“It’s not whether you win the competition that’s important,” she said. “People will always remember you for the kind of person you are, not just what you do on the floor.”
Watching Aly and the Fierce Five enter the 2012 London Olympics gave me goosebumps. Then to watch these competitors take a gold medal was breathtaking. Four years later, watching Aly come back again at the 2016 Brazil games and add to her medal count was nothing short of spectacular. Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything is an inspiring story of dedication and positive thinking, even in the toughest times.
Aly Raisman Book Summary
Discover Aly Raisman's inspiring story of dedication, perseverance on her path to gold medal success in two Olympic Games--and beyond. Aly Raisman first stepped onto a gymnastics mat as a toddler in a "mommy & me" gymnastics class. No one could have predicted then that sixteen years later, she'd be standing on an Olympic podium, having achieved her dreams.
Aly's road to success was full of hard work, perseverance, and victories, but not without its hardships. Aly faced many obstacles, from naysayers who said she'd never make it in gymnastics to classmates who shamed her for her athletic body to a devastating betrayal of trust. Through it all, Aly surrounded herself with supportive family, friends, and teammates and found the inner strength to remain positive and believe in herself. Now, in her own words, Aly shows what it takes to be a champion on and off the floor and takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey before, during, and after her remarkable achievements in two Olympic Games--through her highest highs, lowest lows, and all the moments in between.
Honest and heartfelt, frank and funny, Aly's story is enhanced with never-before-published photos, excerpts from the personal journals she's kept since childhood that chronicle memorable moments with her teammates, and hard-won advice for readers striving to rise above challenges, learn to love themselves, and make their own dreams come true.
Discussion Guide for Fierce
From a young age, Aly was convinced she would go to the Olympics. What do you think Aly was able to make this dream a reality?
Once Aly started training at Brestyan’s, Mihai explained that the best athletes are completely dedicated and adhere to a strict regimen, with no vacations. What would you have done in Aly’s shoes? If you were her parents, what choice would you make for a daughter’s dream?
Aly talks throughout the book of her bond with her teammates – through injuries, injustice and even goofy moments. What do you think binds them together so closely? How does her leadership impact their friendships?
What did the book teach you about self-care? What about surviving abuse and speaking up for yourself and others?
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Good time to read with Olympics soon