Off Balance: A Memoir

Dominique Moceanu · Pail Williams · Teri Williams

Jun 2012 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

In this searing and riveting New York Times bestseller, the gold medalist reveals the dark underbelly of Olympic gymnastics and the true price of success.

At fourteen years old, Dominique Moceanu was the youngest member of the 1996 US Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team, the first and only American women’s team to take gold at the Olympics. Her pixyish appearance and ferocious competitive drive quickly earned her the status of media darling. But behind the fame, the flawless floor routines, and the million-dollar smile, her life was a series of challenges and hardships.

Off Balance vividly delineates each of the dominating characters who contributed to Moceanu’s rise to the top, from her stubborn father and long-suffering mother to her mercurial coach, Bela Karolyi. Here, Moceanu finally shares the haunting stories of competition, her years of hiding injuries and pain out of fear of retribution from her coaches, and how she hit rock bottom after a public battle with her parents.

But medals, murder plots, drugs, and daring escapes aside (all of which figure into Moceanu’s incredible journey), the most unique aspect of her life is the family secret that Moceanu discovers, opening a new and unexpected chapter in her adult life. A mysterious letter from a stranger reveals that she has a second sister—born with a physical disability and given away at birth—who has nonetheless followed in Moceanu’s footsteps in an astonishing way.

A multilayered memoir that transcends the world of sports, Off Balance will touch anyone who has ever dared to dream of a better life.

“A rousing, intimate memoir . . . relentlessly candid.” —Vogue

Ratings and reviews

What a crazy life Dominique had growing up. I enjoyed learning about her time training for the Olympics, even though it was very sad. The book itself is horribly written. Lots of repetitive information, and the story jumps all over the place. I don't see how this book made it through any kind of editing. Interesting read nonetheless.

I've had bad coaches before.. ones that made me feel like crap and not want to train anymore.., but none like the Karolyis.. It was shocking to see what Dominique had to endure while training under them.

Excellent, well written book with a good look inside women's gymnastics. Thanks Dominique for sharing your life!

About the author

Dominique Moceanu is the youngest American gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal and the youngest to win the all-around title at the US Senior Nationals. She lives near Cleveland, Ohio. Visit Dominique-Moceanu.com.