From Publishers Weekly
Ohno, an Olympic gold medalist for short track speed skating, may have been one of the hottest stars of the 2002 Winter Games, but this disjointed, poorly executed account of his career may leave readers cold. At the outset of his journey, 19-year-old Ohno gushes about some of his idols-Lance Armstrong, Muhammad Ali-and confesses his hope that he can become a similarly positive role model for kids. But the narrative, as it chronicles Ohno's rise to an elite level in athletics, is rambling and often repetitious-paragraphs from the prologue are reproduced verbatim later in the book, without apparent reason; Ohno's frequent praise of his father and supportive friends, doctors and coaches takes on the enumerative quality of many award-acceptance speeches. Many teens will relate to Ohno's personal struggles as well as his rebellious attitude and to the clashes he has had with authority on the road to greatness. But unfortunately, the co-authors fail to convey much realistic emotion nor do they capture the you-are-there excitement of this fast-paced sport. Includes an eight-page inset of color photos. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-This autobiography of the youngest U.S. athlete to win a World Cup is engaging, informative, and well written. The opening chapter begins with Ohno's bout with the flu four days before the Salt Lake City Olympics, and with him wondering how he is going to be able to compete. He then describes the competitions and events on his journey to his success, his determination and motivation, and the key people who helped to shape his life and his work ethic. He talks about the setbacks-serious injuries, people who did not have his best interests in mind-before bringing the story full circle back to the 2002 Olympics, where he won a gold medal for short track skating. The tone throughout is informal and casual. Eight pages of good-quality, color photographs show Ohno at various stages in his life. Readers interested in skating and sports competition, and those looking for true success stories, will enjoy this account of one young man's failures, challenges, and successes.
Janice C. Hayes, Middle Tennessee State University, MurfreesboroCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
by Thomas Lang
by Joseph Layden
~ Julianne Hough
