Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams
At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, 18-year-old gymnast Strug performed the landing heard 'round the world. In this book, she chronicles her life up to that point: her budding talent as a four-year-old, imitating her gymnast sister; her years of competition leading to the 1992 Olympics, where she was the youngest Olympians ever; leaving home at 13 to train with controversial coach Bela Karolyi; and her constant aches and injuries. Her love of gymnastics and her intense drive kept her going when others quit. She comes across as an intensely shy person trying hard to stop comparing herself badly with others. Well written and interesting, her story provides insights into a gymnast's tortuous training regimen, which didn't even allow a home visit at Christmas because of upcoming world championships. Recommended for all public libraries.?Kathryn Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, B.C.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.