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Tessa and Scott: Our Journey from Childhood Dream to Gold
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are the most decorated figure skaters in the history of the sport, and are widely celebrated by peers and fans alike for their superior athleticism, one-of-a-kind partnership, and generosity of spirit. In these pages, they share their incredible story with the world.
Tessa and Scott: Our Journey from Childhood Dream to Gold offers an intimate and revealing behind-the-scenes look at the iconic duo. Veteran sports columnist Steve Milton draws from hours of conversations with Tessa and Scott as they take us from their first meeting in 1995 to their impressive debut and rapid rise on the international scene; from the highs and lows of competitive skating to the profound impact of Tessa’s injury and subsequent recovery; and from their unprecedented Olympic achievements in Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014, through to their exhilarating triumph in Pyeongchang in 2018, when their performance capture hearts the world over and catapulted them into unparalleled international acclaim.
Lavishly illustrated with over 100 new photos, this updated and expanded edition is filled with personal stories and recollections from Tessa, Scott, and those close to them — including family members, friends, and coaches past and present. Tessa and Scott is as much a spectacular visual history as it is a celebration of two of the world’s premier athletes.
Tessa and Scott: Our Journey from Childhood Dream to Gold offers an intimate and revealing behind-the-scenes look at the iconic duo. Veteran sports columnist Steve Milton draws from hours of conversations with Tessa and Scott as they take us from their first meeting in 1995 to their impressive debut and rapid rise on the international scene; from the highs and lows of competitive skating to the profound impact of Tessa’s injury and subsequent recovery; and from their unprecedented Olympic achievements in Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014, through to their exhilarating triumph in Pyeongchang in 2018, when their performance capture hearts the world over and catapulted them into unparalleled international acclaim.
Lavishly illustrated with over 100 new photos, this updated and expanded edition is filled with personal stories and recollections from Tessa, Scott, and those close to them — including family members, friends, and coaches past and present. Tessa and Scott is as much a spectacular visual history as it is a celebration of two of the world’s premier athletes.
241 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2010
37 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 9, 2018
As someone who's a self professed fangirl of this dynamic duo, this was the perfect book for me. I really enjoyed this book and the behind-the-scenes look at their history.
Additionally, this book included many, many pictures (moreso than thought there would have been). Some of these photos have been seen in the media before and widely publicized but there's also photos that were more personal taken from their own collections.
I liked knowing more of the background and history of their journey but I also liked the knowledge that was gained related to the extent of commitment and dedication they have to this sport. Not many people in their childhood would move out of town (to live without their family) in order to pursue a passion. There were many other examples that truly showed the level of commitment that they had/have to pursue a dream.
Definitely an inspirational read that was enjoyable because I like this duo but also enjoyable in the fact that it's an example of how you should work hard and follow your dreams. Yes, you may not be the next Olympian (or award winning actor, author, doctor...insert your passion here) but you will never know unless you try.
Additionally, this book included many, many pictures (moreso than thought there would have been). Some of these photos have been seen in the media before and widely publicized but there's also photos that were more personal taken from their own collections.
I liked knowing more of the background and history of their journey but I also liked the knowledge that was gained related to the extent of commitment and dedication they have to this sport. Not many people in their childhood would move out of town (to live without their family) in order to pursue a passion. There were many other examples that truly showed the level of commitment that they had/have to pursue a dream.
Definitely an inspirational read that was enjoyable because I like this duo but also enjoyable in the fact that it's an example of how you should work hard and follow your dreams. Yes, you may not be the next Olympian (or award winning actor, author, doctor...insert your passion here) but you will never know unless you try.
May 14, 2017
Steve Milton had an alternate title for the memoir of Canadian Olympic and World champion ice dance team, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, but the straightforward Tessa & Scott: Our Journey from Childhood Dream to Gold won out. Perhaps because the book is essentially a platform for the young skating stars to set the record straight. The history of their relationship, starting with their childhood partnering to what they now call a “business partnership,” is complied in their own words and dictated to Milton, who presents their story with the flare of a magazine article.
