Kerrigan Handles Jumps, Spins Flawlessly in Exhibition Skate

Nancy Kerrigan pronounced herself ready for the Winter Olympics on Friday night after performing flawlessly during an exhibition that attracted Olympic champions, her family and more than 4,500 supporters.

“I’m ready to go. I can’t wait to get there,” Kerrigan told the crowd at night’s end. “Thank you all for coming.”

Kerrigan’s Olympic hopes were uncertain when an attacker clubbed her just above her right knee Jan. 6 after one of her practice sessions for the U.S. Figure Skating Assn. championships in Detroit.

But Friday, she landed every move that tested her rejuvenated right leg, from an opening triple jump to several sit spins.

“She’s back,” the arena announcer said over the crowd’s applause, as Kerrigan ended the two-minute program she will perform at the Lillehammer games.

Kerrigan is scheduled to fly to Norway next weekend and train until the women’s competition begins Feb. 23 in the village of Hamar.