Off Balance: A Memoir
Jun 2012 · Simon and Schuster
3,8star
70 reviewsreport
eBook
256
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About this eBook
In this searing and riveting New York Times bestseller, Olympic gold medalist Dominique Moceanu reveals the dark underbelly of Olympic gymnastics, the true price of success…and the shocking secret about her past and her family that she only learned years later.
At just fourteen years old, Dominique Moceanu became the youngest member of the legendary 1996 US Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team, known for winning America’s first-ever team gold medal in women’s gymnastics. She was celebrated as a media darling, admired for her grace on the balance beam and her fierce determination. But behind the medals and fame was a story of emotional abuse, hidden injuries, and a high-pressure world that silenced young athletes.
In Off Balance, Moceanu recounts her tumultuous rise to Olympic glory—from her intense training with renowned coach Bela Karolyi, to clashes with her father, and the terrifying isolation of a child in the spotlight. With raw honesty, she reveals the toll of living under constant scrutiny in the hyper-competitive world of gymnastics, and how she was forced to hide both physical pain and emotional scars.
But Moceanu’s story doesn’t end with the Olympics. Years later, a letter from a stranger unveils a shocking family secret: she has a sister born with a disability, given up for adoption at birth—who, against all odds, grew up to become an accomplished gymnast herself. This extraordinary revelation transforms Moceanu’s understanding of identity, family, and resilience.
A gripping, inspiring memoir about perseverance, trauma, and redemption, Off Balance is for fans of Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and readers of sports memoirs that reveal the truth behind the performance.
At just fourteen years old, Dominique Moceanu became the youngest member of the legendary 1996 US Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team, known for winning America’s first-ever team gold medal in women’s gymnastics. She was celebrated as a media darling, admired for her grace on the balance beam and her fierce determination. But behind the medals and fame was a story of emotional abuse, hidden injuries, and a high-pressure world that silenced young athletes.
In Off Balance, Moceanu recounts her tumultuous rise to Olympic glory—from her intense training with renowned coach Bela Karolyi, to clashes with her father, and the terrifying isolation of a child in the spotlight. With raw honesty, she reveals the toll of living under constant scrutiny in the hyper-competitive world of gymnastics, and how she was forced to hide both physical pain and emotional scars.
But Moceanu’s story doesn’t end with the Olympics. Years later, a letter from a stranger unveils a shocking family secret: she has a sister born with a disability, given up for adoption at birth—who, against all odds, grew up to become an accomplished gymnast herself. This extraordinary revelation transforms Moceanu’s understanding of identity, family, and resilience.
A gripping, inspiring memoir about perseverance, trauma, and redemption, Off Balance is for fans of Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and readers of sports memoirs that reveal the truth behind the performance.
Ratings and reviews
3,8
70 reviews
Seann Triubhas
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21 July 2016
What a crazy life Dominique had growing up. I enjoyed learning about her time training for the Olympics, even though it was very sad. The book itself is horribly written. Lots of repetitive information, and the story jumps all over the place. I don't see how this book made it through any kind of editing. Interesting read nonetheless.
1 person found this review helpful
A Google user
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15 August 2012
I've had bad coaches before.. ones that made me feel like crap and not want to train anymore.., but none like the Karolyis.. It was shocking to see what Dominique had to endure while training under them.
Kenneth Webber
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22 December 2012
Excellent, well written book with a good look inside women's gymnastics. Thanks Dominique for sharing your life!
About the author
Dominique Moceanu is the youngest American gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal, and the youngest to win a Senior National All-Around Title. She lives near Cleveland, Ohio. Visit Dominique-Moceanu.com.
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