There’s always something breathtaking about watching a sport that’s simultaneously so challenging and so elegant.
But a lot of time has passed since we first saw them skate.
Many of them have been through hardships and big changes since the games.
You might not even recognize some of them!
In 1984, their teamwork earned them a silver medal in theWinter Olympics.
In 1992, they told theLA Timesthat they had no plans to return for the 1994 Olympics.
They were both satisfied with what they’d already accomplished.
“The ‘84 (medal) was our dream come true,” Kitty told them.
“I don’t think we can top that emotionally.”
According toOlympedia, Kitty now lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and three children.
Her brother,Peter, has worked on television as a skating analyst.
Their career earned them a spot in the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1999.
Not only did she perform wonderfully, but she was also a trailblazer in the sport.
Sadly, since that time, Thomas’ life hasn’t gone how you might expect.
WhenThe Washington Postinterviewed her in 2016, Thomas was bankrupt and living in a trailer.
For a time, it seemed all her hard work was paying off.
But, in 2014, she declared bankruptcy, and her medical license expired.
So, what went wrong?
Well, according to Thomas, nothing.
Speaking to The Washington Post, she claimed, “I’m trying to change the world.”
However, from the outside, her vision is hard to follow.
But, Thomas believes the investment in gold will help her and others against future financial catastrophe.
According to The Washington Post, she seems to have bought into many conspiracy theories.
It was jarring see the figure skater, who had once amazed audiences, look so different.
But, she got a second chance when she was only given five years probation.
Bobek said her downward spiral began after she was let go from performing with the Champions on Ice tour.
Soon after that blow, she also lost a close family friend and her former coach.
But, Bobek added, “I take full responsibility for my actions.
Since that low point, Bobek has worked hard to rebuild her image.
Speaking of when she hit rock bottom, Bobek said, “It is very scary.
I am thankful every day I am alive.
And I feel more alive than ever, because I am not behind bars.”
She’s been open abouttelling her storyin the hopes that it helps others going through addiction.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
She toldCBS2that was when her problems really began.
“The parents are gone, the coach is gone.
We weren’t protected anymore …
Eventually, it all got to be too much, and Babilonia tried to take her own life.
However, from that low point, she was able to get sober and turn things around.
Babilonia now volunteers with The Teen Project, a nonprofit for young women recovering from substance abuse.
Speaking about the girls she works with, Babilonia said, “They are so not alone.
I’m so there with them.
And it’s not easy.
You have to want it for yourself and you have to want it from the heart.”
According to an interview fromU.S.
Figure Skating, the film was based around a play that he and playwright Joshua Ravetch developed.
The film explores Gardner’s journey to becoming open about his sexuality.
Before the 1994 Olympics, Kerrigan was attacked at the U.S.
Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Michigan.
After the Olympics, Kerrigan skated professionally, and even had an endorsement from Walt Disney World.
“In 2017, she competed on “Dancing with the Stars.”
While on the show, Kerrigan shared the painful experience she’d had with miscarriages.
She said, “It was really hard.
Prior to the film’s release, Harding sat down withABC Newsto discuss her perspective on the events.
However, during the 2018 interview, she admitted that she “knew something was up.”
Despite maintaining that she didn’t plan the attack, Harding did plead guilty to conspiring after the attack.
She had to pay a$160,000 fine and was banned from the U.S.
Figure Skating Association for life.
“I get my second chance at life to be loved and be happy.”
In 1998, she took home the silver medal, and in 2002 she earned bronze.
Then she had to withdraw from the 2006 Olympic games due to an injury.
Leaving competitive skating behind was far from the end of Kwan’s success.
She also worked as an advisor to Secretary Clinton’s U.S.-China Women’s Leadership Exchange and Dialogue.
Now, she’s working for theBiden administrationas the ambassador to Belize.
Kristi Yamaguchi promotes child literacy
Kristi Yamaguchi overcame a lot to become an Olympic athlete.
“I was lucky they corrected it when I was so young.
During the Olympics, Yamaguchi also first met her future husband, Bret Hedican, an ice hockey player.
The two met again a few years later, and married in 2000.
After having her two daughters, Yamaguchi was ready to stop skating.
“I’d done everything I ever wanted to do in skating.
I’d toured with Stars on Ice for ten years.
Along with motherhood, the former athlete has also stayed busy promoting child literacy.
After winning the Olympics, Lipinski continued to compete in professional skating for a time.
But even after she officially hung up her skates, Lipinski still wanted a challenge and competition.
It’s fun, even if it doesn’t always go your way.”
Her next goal was to become a sports commentator.
In 2006, she was considered a front-runner at the Winter Olympics and earned the silver medal.
Though she’s done some shows since 2006, she stopped skating competitively after the Olympics.
So, what’s she doing now?
Well, the answer is: quite a bit.
Cohen also hosts a podcast, “Sasha Sessions: A Team USA Podcast.”
You go from being really good at something in the spotlight … to being somebody of yesterday.”
After winning the Olympics, Hamill surprised many by returning to World Championships.
She won first place and invented a new move, coined the “Hamill Camel” in the process.
In her personal life, Hamill went through three marriages.
Because she was constantly on the road, it was challenging to maintain a healthy relationship.
Hamill has also been an advocate, sharing her own experiences with mental health and breast cancer.
She toldUSA Todaythat after going through successful cancer treatment, her energy has returned.