A figure skating fan practically since birth, Tessa and Scott’s career has been on my radar for five seasons, from their first year on the senior circuit, back when there was no international fan base to speak of and you had to piece their narrative together from random interviews. It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come. My favorite Christmas gift (and that’s up against season one of The Vampire Diaries on DVD), I read through this chronicle in small increments, ensuring it wouldn’t go by too fast.
Even though I was forewarned, the book is bigger than I expected, equivalent in size to that of a coffee table keepsake. There are pages and pages of pictures, some of which fans already have on their flash drives, but glossy and bound, the photographs take on a permanent quality. The Myra Klarman shots are stunning blown up, as is anything from Vancouver. The candids from their childhood, straight out of family photo albums, were obviously never-before-seen and a treat. In this way, it’s heavily geared toward the new-found “legion of fans” enamored with them and their skating.
What comes across throughout the book is the deep respect and affection Tessa and Scott have for each other. You don't always sense that between all ice dance couples. But Tessa and Scott grew up in small towns twenty minutes apart. The Virtue and Moir families are friends; Scott's aunt was their first pro when they were eight and ten years-old, respectively. They were raised together, both the youngest of big families, as much as in rinks across Canada.
The behind-the-scenes scoop was the most valuable aspect of the book to me. As a viewer, you think they did spectacular at 2008 Worlds or the most recent Canadians, for instance, but they’re ultra-competitive, perfection-oriented athletes, so their feelings on the events were very different. I liked Tessa’s analogy of the duck on the pond: serene above the surface, paddling furiously beneath the water. So much effort and time and sacrifice goes into their skating, and all we, the fans, witness is the payoff, the practiced presentation.
That applies most aptly to Tessa’s battle with chronic exertional compartment syndrome, a condition in her shins. Until now, the extent of that injury, and source of unbearable torture for her, was minimized or all-out cloaked from general knowledge. What she was able to accomplish, most notably an Olympic gold medal, while suffering to the point of tears, is nothing short of miraculous. Of course, now she’s had a second surgery, taking them out of competition all fall, but maybe she’ll finally be able to find relief from the pain.
Through everything, patriotic Tessa and Scott are humble and thankful, in essence, very Canadian. They really are the boy and girl next door. They underscore their celebrity and continually emphasize how they are just regular people who were blessed with opportunity (and a whole bunch of talent). But no one, not even the pair themselves, can deny their extraordinary, fourteen-years-and-counting, bond both on and off the ice. That was why Milton wanted “Together” to be the title of their book. They’ve encountered disappointments and relished comebacks; endured a heartbreaking estrangement a few years back that was tougher on them than it appeared to the outside world; and achieved the ultimate athletic pinnacle of success at an home Olympic Games. And they did it all…together.
A figure skating fan practically since birth, Tessa and Scott’s career has been on my radar for five seasons, from their first year on the senior circuit, back when there was no international fan base to speak of and you had to piece their narrative together from random interviews. It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come. My favorite Christmas gift (and that’s up against season one of The Vampire Diaries on DVD), I read through this chronicle in small increments, ensuring it wouldn’t go by too fast.
Even though I was forewarned, the book is bigger than I expected, equivalent in size to that of a coffee table keepsake. There are pages and pages of pictures, some of which fans already have on their flash drives, but glossy and bound, the photographs take on a permanent quality. The Myra Klarman shots are stunning blown up, as is anything from Vancouver. The candids from their childhood, straight out of family photo albums, were obviously never-before-seen and a treat. In this way, it’s heavily geared toward the new-found “legion of fans” enamored with them and their skating.
What comes across throughout the book is the deep respect and affection Tessa and Scott have for each other. You don't always sense that between all ice dance couples. But Tessa and Scott grew up in small towns twenty minutes apart. The Virtue and Moir families are friends; Scott's aunt was their first pro when they were eight and ten years-old, respectively. They were raised together, both the youngest of big families, as much as in rinks across Canada.
The behind-the-scenes scoop was the most valuable aspect of the book to me. As a viewer, you think they did spectacular at 2008 Worlds or the most recent Canadians, for instance, but they’re ultra-competitive, perfection-oriented athletes, so their feelings on the events were very different. I liked Tessa’s analogy of the duck on the pond: serene above the surface, paddling furiously beneath the water. So much effort and time and sacrifice goes into their skating, and all we, the fans, witness is the payoff, the practiced presentation.
