Friday, May 31, 2013

A Skating Life, by Dorothy Hamill

Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill became a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” a few months ago, only to bow out of the competition due to a back injury. Her appearance on the show led me to read her autobiography, “A Skating Life” published in 2007.

In her book, Hamill describes starting skating lessons at age 8 and the sacrifices she and her family made in order for her to train.  After becoming both an Olympic and world champion, she became a media darling in the 70’s with her Hamill camel spin and signature haircut.

But all was not rosy. Battles with her parents over money and her own bankruptcy caused friction. She was also not lucky in love. Her first marriage to Dean Paul Martin ended after only 2 years. Then he died in a plane crash. Her second marriage ended when she learned her husband was having multiple affairs.  Through it all she has kept skating and has even given love a third try. She has been married since 2010 to John MacColl.

Review by Sherry, First Regional Library

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