STONEHAM, Mass. -- Nancy Kerrigan wore skates Monday morning, but they felt like wings.
In her first open display of skating since an attack Jan. 6 that bruised her right leg and forced her out of the U.S. Championships, Kerrigan tried a simplified version of her four-minute freestyle program at her hometown arena. She skated to the program's music - a Neil Diamond medley - in a vigorous test that included almost everything except jumps. She might start practicing jumps by the end of the week.
"I'm a very determined person," Kerrigan said later. "I think if the Olympic competition was tonight, I'd be able to go out and do my performance. But I'd rather heal first."
As for fellow Olympic team member Tonya Harding, Kerrigan was more guarded. Investigators say Harding is not a suspect in the alleged plot to injure Kerrigan 12 days ago, but U.S. Olympic and skating officials acknowledge discussions about Harding's Olympic team status.
Harding's bodyguard is one of three men charged in the attack that followed a Kerrigan practice session in Detroit.
Said Kerrigan in response to a question about Harding's presence at the Games: "When I'm on the ice, I'm by myself. I don't think it would be a problem. I don't usually hang out with the same people she does."
Also: U.S. skating physician Mahlon Bradley said Kerrigan is doing off-ice jumping "so we can demonstrate she is gaining control over landing manuevers (used in skating)."
Kerrigan's parents and agent, Jerry Solomon, said they don't know if Kerrigan received a letter from Harding. Sunday, Harding's coach, Diane Rawlinson, said Harding mailed one. "We have boxes (of mail) that haven't been opened," said Kerrigan's father, Dan. "I can't even find our bills."
