Skating’s Fame, Risk, and Rising Acceptance in the 1996 Spotlight
The piece weighs ice skating’s growth and dangers amid fame and money. It cites Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan’s 1994 incident, Oksana Baiul’s crash, and Todd Eldredge’s wealth and focus. It notes broader TV coverage and rising popularity alongside entertainment blur in the sport.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kurt Cobain
River Phoenix
Tonya Harding
Shane Stant
Nancy Kerrigan
Lillehammer
Norway
Oksana Baiul
Todd Eldredge
Figure skating leaps toward big TV ratings and big business
TV coverage of the 1996 World Figure Skating Championships helped NBC and CBS dominate ratings, fueling a booming industry. USFSA membership rose from 31,931 in 1982-83 to 127,538 in 1995-96, with a $7.6 million operating budget and more than 1,250 events yearly. Top skaters like Scott Hamilton and Kristi Yamaguchi monetize appearances, while critics warn of overexposure and the need for governance, possibly a commissioner, as profits rise.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tonya Harding
Kerrigan
ABC
Wide World of Sports
Heather Lidhart
S. Figure Skating Assn
Colorado Springs
Colo
ABC Sports
U.S
CBS Sports
Linhart
Skating Association
USFSA
Scott Hamilton
Kristi Yamaguchi
Eldredge
Elvis Stojko
Michelle Kwan
CBS
Lawrence
NBC
ESPN
Fox Sports Network
Brian Boitano
Fox Network
Omaha
Neb
Paul Wylie
Kerry Leitch
International Professional Skating Union
Stars on Ice charity tour heads to Kansas City venue
The Make A Wish fundraiser Stars on Ice visits Kemper Arena in Kansas City with performers including Scott Hamilton Kristi Yamaguchi Torvill and Dean and several others. Showtimes begin 7 30 p m on January 30 with tickets available by calling 816 931 3330. A second show The Spirit of Pocahontas features Joanna Ng and Sergei Petrovski at Kemper Arena with performances February 12 14 15 and 16 including matinee times.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Stars On Ice
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Scott Hamilton
Kristi Yamaguchi
Jayne Torvill
Christopher Dean
Paul Wylie
Kurt Browning
Rosalynn Summers
Jill Trenary
Ekaterina Gordeeva
Radka Kovarikova
Rene Nevotny
Elena Bechke
Denis Petrov
Kemper Arena
Genessee
Kansas City
Pocahontas
Joanna Ng
Sergei Petrovski
Also Mentioned on This Page
Rene Novotny
Novotny
Karl Browning
Petrov
Rosalynn Sumners
Torvill
Yamaguchi
Hamilton
Leningrad
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