30 review for Kim Zmeskal: Determination to Win: A Biography

1. 

   4 out of 5

   Jen Madding – Dec 30, 2012

   Of course, I am biased since Kim is a friend of mine. Great insight into the world of high level gymnastics training and competition. I recommend this book for any young gymnast. Although many young gymnasts won't know who Kim is/was, it is important for them to know where the sport has come from and legends of the sport as well. Of course, I am biased since Kim is a friend of mine. Great insight into the world of high level gymnastics training and competition. I recommend this book for any young gymnast. Although many young gymnasts won't know who Kim is/was, it is important for them to know where the sport has come from and legends of the sport as well.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Tania – Sep 24, 2021

   Elite gymnast Kim Zmeskal trained under Bela Karolyi in the late 80's and early 90's. She lived and breathed the Olympic goal for years, with her sights set on Barcelona in 1992, though the experience of it was somewhat lacking. This is a complete biography through her first retirement from gymnastics at the age of 16; it ends at the start of her comeback at age 18. Zmeskal was a fan favorite during her reign, and a World Champion the year before the Olympics. Her explosive power on vault and du Elite gymnast Kim Zmeskal trained under Bela Karolyi in the late 80's and early 90's. She lived and breathed the Olympic goal for years, with her sights set on Barcelona in 1992, though the experience of it was somewhat lacking. This is a complete biography through her first retirement from gymnastics at the age of 16; it ends at the start of her comeback at age 18. Zmeskal was a fan favorite during her reign, and a World Champion the year before the Olympics. Her explosive power on vault and during her tumble runs on floor consistently put her above her competition, and were the twin gems of her gymanstics. Her story should be a fascinating one, but this book is definitely not that. More a running list of facts and figures than a well-developed biography, Determination to Win lacks any fire or passion. Reading about Kim's time in USA Gymnastics was not the thrill that it should have been; the writing is lackluster and the overall effort is rather dull. The author was quick to gloss over any problems in Kim's career or in the world of elite gymnastics and lavishes praise in the oddest directions for a book that should be centered squarely on Zmeskal and her obvious talent. Having read several other biographies and memoirs about elite gymnasts, this one falls flat in comparison. I certainly didn't connect with Kim, and though I remember how much fun she was to watch, anyone who has never seen her compete wouldn't get that impression from reading about it here.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Breonna DelBoccio – Feb 24, 2017

   I would recommend this book to gymnast and athletic people. I loved this book because while reading, you go through her gymnastics career.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Anna Rose –

5. 

   4 out of 5

   Kristen –

6. 

   4 out of 5

   Olivia –

7. 

   5 out of 5

   Angela Woods –

8. 

   5 out of 5

   Ester Elbert –

9. 

   4 out of 5

   Mallory –

10. 

    4 out of 5

    Tiffany Headley –

11. 

    5 out of 5

    Stacey –

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Jenni –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Amber Yanez –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Lee Colgin –

15. 

    4 out of 5

    Amy Clark –

16. 

    4 out of 5

    Georgyvivanco –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Alcey –

18. 

    5 out of 5

    Jasmijn –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Amanda Deutsch –

20. 

    5 out of 5

    Shelly Morgan –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Emily –

22. 

    5 out of 5

    Tammy Payne –

23. 

    4 out of 5

    Julia Kristin –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    Heidi –

25. 

    4 out of 5

    Dawn Annis –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Jennifer Smith –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    Kristin –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Keira –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Nay –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Oeildelynx25 –