Carly Patterson: Olympic Idol

by Susan Valentine

Relates the story of sixteen-year-old gymnastics champion Carly Patterson, describing her training and her preparations for the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 17, 2004

Reviews

[Nyghel Williams]

By age six, Carly Patterson’s superstar potential was finally displayed to the public eye through round offs and flips at her cousin’s birthday party. After taking hints from a coach at the venue (former U.S. Olympian), her mother gave permission to start gymnastics lessons.

Carly learned the techniques for all four apparatuses (equipment pieces) for female gymnasts: vault, uneven bars, floor exercise, and balance beam. Initially, the uneven bars was her enemy, while her confidence was in balance beam.

The thousands of audience attendees could always identify her through her mark in balance beam history-her signature “Patterson” dismount- two aerial somersaults. Along with this, she became known for the “all-around” gymnast trademark with the other apparatuses.

Meanwhile, her personal life showed characteristics of the cliche celebrity teen: homeschooling, rigorously practicing, exotic traveling and squeezing the smallest amount of quality, relaxation time with family and friends into their strictly scheduled lifestyle.

Carly caught her big break in 2004, her sweet sixteen year. Her braces were removed, she bought her first car and her achievements list grew longer after placing first with every routine and winning the American Cup for the second time.

Since she has been so determined in making her athletic dreams a reality for the majority of her life, there was no doubt that this Louisiana native could earn a gold medal at the Olympics that summer. Only if her elbow fracture decided to deteriorate even more, would there be something able to stand in Carly Rae’s way.

[Tiffany Arnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I really only read this book because Carly had to read it for a biography book report and I needed to be able to help her. It was o.k. And you would only like it if you loved gymnastics. It doesn't even take you up to her 2004 olympic gold medal win. The books stops right before the olympics and doesn't even say if she made the olympic team. Why have the title Olympic Idol when you don't even cover the olympics.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this book mostly because i am a huge fan of Carly's. The only reason i read this though was for a book report.