Dorothy Hamill on and Off the Ice

A lady to the end. Amazing what professional athletes endure to achieve their goals. Sensitive telling of others interventions in her life. A gold winner in every way

This is a lengthier and more in-depth biography than that written by Peggy Fleming, another skating great. This is also dated and was published before many tumultuous events, professional and personal, in Miss Hamill's life. However, this is an excellent read and very revealing of the author's journey to her Olympic gold medal and world championship in the days when competitors' mothers still made their skating costumes. The book does give a glimpse into the rivalries and jealousies that admittedly plague this beautiful sport. One very terrifying experience recounted by Miss Hamill was brought to my mind years later when Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed in the knee by associates of rival figure skater Tonya Harding after completing a practice session for the Nationals (resulting in a field day for the media, both tabloid and mainstream), prior to her silver-medal finish in the Olympics.

I am 11 years old I read this book for my book report. "On and Off the Ice" had plenty of funny stories about Dorthy Hammil's skating career. The only problem with this book is that it barely talks about Dorthy Hammil's life "off the ice." In the end I got points taken off on my book report because I only told about her life as a figure skater. Some of you will be interested in the fact she married Dean Martin Jr. son of Dean Martin who she met through Desi Arnez Jr. (Little Ricky from I Love Lucy) Overall I loved this book and I think that most people will like it.