PORTLAND, Ore. - The latest episode in the soap-opera life of Tonya Harding features the collapse of her brief second marriage and the launching of a figure skating comeback.

Just 31/2 months after her wedding, Harding has filed for divorce from husband No. 2, machinist Michael Smith.

Divorce papers were filed Tuesday in Clackamas County, Harding's agent David Hans Schmidt said.

''There are irreconcilable differences between Michael and Tonya,'' he said. ''Tonya wishes Michael happiness and success, as she hopes he does for her.''

Schmidt said Harding wants no distractions as she concentrates on what he has dubbed ''Tonya II, The Comeback.''

Harding and Smith were married Dec. 23. It was his fourth marriage.

Meanwhile, a judge has told Harding's attorney that there are no legal barriers that would prevent her from seeking reinstatement to the U.S. Figure Skating Association.

Harding hasn't decided whether to seek reinstatement. But Schmidt said that he's been in contact with the USFSA.

Donald Londer, presiding circuit judge for Multnomah County, sent a letter to Harding's attorney Bob Weaver saying Harding's ''probationary status is not intended to interfere in any way with her career as an amateur or professional skater.''

However, a spokeswoman for the USFSA said Harding would be wasting her time.

Harding has sorely missed skating, something she had done competitively since she was five.

''Every time she sees it on TV, it's like going to a dance and not dancing,'' Schmidt said.