There are a bunch of really interesting class/genderism issues at play in the Harding/Kerrigan scandal. They were both born poor, but Nancy was much better at appearing rich. Her interview demeanor, her physical appearance, everything gave the appearance of a rich girl and skating is a sport that rewards at least the appearance of affluence. Harding outskated her, but Kerrigan got the media attention and the lucrative endorsement checks. Nancy was America's delicate princess while Harding was a brashy blond tomboy from the trailer park/wrong side of the tracks.

Besides the class issues (everyone knew Harding was poor, most people didn't know that about Kerrigan), there's this entire thing about how America wants our female athletes pretty and polished and not too athletic looking. Kerrigan hit that sweet spot, but Harding was too muscular, too unapologetically athletic, not feminine enough. Anyone who is interested and I can link you to a bunch of feminist blog stuff, including links to differences in endorsements received by female athletes.