Mary Lou: Creating an Olympic Champion (Paperback)

~ (Author), Bela Karolyi (Author), John Powers (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA Retton's life story is presented, in her own words, to the author. Since she was only 16 when the book was written, she does not have a whole lot to tell. Equal space is devoted to her trainer, Romanian-born Bela Karolyi, whose life is more interesting. He tells of his struggles with the Romanian government in trying to start a gymnastics program, his defection to this country and his success in overcoming obstacles in America to get his gymnastic program started here. Once Mary Lou and Bela get together, her story really picks up. She talks about her hopes and dreams, her feelings about Bela's hard training and about going to the Olympics. She comes across as a determined and purposeful young woman who sets goals and then goes all out to accomplish them. There are 12 pages of black-and-white photographs; some are of Mary Lou as a small child but most are of her in action at the Olympics. Powers has done a successful job of letting Mary Lou's and Bela's personalities come through in their speech patterns. Readers will feel as though they are talking directly to them, rather than through an intermediary. Pat Royal, Prince George's County Public School System, Md.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Retton's gymnastic triumph in the 1984 Olympics attracted audiences and led to later commercial success. She won with the demanding guidance of Karolyi, coach of Nadia Comaneci in 1976 and 1980. They alternate in their stories, aided by Powers, author of One Goal . While George Sullivan's Mary Lou (Messner, 1985) and other YA books have appeared already, Retton's own account will appeal to aspiring gymnasts and other young readers. Karolyi's vivid telling of his rise and fall in Romania's sports establishment and his perilous defection to the United States will attract older readers. Buy for both. Morey Berger, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Freehold, N.J.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Dell Publishing Company (November 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440155088
• ISBN-13: 978-0440155089
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,489,238 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I have ever read!, March 22, 2000

By	Carolyn (USA) - See all my reviews

This book was wonderful. I picked it up at my library and I finished it within four days! I could not put it down. I am the type of person who hates to read but this is definetly a five-star book. I recommend this book to any gymnast. This book makes you want to go to the gym. It gave me a great example that teaches me that hard work pays off. Mary Lou is the best gymnast in the world you may not believe it now but after you read this book you will! One word to describe this book, EXCELLENT!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At first I didn't really like it! I loved it., April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mary Lou: Creating an Olympic Champion (Hardcover)

When I first started it I wasn't sure I'd like it. But I did. It was a well written story and it was neat to find out about Bela's past. I didn't know all that cool stuff about him. You should read this book if you love Gymnastics, Mary Lou or Bela.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OMG MLR 4EVA!, January 11, 2007

By	pharmer76 - See all my reviews

omg this is the best book I've ever read. I picked it up at my Christian Mothers of More than Three Children Class (where we discuss how to populate the world with more of the Holy Spirit by having more children) and it was just wonderful. If your or your child is a gymnast, you must read this book to learn how to perfect your extension and show off your lines. An absolute masterpiece!