Finding the Champion Within : A Step-by-Step Plan for Reaching Your Potential

Bruce Jenner has spent his life developing championship principles. As a young child afflicted with dyslexia, Jenner had to overcome obstacles of insecurity, self-doubt, fear, and anger that had consistently held him back. Through sheer determination, he was eventually able to fulfill his potential and become a champion: first in sports, then in business. Along the way, Bruce dared to dream - he identified his goals; developed his mind, body, and spirit to make them strong; learned to accept setbacks; and never looked back.
In Finding the Champion Within, Jenner provides, in an easy and accessible way, tools for success everyone can use. Here is the program that he teaches in motivational speeches all over the country, one that has made him a highly sought-after corporate speaker. Blending inspirational anecdotes, personal stories, and a ten-step program, Jenner teaches you the fundamentals that will enable you to take control of your life and to realize your dreams.

After winning the gold medal for the decathlon in 1976, Jenner rode the wave of Olympic fame, working in sports broadcasting, public speaking and commercial endorsements. Gradually, he spiraled downward into a series of B-movie acting jobs and, finally, virtual obscurity. But using the same methods by which he rose to Olympic heights, he turned his life around and worked his way back to even greater career and personal success. Here, Jenner uses each of the 10 events of the decathlon to describe how others can do the same, a metaphor that provides an unusual and captivating way to present motivational material. Jenner's descriptions of his personal experiences are compelling, and his enthusiastic encouragement to others to find their life's mission and fulfill it is memorable. Unfortunately, the book is padded with so many quotations and anecdotes from other sources that Jenner's voice often gets lost. He also leaves out so much information about himself that it's a surprise when, late in the book, he mentions that he has been married and divorced twice and has four children. These would seem to be important elements in a story of personal journey, as would an explanation of how he managed to overcome the daunting obstacle of "200 dollars in the bank and... approximately 300,000 dollars in debt." With some judicious editing and more candor from the author, this would have been a stand-out among motivational books; as is, it's merely adequate. Literary Guild, Doubleday Book Club and Doubleday Health Book Club alternate selections.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Jenner, best known for winning a gold medal in the decathlon in the 1976 Olympic Games, was indeed a world-class athlete. He outlines here the practices and principles that earned him the title World's Greatest Athlete. Jenner is another fine example of someone who has overcome a disability?dyslexia has been a challenge throughout his life. Using the premise that life is a decathlon, Jenner guides the reader through the 100-meter run, the long jump, the shot-put, and other sporting activities. Strategies are presented under these headings, which are supposed to guide the reader through life's problems. Although the idea is a good one, his strategies and dedication to hard work are conveyed through sports metaphors, weak writing, and vanity. Equally awkward is the author's resort to third-person dialog about himself, and the overuse of quotes from other publications makes this a difficult read. Although somewhat inspirational, this should be purchased only if a need exists in the young adult area.
-?Priscilla Davis Dann, Gates Mills P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Jenner won the Olympic decathalon in 1975. Since then he's been an occasional actor, sportscaster, and commercial spokesman, but he's been most in demand as a motivational speaker. This book is based on and expands the ideas presented in his speeches, in which he inspires executives and salespeople to achieve success. There probably hasn't been a self-help book in 20 years that presented anything new or revolutionary, and Jenner's book is no exception. He encourages people to have a goal, to break it down into small, attainable minigoals, and to be organized, focused, and enthusiastic. Who can argue with such sound advice? He peppers his text with examples from his athletic career and the anecdotes of other successful businesspeople. One chapter that stands out deals with fear of success and how it can be overcome. It's not a typical topic for an otherwise upbeat motivational guide, but its inclusion lends credence to the rest of the book. Expect publicity to generate some demand. Wes Lukowsky