When asked what motivates her each day, Kerrigan noted that she got in the habit of being motivated every day when she was very young. “Back in those days, I would get up and go to the rink every morning before school and that has really stayed with me. So, I start most days with a trip to the gym. But a lot of my motivation now comes from trying to help my kids. They are competitive gymnasts and my daughter is studying ballet. My oldest son is in New York working in the theater so I hope I can offer them support every day,” she said.
Dancing with the Stars
Kerrigan competed on the 24th season of the reality dancing competition, Dancing with the Stars, where she was partnered with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. She described Dancing with the Stars as a “really fun” yet “challenging” experience. “I am so glad that I did it,” she admitted. “Being on that show was something I had always wanted to do, and it lived up to everything that I expected and more.”
Two Olympic medals in figure skating
Throughout her respected career in figure skating, Kerrigan won two Olympic medals, a bronze at the 1992 Winter Olympics, and a silver medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics. “That was a long time ago and almost feels like a different person but it was very exciting,” she reflected. “Each Olympics was a completely different experience. Representing the United States was a huge honor and being on the podium twice made it that much more special.”
Regarding the key to longevity in figure skating, she said, “In my experience, longevity is tied directly to how much you enjoy something. I love to skate and perform and while I don’t do it much anymore, that love is what carried me to still do shows 20 years after I was in the Olympics. Passion is the key to longevity in everything I think.”
For aspiring figure skaters, Kerrigan’s advice is as follows: “Love what you do. If you truly love it, you will work hard and it will never feel like work.”
Digital transformation in figure skating
On the impact of technology in figure skating, Kerrigan said, “In some ways, I feel like technology has affected figure skating less than other sports. The use of technology in training is much improved and there are things off the ice which can be used to help fitness and execution, all of which is important but what I love about skating is that it is a combination of athletic skill, fitness and artistic interpretation and not much has really changed as far as that goes. At the end of the day, it is still steel blades on a sheet of ice!”
Regarding her use of technology in her daily routine, Kerrigan shared, “I am not consumed by technology but I do appreciate many of the things it provides like easier communication, navigation systems and online access. Sometimes, I wish we were back in simpler times as I am a strong believer that people have to unplug. The brain needs to rest just like other muscles in the body and the constant use of phones and other devices often goes to an extreme.”
Motherhood and future plans
On balancing motherhood and her other endeavors, she said, “Well, I am not sure there is really much balancing in my life. I am about 80 percent motherhood and 20 percent everything else! I love all that and love watching them and the other kids try to improve and work through their issues whether in sports or school or anything else. Being a mom is the most rewarding thing I have ever done so I don’t mind the imbalance at all.”
Regarding her future plans, she said, “Right now, I am working with Comcast Spotlight on some Winter Olympics activities, making a few appearances on behalf of a couple of causes that are important to me. Also, I am spending most of my time focused on my kids who are about to start their gymnastics and ballet seasons so my plans are really more about them than anything else.”
With Thanksgiving coming up in a few days, on November 23 in the United States, Kerrigan revealed that she is “most thankful for family,” and rightfully so. “It is our tradition to go to my uncle’s house for dinner, and we will do so again this year,” she said.
Success
The figure skating queen concluded our interview by furnishing her definition of the word success. “For me, success is happiness and being content; knowing that you gave your best effort in whatever it is that you are doing,” she said.
To learn more about Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan, follow her on Twitter.
