creation of Halloween on Ice and other figure skating shows.

The Holiday Spectacular will run from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1.

For tickets, contact the Box Office at (631) 286-1133 or go online at https://TheGateway.org.