That applies most aptly to Tessa’s battle with chronic exertional compartment syndrome, a condition in her shins. Until now, the extent of that injury, and source of unbearable torture for her, was minimized or all-out cloaked from general knowledge. What she was able to accomplish, most notably an Olympic gold medal, while suffering to the point of tears, is nothing short of miraculous. Of course, now she’s had a second surgery, taking them out of competition all fall, but maybe she’ll finally be able to find relief from the pain.
Through everything, patriotic Tessa and Scott are humble and thankful, in essence, very Canadian. They really are the boy and girl next door. They underscore their celebrity and continually emphasize how they are just regular people who were blessed with opportunity (and a whole bunch of talent). But no one, not even the pair themselves, can deny their extraordinary, fourteen-years-and-counting, bond both on and off the ice. That was why Milton wanted “Together” to be the title of their book. They’ve encountered disappointments and relished comebacks; endured a heartbreaking estrangement a few years back that was tougher on them than it appeared to the outside world; and achieved the ultimate athletic pinnacle of success at an home Olympic Games. And they did it all…together.
Read
February 18, 2018oKAY but I need this so badly bc Tessa and Scott are the loves of my life and if they don’t get married I won’t believe in love 😪 LIKE I LOVE THEM SO MUCH 💗💗
Want to read
June 12, 2025“You can’t just obsess over an ice dance pair all day and ignore all your responsibilities”
God forbid a girl has PASSION
God forbid a girl has PASSION
December 31, 2020
I loved learning about my favourite figure skating team! I watched them skate on TV for the Vancouver, Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympics. I've seen them skate live once in London ON at Stars on Ice. They never fail to amaze me.
I remember being asked by one of my teachers if I thought Tessa and Scott could win gold in Pyeongchang. I responded "Of course!", and they didn't disappoint. As a fellow Canadian and Ontarian I was so proud of them, over there representing Canada. I'm so proud of all the Canadian athletes.
I really enjoyed learning more about the sport of figure skating. I didn't really understand how much work goes into each performance and had no idea how much pain Tessa went through for so long. This book was well writen and it really showed Tessa and Scott as themselves. Now I can fully appreciate figure skaters, knowing how much work goes into everything they do.
I remember being asked by one of my teachers if I thought Tessa and Scott could win gold in Pyeongchang. I responded "Of course!", and they didn't disappoint. As a fellow Canadian and Ontarian I was so proud of them, over there representing Canada. I'm so proud of all the Canadian athletes.
I really enjoyed learning more about the sport of figure skating. I didn't really understand how much work goes into each performance and had no idea how much pain Tessa went through for so long. This book was well writen and it really showed Tessa and Scott as themselves. Now I can fully appreciate figure skaters, knowing how much work goes into everything they do.
February 14, 2022
i think this book just broke me
((i’m saving the 5 stars for when tessa finally caves and writes her own autobiography with a more personal insight and without the effort of playing nice toward their skating rivals hehehhe))
((i’m saving the 5 stars for when tessa finally caves and writes her own autobiography with a more personal insight and without the effort of playing nice toward their skating rivals hehehhe))
July 7, 2020
Clearly I was going to give this five stars. One for each of their Olympic medals. *wipes tear*
October 22, 2018
Tessa and Scott: Our Journey from Childhood Dream to Gold es una maravillosa obra sobre la carrera de Tessa Virtue y Scott Moir, atletas canadienses de patinaje artístico.
OK, lo admitiré, leí este libro porque AMO a Tessa y a Scott. Me encantan por separados y, aún más juntos. He seguido sus competencias como desde hace una década (cuando empezó a gustarme el patinaje artístico) y realmente creo que son atletas muy MUY buenos.
Básicamente, esta novela es un recorrido por toda su carrera, desde que eran niños hasta la actualidad (son demasiado adorables). Sinceramente me rompieron el corazón cuando anunciaron su retiro y luego cuando regresaron para los juegos olímpicos de PyeongChang. Estoy segura de que todos los que vieron su programa largo (link), con aquella coreagrafía espectacular ambientada en Moulin Rouge!, sabe que ellos se merecían el oro.
