John Eckardt was a figure involved in the events surrounding the 1994 attack on American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Eckardt, identified as a bodyguard, was arrested along with Derrick Smith in connection with the assault. This incident led to significant controversy and legal proceedings involving figure skater Tonya Harding, Eckardt's associate, and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly. The attack, orchestrated to prevent Kerrigan from competing, resulted in severe bruising to her leg and her withdrawal from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Eckardt's arrest and the subsequent investigation played a crucial role in the legal aftermath, impacting Harding's career and leading to her lifetime ban from the sport.

John Eckardt was identified as a bodyguard who played a role in the conspiracy to attack figure skater Nancy Kerrigan in January 1994. He was arrested on January 13, 1994, along with Derrick Smith, in connection with the assault that occurred the day before the U.S. Figure Skating Championship competition. The attack was reportedly orchestrated by Tonya Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, with Eckardt and Smith allegedly hired to carry it out. The objective was to injure Kerrigan sufficiently to prevent her from competing in the championship and the subsequent Olympics. The incident, captured on camera, drew intense media scrutiny and led to a plea bargain for Harding, who was found guilty of conspiracy to hinder prosecution.