Turner, Never One to Turn Down a Show, Is Back on the Short Track

In the 1992 Winter Olympics, a U.S. speedskater won as many medals as Bonnie Blair. But Cathy Turner’s came in short-track speedskating, an addition to the official program that did not receive as much attention as the long-track version.

The hyperactive Turner, however, does not sit still anywhere for long, particularly not in anyone’s shadow. A former pop singer, who composed an autobiographical single called “Sexy, Kinky Tomboy,” she took a year off after winning gold and silver medals in 1992 to become the first speedskater to star with the Ice Capades.

She also did endorsements for two major companies, a bodybuilding infomercial and a fitness video called, “Legs, Legs, Legs.”

She posed for a billboard that was unveiled this month above New York’s Times Square.

And she got married.

But when it came time for speedskaters to get ready for the season leading up to the 1994 Winter Olympics, the 31-year-old Turner was among them. Again establishing herself as a medal contender, she proved she belonged by setting U.S. records in the 500 meters and 1,000-meter time trial in December.

Not joining in her celebration were several other U.S. female speedskaters, who resented that she was able to take a year off and come back to take one of their Olympic berths.

Did she care?

“They’re not my best friends, let’s put it that way,” she said.