On 08/08/08, another Olympics opened. Athletes from all over the world have
gathered in Beijing, China, to compete against the best in their sport. They are competing for the biggest honor: wearing a gold medal around their neck, standing on the top platform, and hearing their national anthem being played in their honor.
Do you remember the Magnificent 7 of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta? These girls were the sweethearts of the games
and the only American Olympic gymnastics team to take the team gold. It took a lot of strength and determination to go for the gold.
What goes into becoming an Olympic athlete in this rough-and-tumble competition?
Chalked Up is written by Jennifer Sey, who uses her own experiences in being a national champion in 1986. She tells the stories of how much coaching she needed, the many personalities, dealing with parents' dreams, and the challenges of chasing the dream. The eating disorders that sometimes plague these girls are addressed. If you
have ever enjoyed watching the Olympic gymnastic competitions, you will find this fact-based book
eye-opening.
I have always enjoyed watching the Olympic ladies and men gymnastics competitions, and Chalked Up really
brings to the fore the much-hidden other side to the technical and artistic sides of the sport. I was a young girl rooting for Mary Lou Retton as she became the first American woman to ever capture the gold medal in the all-around competition. I was always amazed how talented
she and other Olympic gymnasts are. The girls training in the gyms are chasing their Olympic dreams, but at what cost?
With the coming of the 2008 Olympic games, I and many other fans of this sport have our eyes on Beijing, China.
Between competitions, feed your love of gymnastics and love of true life stories on Chalked Up.