Rivalry consequences of fighting. However, when the competition is not enough in sports and the tensions are high fighting may ensue. Rivalries may increase motivation, lead to greater effort, and better performance. It may also contribute to greater risk taking behavior among participants, and increase a propensity for unethical behavior. These difference may lead to poor decision making on the part of groups and individuals that may not otherwise take place in the absence of a rivalry. Examples examined in the literature include the 1994 attacks by figure skater Tonya Harding against her rival Nancy Kerrigan, the admission in court by
I, Tonya locate Nancy Kerrigan's training arena and her practice times. Eckardt hires two inept crooks to attack Kerrigan after a practice session in Detroit. On January 6, 1994, Eckardt’s henchmen strike Kerrigan's knee; she cannot compete at the next day's National competition. The hired henchmen are arrested. Eckardt's bragging quickly leads the FBI to him. He points the finger at Jeff, who is horrified to learn that Eckardt gave orders beyond sending the letters. Tonya qualifies for the Olympic team and is in turn horrified by Jeff, realizing that she will be found guilty by association. She goes to the FBI