Full Circle

A self-portrait by the Olympic speed-skating hero discusses his career, the nightmare of his sister's illness, the inspiration of his family, and the motivational program that helped him break down the barriers of defeat. TV tie-in. 100,000 first printing. $100,000 ad/promo.

YA?The engaging autobiography of nice-guy speed skater Dan Jansen and his arduous journey to winning an Olympic gold medal. Chapter one begins on February 14, 1994, the day of the 500-meter race in Lillehammer, Norway, and the anniversary of Jansen's sister's death. Through a conversational style, the author eases readers from the present to the past and provides important background information. This format adds momentum and allows readers to step into Jansen's skates, to feel the ice and the love of his family, friends, and fellow competitors as he goes "full circle," winning the 1000-meter race with a world record. YAs with any interest in speed skating, the Olympics, or the power of perseverance will love this book. Any YA reluctant to pursue the autobiography genre should start with this one.?Karen Sokol, Chapel Square Media Center, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

For anyone who wasn't glutted during the 1994 Winter Olympics with the tale of Dan Jansen's slippery skate for the gold, here it is in his own words (with the help of McCallum, Shaq Attaq!, not reviewed). Jansen has no regrets about skating in Calgary in 1988 on the infamous day when his sister Jane died of leukemia--and he fell in the 500-meter race. The day that started the ``Can Dan Jansen, the best skater in the world, win the Olumpic gold?'' drama that continued through the Albertville games in 1992 and into Lillehammer in '94. Jansen tells how he finally showed 'em. With a lot of hard work, and the help of his sports psychologist--who suggested he create a ``mental war room'' full of spirit-boosting mementos--he had a world-record-breaking skate in the 1,000 meters in Lillehammer. It's a Horaltio Alger story if ever there was one- -the triumph over adversity of a sincere, hardworking, all-American guy. But this slight, earnest book is never as eloquent as his triumphant victory lap around Viking Ship Olympic Hall with his baby, Janie, aloft in his arms. -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.