First published 1996
Dominique Moceanu stands four feet five inches tall and weighs seventy pounds when she makes gymnastics history. At thirteen, she captures the U.S. national championship, becoming the youngest athlete ever to claim this title. Her medal-winning performances at major 1995 competitions propel her toward the 1996 Olympics. Under coach Bela Karolyi's demanding guidance, Dominique trains relentlessly for her Olympic moment. She executes dynamic routines that captivate international audiences and help secure team gold for the United States. Dominique shares her complete story, from her earliest passion for the sport through years of grueling preparation. She reveals details about her training regimen, preferred events, relationships with teammates, and family dynamics. The book explores both her competitive triumphs and personal experiences outside the gymnasium. Her rapid rise from young hopeful to Olympic champion embodies the pursuit of athletic excellence against overwhelming odds.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, autobiography, sports, biography-memoir, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: against-all-odds, inspirational, overcoming-obstacles
Period: 1990s, 1996 Olympics
128 pages · Paperback · Yearling