It was on this day in 1994 that the opening ceremonies were held for the 17th Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway.  The Norwegians took home the most medals with a total of 26 (10 gold, 11 silver, 5 bronze)  while the Russians had 11 golds of their own, which was the most of any nation.  This was the first year that the Winter and Summer Games were not played in the same year.

Just one month prior to the games there was a huge controversy unfolding, as U.S. figure skater Tonya Harding’s ex-husband hired a man to “take out” Tonya’s biggest competitor, Nancy Kerrigan, by clubbing her in the knee.  However, the strategy did not work as Kerrigan would go on to win the silver medal, while Harding finished a disappointing 8th.  Tonya Harding would also receive a lifetime ban from the United States Figure Skating Association for her involvement in the attack.

Here is a clip of the now infamous incident   “Why……. Why?”

Notable Birthdays

Bill Russell, NBA – Born February 12th 1934 (age 79) in Monroe, Louisiana

Lincoln Kennedy, NFL – Born February 12th 1971 (age 42) in York, Pennsylvania

Owen Nolan, NHL – Born February 12th 1972 (age 41) in Belfast, Northern Ireland