Judging Olympians From O.C. Rink

At the Ice Capades Chalet, where future Olympic hopefuls were practicing twists and turns on the ice, reaction to figure skating events Friday ranged from mild disappointment to pride in the accomplishments of one U.S. skater with whom many identify.

“I wanted Nancy (Kerrigan) to get the gold,” said Tiffany Wiggins, 10, a resident of Laguna Niguel who has been skating since the age of 2. “She’s very graceful on the ice and I like that.”

Tiffany’s mother, Elaine, described Kerrigan, whose second-place finish won her a silver medal, as very classy. “We’re all for Nancy; I’m very disappointed that she didn’t get the gold.”

Others who also expressed disappointment said they were proud of the skater’s accomplishments.

“I think it’s great that she placed,” said Heidi Sisto, 25, a sales representative from Lake Forest who felt inspired to go skating with her husband, Alan, after watching the Olympics on television. “A few weeks ago (after being injured) she was on the ground. I’d be really pleased if I were her.”

Said James Meier, a journalism student at Cal State Fullerton: “I’m proud of her. She had to go through lots of hardships. I’m happy if she’s happy; just getting a medal at the Olympics is an extraordinary accomplishment.”

There seemed to be little sympathy for rival Tonya Harding, who was linked to the attack on Kerrigan and placed eighth in the Olympics.

“I really don’t like her that much,” said Jodie Pakkala, 20, of El Toro.

Corona del Mar resident Amber Wynkoop, 12, speaking of Harding’s Olympic humiliation, said: “I don’t really mind. She kind of deserved it.”

And Tania Tajalli, a 16-year-old from Huntington Beach, expressed reluctance to say much at all.

“What excuses will she come up with next?” Tajalli said, referring to Harding’s request to the judges for a second chance because of trouble with the laces on her skates.