The Magnificent Seven: The Authorized Story of American Gold

These are the seven young women who vaulted to Olympic glory by becoming the first United States gymnasts ever to win team gold. Now The Magnificent Seven: The Authorized Story of American Gold tells each gymnast’s story, based on exclusive interviews. These young women’s incredible talent, determination, and spirit electrified the more than sixty million television spectators who watched as the team didn’t miss a beat.

Starting on the uneven bars, the gymnasts performed one flawless routine after another. The beam was the same awesome story. Then came the dazzling tumbling passes during the floor exercises, followed by the unforgettable high drama of the vaults. Throughout, the crowd’s thunderous chants of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” filled Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The Magnificent Seven–magnificent to the end–epitomized the grace and courage of all American champions and of all athletes. Together Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps, and Kerri Strug delivered the most magical and dazzling night of the Centennial Olympic Games–and together they have become America’s golden sweethearts.

In The Magnificent Seven: The Authorized Story of American Gold, each gymnast tells how it felt on that dream-come-true Olympic night; how she got started in the sport; how she trained intensely for years; and all about her coaches, her family, her post-Olympic plans, and much more. Full-color photos, many from family albums, capture a wealth of personal moments-beginning with exclusive baby shots and continuing all the way to the 1996 Olympics. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of the Magnificent Seven, gymnastic stars who make all Americans proud.