Eighteen years ago Tonya Harding, a professional figure skater, helped cover-up a plot to cripple her main rival. Harding’s ex-husband hired a goon to kneecap Nancy Kerrigan, her rival in the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championship, when Harding found out about it, she did what every hero would do – she kept quiet and reaped the rewards. It wasn’t a very sporting moment, but it was a surprisingly inspirational one. Not for jealous skaters, but for MCs.
When K’naan dropped the line “You bring me to your knees / Nancy Kerrigan” in his new single “Hurt Me Tomorrow”, it wasn’t much of a surprise. Ever since that assault on poor old Kerrigan, the world’s rappers have kept the names of both skaters alive. Here’s a look at shout-outs to Kerrigan and Harding throughout the years.
Read the full story over at Noisey.
