Gymnastics Biography

Black women are a force in the gymnastics world. But it wasn't until 1992 that Betty Okino and Dominique Dawes became the first Black women to compete in the Olympics for Team USA. Learn about the Black gymnasts and coaches of the past and present who have made historic firsts, including Simone Biles, Sloane Blakely, and Corrinne Tarver. Then discover how Black women in gymnastics are making a difference on and off the mat.

Gymnast Simone Biles won four Olympic gold medals in 2016, and she plans to compete at the Olympics again in 2021. Engaging text and critical-thinking questions will make this book a hit with young gymnastics fans.

Reconocida como la mejor gimnasta en la historia de México, Alexa Moreno ha logrado lo que ninguna atleta en su ramo: una medalla en un Campeonato Mundial de Gimnasia (Doha, Catar, 2018), y ser la mejor rankeada en Juegos Olímpicos (cuarto lugar en la final de salto de caballo en Tokio 2020). Pero detrás de todos los logros y marcas mundiales, existe una chica a quien le apasionan la música, los viajes, la naturaleza; alguien que ama el anime y la cultura japonesa.

The Silver Lining: The Intersection of Sexual Assault and Anxiety Through the World of Gymnastics explores the intricacies of the silver medal, the silver between the black and white of life, and best of all, the silver lining. In this book, author Serena Pergola shares stories of trauma and challenges and explains how she leveraged a daunting mental health journey, a solid foundation in her support systems, and unexpected optimism to become stronger than ever before.

For nearly a decade, Simone Biles has dazzled gymnastics fans across the globe with jaw-dropping flips, twists, and dismounts. Her record-breaking performances have catapulted her to the top of the sport and made her a hero to young people. But well before Simone faced Olympic trials on the balance beam and rings, she confronted real-life challenges as a kid, as she moved in and out of foster care. With the support and love of her grandparents, plus her unwavering drive to make history on the ultimate stage in sports, she grew into an incredible role model and activist.

Although she's just four feet, 11 inches tall, Gabby Douglas made a larger-than-life impact on the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gabby dominated the gymnastics all-around competition with her flawless execution and amazingly high flips, winning gold by a landslide. In early 2012, this pint-sized powerhouse was ready to quit gymnastics for good, but she kept going. Competing at the Olympics at just 16 years old, she became the best female gymnast in the world. Hear about this incredible athlete's journey from Virginia Beach to London gold.

In 2021, Simone Biles shocked the world when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympic Games after experiencing the "twisties" -- a scary feeling during which gymnasts lose control of their bodies while mid-air. Audiences had expected Simone to dominate these games. With seven Olympic medals, twenty-five World Championships medals, and four gymnastic skills named after her, she is considered to be the G.O.A.T. of women’s gymnastics.