Book Description
Full-color photos throughout Here is the real-life fairy-tale story of figure skating superstar Oksana Baiul, the sixteen-year-old Ukrainian orphan who stole the spotlight, the gold medal, and the hearts of millions at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Oksana, who overcame unbelievable tragedies and obstacles to achieve her dream, has fans of all ages and is a true heroine and role model for young girls. Between her numerous skating show tours, competitions, and television appearances, Oksana trains in Simsbury, Connecticut for the 1998 Olympics. Told by Oksana herself and filled with exquisite photographs--many of them never before seen--Oksana: My Own Story reveals both the fantasy princess and the very real teenager to readers for the first time.   ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

From the heart
Oksana tells her story with moving earnestness, from her tragic personal losses to her triumph in Lillehammer. Everyone who watched her win the gold medal couldnt' help but be touched by her performance, which was yet another triumph over adversity (she had been injured in a practice in a collision with another skater). Her from-the-heart performance gave her the much-deserved Olympic medal. Here's a glimpse into the girl behind the glitter. Figure skating fans won't want to miss this one, and it's a tale of personal triumph and determination that other young athletes would do well to emulate ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Oksana Baiul............Heart & Soul of an Artist on Ice!
This book not only captures the essence of Oksana as a person, but more importantly as a skater.........the title says it all "Rhapsody On Ice."Her story is brought to life in exquisite detail withbreathtaking photos and quotes from Oksana herself, which give the reader aglimpse into her soul.After reading this brief but concise book, it'seasy to see why Oksana is referred to as 'The Swan'.A must have for thefan of the unique sport of figure skating, but especially for her fans! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Entertaining read and a treat for skating fans
Who can fail but sympathize with Ms. Baiul, an anomaly in this glittering sport of young women who usually have it all - looks, money, and loving families. That Oksana managed to achieve greatness with none of the above says it all about her talent. Oksana's fans won't be disappointed.

Oksana - professional but not personal
I do not like biographies, yet this book was able to keep my attention. Oksana discusses her life as it relates to various parts of ice skating. The only drawback is that you do not learn about the everyday Oksana. You do not learn about any of her other interests (sports done in her training routine do not necessarily count as "fun, relaxing hobbies"), her favorite foods, favorite types of music, or her feelings about having a family or dating.
I love the numerous ways that she compares and contrasts ballet and ice skating without making either activity seem inferior or superior to the other.
She appears to be an emotional person and the writing style is just as emotional - written in typeset, cursive, straight lines, circles, and various colors.The photographs are taken from very interesting perspectives, and do make sure that you see the photo of the man doing a headstand without the use of his hands! She did a very interesting job of combining a book about the factual aspects of figure skating with the story of her life - she even explains how to do basic jumps and spins. Many ice skating books explain figure skating for beginners, but this book is a great starter for those considering a professional career on the ice.

A Must for the skater!!!
This book is fulled with beautiful photos and tips

Truly a portrait of Oksana
I sprinted to the bookstore the day this book was released and snatched up the last copy. And, by and large, I wasn't at all disappointed. It's beautifully done, with style and originality. Tons of great pictures ofOksana, and she writes in a pleasant, simple manner. But I get the feelingthat she just wasn't ready to truly share herself at the time, which makessense, considering when she wrote it. The only other problem is that inlight of the changes in her life since this book was done, it seems tofocus on a very short period of time in Oksana's life. Nonetheless, Oksanais a remarkable, beautiful, incredibly talented young woman, and I wish herall the best in the world. I have a feeling that if things continue as theyare now, the next book she does, if she does one, will be a lot moreintimate.

Oksana's is a Jewel.A Figure Skater. An Actress. A Dancer.
Oksana has a secret that she will keep because her secret is her. She is an actress who makes a song reality in through her own visions. She's a dancer who captivates.There has been no one else to impress the world ofice skating before or after Oksana.She will leave a strike on the ice fora lifetime.This book is Oksana's words and is a an item of figure skatinghistory, but Oksana is still the real treasure.We have all been blessedto have been able to experience the way Oksana peforms through hervulnerable spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Finally!A concise & comprehensive book about Oksana Baiul!
This small but compact book provided the perfect balance of information, insight, and history into the life of the skating world's most enigmatic Ladies Olympic Gold Medalist ever...........Miss Oksana Baiul!It delves into Oksana's early beginnings as a precocious child from a very poorcountry (Ukraine) whose phenomenal talent was evident at a very earlyage........and this talent was both nurtured and tested many timesthroughout the ups & downs of her life (re: loss of each one of herfamily members and the subsequent quitting of skating only to come backstronger than before).In the end, it is about the testament of the humanspirit and triumph over tragedy..........which the author captured somovingly.It's a definite keeper. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of Oksana Baiul, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 1384 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author