Pero, volviendo a la novela, es un libro bastante genial. Tiene una edición muy bonita y muchísimas fotos. Además, descubrí varios detalles que no sabía sobre ellos. Así que, si realmente eres fan de Tessa & Scott, te encantara este libro.
March 15, 2018
Most decorated figure skaters of all time!!!!
Read
August 6, 2024back to my roots and unfortunately i enjoyed myself greatly
August 1, 2019
3.5
Densely photographed and sweetly nostalgic, this will be of most interest to figure skating fans since not a lot of it will make an impact to someone unfamiliar with Virtue and Moir, the other teams/coaches, and certain competitions.
The writing is mostly bland but the book is strongest when detailing their early years, and full of lovely childhood anecdotes. It also highlights a lot of the struggle and family sacrifice involved when pursuing a career in ice dance. Tessa's later struggles with chronic pain are touched on empathetically and give an eye opening account on a constant cycle of treatment, rehab, and training that she endured while competing at an elite level.
The expanded part covering their comeback will be the most interesting to people, but unfortunately it lacked depth and didn't add very much one wouldn't know just from watching a few of their interviews post Olympics. The exception is the relationship with Dubreil and Lauzon, whose presence is wonderfully threaded through the narrative of thier lives until it actually becomes a coaching relationship. It was interesting to contrast their communication and level of maturity in those talks compared to thier previous coach Marina Zoueva.
Overall this is a lovely, if very sanitized, account of Virtue and Moir's long career replete with dozens of wonderful pictures. It's sweet and nostalgic, and what better excuse to rewatch thier Moulin Rogue for the hundredth time?
Densely photographed and sweetly nostalgic, this will be of most interest to figure skating fans since not a lot of it will make an impact to someone unfamiliar with Virtue and Moir, the other teams/coaches, and certain competitions.
The writing is mostly bland but the book is strongest when detailing their early years, and full of lovely childhood anecdotes. It also highlights a lot of the struggle and family sacrifice involved when pursuing a career in ice dance. Tessa's later struggles with chronic pain are touched on empathetically and give an eye opening account on a constant cycle of treatment, rehab, and training that she endured while competing at an elite level.
The expanded part covering their comeback will be the most interesting to people, but unfortunately it lacked depth and didn't add very much one wouldn't know just from watching a few of their interviews post Olympics. The exception is the relationship with Dubreil and Lauzon, whose presence is wonderfully threaded through the narrative of thier lives until it actually becomes a coaching relationship. It was interesting to contrast their communication and level of maturity in those talks compared to thier previous coach Marina Zoueva.
Overall this is a lovely, if very sanitized, account of Virtue and Moir's long career replete with dozens of wonderful pictures. It's sweet and nostalgic, and what better excuse to rewatch thier Moulin Rogue for the hundredth time?
Read
May 12, 2024yes it’s a coffee table book, but it’s my ESSENTIAL coffee table book
August 26, 2022
This was such a beautiful read. I love these two so much and if it’s even possible, it made me love them even more. I’m so grateful this book exists and that they were so truthful and authentic in telling their story. Literally finished it in about eight hours and regret nothing. There’s no other way I would’ve wanted to spend my day off than reading this intimate little memoir.
June 1, 2021
I still remember watching Tessa's and Scott's Moulin Rouge performance at the Canadian National Skating Championships for the first time when it was suggested to me on YouTube, right before they were about to compete in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, and being completely blown away by it. I knew next to nothing about ice dancing at that point, I didn't even know that it's different from pair skating.
But in the following weeks, I would avidly follow Tessa's and Scott's 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics journey and was once again completely blown away by their free dance and short dance that earned them the well-deserved gold medal.
They are undeniably one of the greatest ice dancers of all time and learning about just how much it took for them to get to where they did, their ups and downs, their perseverance and determination, and their trust in each other, was extremely inspiring and eye-opening to read about and made me appreciate their win at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics even more.
