The dream -- The beginning -- Necessity -- The disciplined life -- Tough teens -- The scorpion -- Courage? -- The struggle -- The scream -- Fairy tales -- Defection -- Doing time -- A breath of fresh air.

If there were such a thing as an "elder" stateswoman in women's gymnastics today, Nadia Comaneci would win that title as readily as she once won gold medals. Others came before her, and many others would follow, but none has so firmly won the hearts of millions around the world. In this book, she shows what it takes to achieve athletic perfection and become the best. With inspiring and dramatic stories from her own experience, she tells us how the young girl that Bela Karolyi discovered found the inner strength to become a world-class athlete at such a young age. This collection of Nadia's memories, anecdotes, and advice grants unique insights into the mind of a top competitor.--From publisher description.