Scott Hamilton : A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Life and Competitive Times of America's Favorite Figure Skater

Profiles the figure skater, from the mystery surrounding his birth to the long string of faraway rinks and coaches that led him to four consecutive world championships and to Olympic gold

This biography is a successful attempt to probe the psyche of the gold medalist in the 1984 Sarajevo Olympic figure-skating competition. An adopted child, Scott Hamilton was a sickly youngster whose maladies were medically misdiagnosed, and he grew up something of a loner. Yet, like other athletes in solo sports, he admits in this book that he feels the need for a few close supporters, although he acknowledges that the responsibility for achieving excellence on the ice is solely his. He talks about his dissatisfaction whenever he must plan his moves in a performance and about his happiness when instinct is in control. Steere, an Ohio journalist, proves to be a perceptive observer; he is gentle but never adulatory toward Hamilton, whose story will be particularly appealing to young people. Photos not seen by PW. November 27
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Hamilton gained attention between 1980 and 1984, when he won four world championships and an Olympic gold medal. His skating ability, charisma, and real life tragedies (the loss of his mother to cancer and his own near bat tle with death) provide the basis for an interesting look at what molds a sports champion. Unfortunately, Steere has gathered the facts and quotes from per sonal interviews into an exclamatory, gushing narrative. His excessive use of poetic description detracts from what could have been an enjoyable biogra phy. Perhaps young adults will want to read this, but adults and long-time fans will wish for a more balanced view. (Photos not seen.) Barbara Halfen, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.