Former Skating Star Busted For Meth Distribution

Oksana Baiul and Tonya Harding may have found some new company...figure skating may have another bad girl in its ranks.

Nicole Bobek, 1995 U.S. National Champion (and 1995 World Figure Skating Bronze Medalist), was arrested at her home last week in Jupiter, Florida on the charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Bobek is believed to be a top member of a large drug ring in Northern New Jersey. 20 other individuals were arrested in connection with the drug ring. Apparently, an investigation has been underway for over a year. If convicted, Bobek faces up to ten years in prison.

Apart from winning the 1995 U.S. National Title, Nicole is known for being a free spirit in the world of figure skating. She never truly reached her full potential, never fully committing to training and going through a myriad of coaches during her career. The one coach that seemed to get through to her was the famed Carlo Fassi. Tragically, he died while Nicole Bobek was competing at the 1997 World Figure Skating Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. Nicole Bobek barely made the 1998 Olympic Team in Nagano, Japan and finished a disappointing 17th place at her first and only Olympic run.

Nicole Bobek's eligible career fizzled after the Olympics and her professional skating career never fully materialized. After doing a few skating shows in the early 2000's and a botched attempt to return to competition as a pairs skater, she disappeared off the skating map. An unfortunate end to an enormous talent.

Nicole entered a not guilty plea in court on Monday. She's been released after posting a $200,000 bond. Jana Bobek, Nicole's mother, told the AP she doubts that Nicole would do something illegal, but says if she did, it was because of the company she keeps. "She likes to party. She has a good heart that has been taken advantage of in the past," Jana told the AP.

Tragic, to say the least.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Needless to say Aaron Harris is crazy about figure skating! He eats, drinks, and breathes the sport! You can check out more of Aaron's figure skating thoughts at his blog, Axels, Loops, and Spins