There aren’t too many people who can ice skate in a circle without falling, so it’s pretty impressive when you find someone who can do twists and flips while on the slippery surface. And seeing how much some ice skaters have gotten paid in their lifetime, it’s clear that they know what they’re doing. Although it might not be as popular as other winter sports, with most of us only paying attention every four years during the Olympics, the world’s richest figure skaters are surely happy with the paychecks they receive—because it’s an insane amount.
Photo via Flickr/queenyuna
12. Tonya Harding – $10,000
A two-time Olympian, Tonya Harding is, unfortunately, will always be remembered for her role in the hideous Nancy Kerrigan incident before the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championship. While Harding once, at one time, a star in the sport, due to her being stripped of her titles and collecting a ban, her net worth sits at just $10,000 from the sport—which is considerably lower than others on this list.
Photo via Flickr/YouTube
11. Tara Lipinski – $4 million
The youngest World and National Champion, Tara Lipinski won an Olympic gold medal while still a teenager back in 1998, making her a phenom that was always destined for great things. With so much accomplished in the sport at such a young age, Lipinski retired from the sport and has gone on to other great things, such as commentating during this most previous Winter Games. Even with leaving so early, she still earned $4 million.
Photo via Flickr/MachtNicht
10. Mao Asada – $5 million
A star from South Korea, Mao Asada won a silver medal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and a few other major titles in her career, but, citing mental and physical exhaustion, announced that she would retire from figure skating following her win at this year’s World Championship. While her career may have ended, she was still capable of earning $5 million.
Photo via Flickr/Marie Pougin
9. Dorothy Hamill – $5 million
One of the most iconic figure skaters in the history of the sport, Dorothy Hamill became America’s Sweetheart following a gold medal in both the 1976 Olympics and World Championships, helping put the States back on the map in terms of respect from competitors. With all of her fame and fantastic career, Hamill earned $5 million.
Photo via YouTube
8. Nancy Kerrigan – $8 million
While Nancy Kerrigan will, like the aforementioned Tonya Harding, will forever be associated with the violent act that occurred in 1994, there’s no doubting the skill that she had while on the ice. Even with the attack that happened, Kerrigan recovered in time to compete in the Olympics that year, taking home a silver medal—although, many believe she should have earned gold. With a few other solid showings in her career, it’s no wonder she earned $8 million.
Photo via Flickr/pgfamhome
7. Michelle Kwan – $8 million
Holding both a silver and bronze medal from her time in the Olympics in the late-’90s and early-2000s, Michelle Kwan was the face of figure skating for awhile, helping inspire other girls to break into it. While Kwan had tremendous showings, she was forced to retire following a sever injury. Still, she made over $8 million for all that she did.
Photo via Flickr/kevinrushforth
6. Johnny Weir – $10 million
One of the most colorful personalities the sport has ever seen, Johnny Weir gained fame thanks to his bronze medal in the 2008 World Championships. And while he has never placed in the Olympics, his outlandish personality and outspokenness has helped him become a personality off the ice, too. For that reason, it’s understandable to see he has made $10 million.
Photo via Flickr/evasileva
5. Brian Boitano – $18 million
Arguably the biggest name in men’s figure skating over the past three decades, Brian Boitano saw it all during his competitive career in the sport, as he won Olympic and National and World Championships medals a variety of times. Even more than his career, though, Boitano became a pop culture legend through various references on TV shows, too, only growing his star power.
Photo via Flickr/disson_skating
4. Kristi Yamaguchi – $18 million
One of the most beloved female athletes ever, former figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi captured hearts thanks to her hard work and perseverance. Like others on this list, Yamaguchi earned a number of gold, silver and bronze medals at a young age, and, thanks to her charisma and personality, earned $18 million over the course of her career.
Photo via Flickr/iceman9294
3. Evgeni Plushenko – $21 million
With four Olympic medals in his household—two golds and two silvers—Russian skater Evgeni Plushenko showed that he was one of the best in his sport during his era. Recently winning gold in the Team Competition at the 2014 Winter Games, Plushenko announced he would retire from the sport, but not without earning over $21 million during his days.
Photo via Flickr/Cornel Penescu
2. Scott Hamilton – $30 million
With his death-defying tricks to his battle with cancer, American Scott Hamilton helped fans adore him. Although he has retired from the sport, Hamilton is often seen as one of the biggest ambassadors for figure skating, not only announcing, but also spreading it through pro-am events and such. After winning four-straight U.S. and World Championships and an Olympic gold in 1984, Hamilton helped himself to earn an insane $30 million.
Photo via YouTube
1. Kim Yuna – $35.5 million
South Korean skater Kim Yuna has earned $35.5 million in her career, thus far, meaning that there’s a chance she could end up with even more cash when all is said and done. Holding both a gold and silver medal from Olympic competition, Yuna has made the majority of her money from sponsors, as she represents big brands like Nike, Korean Air, Samsung and Hyundai. She should have a chance to go for gold again in the 2018 Winter Olympics, as well, which would help make her one of the greats in the sport.
Photo via Flickr/queenyuna