But in the following weeks, I would avidly follow Tessa's and Scott's 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics journey and was once again completely blown away by their free dance and short dance that earned them the well-deserved gold medal.
They are undeniably one of the greatest ice dancers of all time and learning about just how much it took for them to get to where they did, their ups and downs, their perseverance and determination, and their trust in each other, was extremely inspiring and eye-opening to read about and made me appreciate their win at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics even more.
July 18, 2022
Este libro no hizo mucho por disminuir mi fanatismo por Tessa Virtue y Scott Moir.
Ni todas mis teorías conspirativas de que, en algún momento de su impecable carrera, fueron más que amigos.
La historia de la pareja canadiense se me hizo tan cercana, tan adorable, tan admirable que no podía dejar de sonreír con cada nueva página. Poder conocer más sobre las luchas que tuvieron que vivir para convertirse en las estrellas olímpicas que son, fue maravilloso.
Aunque, quizás, lo que más disfruté fue conocer a Tessa y Scott como personas más allá de los patinadores históricos.
Un libro que sin duda recomiendo si eres fanático del patinaje sobre hielo. O si solo viste la ÉPICA rutina de Moulin Rouge que hicieron en las Olimpiadas del 2018 y ya no sabes que hacer con tu fangirleo interior.
Ni todas mis teorías conspirativas de que, en algún momento de su impecable carrera, fueron más que amigos.
La historia de la pareja canadiense se me hizo tan cercana, tan adorable, tan admirable que no podía dejar de sonreír con cada nueva página. Poder conocer más sobre las luchas que tuvieron que vivir para convertirse en las estrellas olímpicas que son, fue maravilloso.
Aunque, quizás, lo que más disfruté fue conocer a Tessa y Scott como personas más allá de los patinadores históricos.
Un libro que sin duda recomiendo si eres fanático del patinaje sobre hielo. O si solo viste la ÉPICA rutina de Moulin Rouge que hicieron en las Olimpiadas del 2018 y ya no sabes que hacer con tu fangirleo interior.
January 5, 2015
I bought this just after the Olympics last year, but somehow didn't get around to reading this until now. IT WAS EVERYTHING TO ME.
I mean, honestly, it's no secret how much I love Tessa and Scott, and this was just fantastic. I found out so much I never knew about them because I only got into ice dancing and them during the 2014 Olympics, there were so many SUPER ADORABLE moments in this that just proved that even though they're not dating, they are soulmates, and there was so much interesting information about their skating career and how they made it to the Olympics. Highly recommend, even if it's a bit dated now.
Now I only wish they'd (co-)write another book about the four years after Vancouver, even though the narrative would probably be a lot different.
I mean, honestly, it's no secret how much I love Tessa and Scott, and this was just fantastic. I found out so much I never knew about them because I only got into ice dancing and them during the 2014 Olympics, there were so many SUPER ADORABLE moments in this that just proved that even though they're not dating, they are soulmates, and there was so much interesting information about their skating career and how they made it to the Olympics. Highly recommend, even if it's a bit dated now.
Now I only wish they'd (co-)write another book about the four years after Vancouver, even though the narrative would probably be a lot different.
January 4, 2019
Oh my god that was the best thing i’ve ever read. i don’t know what to do with my life now
Want to read
March 14, 2022ignore me going through something rn.
August 18, 2022
damn why am i here again
Read
June 28, 2022It’s fascinating to see how a particular development of events led to one of the best partnerships in the skating and sports world. It’s impossible to ignore how from a very young age, Tessa’s mother taught her to dream big and instilled a sense of ‘limitlessness’ in her, something that should be done with any child, especially in the case of young girls who should feel empowered to follow their dreams and become aware of their true potential and inner force. I can’t help but compare it with the traditional upbringing manner summed up by the classic ‘I am your parent. Do as I say. I know what’s best for you’. Tessa’s mother let her decide at only 9 years old what she wished to pursue and did not force her to go to ballet school, even if she secretly hoped she would follow the same path as her. This laid the foundation for an immaculate work ethic and a peculiar courage and determination for a teen to move out of town at only 13, away from family, to pursue a passion and eventually become Olympic champion.
