Amy M. (georgiagymdog) -
Helpful Score: 1
The memoir of the 1986 National Champion in women's gymnastics, this is a story of a little girl with perfectionistic tendencies and the parents and coaches who used and abused that mentality to produce a brief moment of glory in the sport. Jennifer's childhood is consumed with winning at the expense of her physical and emotional well-being. It's tough to take in places and absolutely horrifying to read about coaches who belittle their child athletes. There are triumphant moments as well, as Jennifer ultimately takes her life back, though she bears wounds that will never fully heal.
I love this sport. I can't wait to watch the Olympics this summer, and I believe that with the right coaches and training there is a healthy, happy medium out there. But I do hope that this book will expose some of the horrors in the sport, including coaches who are still in the business of creating champions at any price.
I love this sport. I can't wait to watch the Olympics this summer, and I believe that with the right coaches and training there is a healthy, happy medium out there. But I do hope that this book will expose some of the horrors in the sport, including coaches who are still in the business of creating champions at any price.
Heidi S. reviewed Chalked Up: Inside Elite Gymnastics' Merciless Coaching, Overzealous Parents, Eating Disorders, and Elusive Olympic Dreams on + 3 more book reviews
Deeply personal look into the world of becoming a world class athlete at a very young age.
Mary-Jo W. (mjowest) reviewed Chalked Up: Inside Elite Gymnastics' Merciless Coaching, Overzealous Parents, Eating Disorders, and Elusive Olympic Dreams on + 235 more book reviews
Good biography.
I remember when most of these events happened, and to read about the insider's experiences was interesting- Hard to believe that parents allowed their children to go through this, without saying anything.
Writer has a gift of portraying reality and her life in an easy to read way.
I actually looked her up on the internet to see where she is today- Well worth reading this book.
I remember when most of these events happened, and to read about the insider's experiences was interesting- Hard to believe that parents allowed their children to go through this, without saying anything.
Writer has a gift of portraying reality and her life in an easy to read way.
I actually looked her up on the internet to see where she is today- Well worth reading this book.
