Kim Zmeskal: Determination to Win: A Biography

by Krista Quiner

Book Overview

Published by The Bradford Book Company, Copyright 1995, paper back This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0964346001
• ISBN13: 9780964346000
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: MIT Press (MA)
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

More a running list of facts and figures than well-developed biography

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.

Great Biography!

This is the perfect book for all Kim Zmeskal or gymnastics fans. Just like all of Krista Quiner's other gymnastics biographies, this one was excellent! You learn so much about Kim: how she got started in gymnastics, her early competitions: her feelings about Bela Karolyi, and so much more! It allows you to see the hard work and sacrifices someone has to make to succeed in elite gymnastics. The book lets you watch Kim grow from an aspiring gymnast to a role model to many. Great job on writing another fantastic biography, Krista Quiner!

This was a great book about this awesome champion.

Kim shows of her style and personalaty in this book. She thrives in exellence in and out of the gym, under the watchful eyes of Bela Karoyili

This was a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone

This book was written well and painted a perfect picture in mind of what it would be like to be a professional gymnast.

One of the best books I've ever read!

Kim Zmeskal : Determination to Win Is one of the best books I've ever read! It tells, in detail, about her life, her gymnastics career, and a comeback attempt. It's a must for gymnastics fans!

An AWESOME Book

Kim, you want to know her? Read this book. I did not know who Zemeskal was until I read this book. She is a wonderful girl and a great gymnast. I recomed this book for everyone. It tells you everything. From the minute she starts gymnastics to the minute she makes a comback. If you missed Kim's life before Barclona, read this book and follow her creer starting now.