Overall it’s definitely something we should all learn from - a relationship, whether romantic, platonic or a business partnership takes years of work and commitment. I’m not sure how challenging it was in their case as their enormous adoration of one another stems from an innocent and deep connection they shared while children.
Their story is so special and so unique and not a lot of people get to experience this sort of immense respect, support and adoration from another person, feelings still present after more than 22 years. I’m curious to know how their relationship has evolved since retiring, I hope they could talk about that in the future if it’s not too personal.
Overall it’s definitely something we should all learn from - a relationship, whether romantic, platonic or a business partnership takes years of work and commitment. I’m not sure how challenging it was in their case as their enormous adoration of one another stems from an innocent and deep connection they shared while children.
Their story is so special and so unique and not a lot of people get to experience this sort of immense respect, support and adoration from another person, feelings still present after more than 22 years. I’m curious to know how their relationship has evolved since retiring, I hope they could talk about that in the future if it’s not too personal.
May 11, 2018
I love them so much!! This book gives Tessa and Scott's account of their lives from when they were paired up as children up to when they won gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Their focus and commitment not only to the sport but also to each other as partners is ***inspirational***. This book really gave them the opportunity to clear up what their relationship is like so that we can all stop obsessing over the idea of them getting married and understand that they are just performers, and have had a close friend/sibling-ish relationship since childhood. The book has beautiful full page colour photographs for you to drool over.
December 18, 2018
It's hard not to like this book when you're in love with Tessa and Scott...
April 11, 2019
Tessa and Scott are National Treasures.
I may or may not have cried reading the entire last chapter.
I may or may not have cried reading the entire last chapter.
May 25, 2019
First off, on the content: I'm a big fan of this duo. Given this fact, the stories within the book was a lot of fun to read, and it was extremely inspiring to see what these two went through to get to where they are today.
Now, on the writing: The actual writing itself was what I had a problem with, and it's the main reason why I'm giving it 3 stars. It's really not very dynamic (which, on the up side, made it a super quick read). Repetition comes up a lot and in general, the book reads more like a wikipedia page, almost, than an book. I pushed myself through it with the help of my love for the sport and for this pair but if not for that, I might've just had to put it down.
Overall, it's a very inspiring journey. However, I only wish it was better portrayed.
Now, on the writing: The actual writing itself was what I had a problem with, and it's the main reason why I'm giving it 3 stars. It's really not very dynamic (which, on the up side, made it a super quick read). Repetition comes up a lot and in general, the book reads more like a wikipedia page, almost, than an book. I pushed myself through it with the help of my love for the sport and for this pair but if not for that, I might've just had to put it down.
Overall, it's a very inspiring journey. However, I only wish it was better portrayed.
February 20, 2019
my OTP still got it.
December 21, 2018
A 2.5/3. I blame the hoopla digital app for this really poorly formatted and organized book...quotes were repeated, scattered on odd pages that didn’t match what had just been written. On top of that, it seemed the author wasn’t skilled. (POOR writing). The words written didn’t have any heart speaking about the beloved Olympian pair. I enjoyed reading about their younger years and loving and caring relationship/business partnership. Truthfully this felt like a long, subpar newspaper article full of interviews, as opposed to a thrilling biography of the most decorated Olympian figure skaters of all time.
Tessa and Scott are adorable, though. I loved watching them skate. Maybe I’ll write a better book!! ;)
Tessa and Scott are adorable, though. I loved watching them skate. Maybe I’ll write a better book!! ;)
July 28, 2011
I watched Tessa & Scott's gold winning performance on TV. It was amazing!! I enjoyed reading their book & learning more about their pathway to Gold. Soooo inspiring! Way to go Tessa & Scott! You two make me proud to be Canadian!!
January 24, 2011
I saw these two interviewed. They are well known in these parts. I wanted to hear the story behind the story. I really wanted this to end in a romance. Still hoping.
March 29, 2011
I love reading about people and their lives. This is a good read about people following their dreams and working hard to achieve them.
April 12, 2021
Medium: physical
Would read again?: yes (to get the feels)
Would buy? already own
Would read again?: yes (to get the feels)
Would buy? already own
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews