Kiira Korpi: Surviving the Ruthless World of Championship Figure Skating

Kiira Korpi, a Finnish figure skater, achieved success and fame through her hard work and dedication, but her performance anxiety led to her retirement in 2015. Her memoir reveals a darker side to the ice princess image of women's figure skating and advocates for a more holistic training model.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Finnish figure skater Kiira Korpi's career was a rollercoaster of triumphs and bitter disappointments. Trained from a young age in a sport that demands unwavering self-discipline and relentless hard work, her unwavering determination and "fight until you make it" attitude propelled her to success and fame. However, her relentless pursuit of perfection also led to an insidious performance anxiety. The physical and mental toll of her intense training eventually took its toll, and she retired in 2015.

In her candid memoir, Korpi delves into the journey of becoming a champion and the eventual unraveling of her career. Through interviews with family, friends, coaches, and competitors, she provides a revealing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of women's figure skating. The book also sheds light on the darker side of the sport, challenging the traditional image of the ice princess and advocating for a more holistic and athlete-centered approach to training.

Korpi's story is a testament to the sacrifices and challenges that athletes face in their pursuit of excellence. It highlights the importance of mental health support and the need for athletes to prioritize their well-being. The book also serves as a call to action for the sport to evolve and create a training environment that prioritizes both physical and mental development.

Overall, "Kiira Korpi: A Champion's Story" is a captivating and thought-provoking memoir that offers a unique perspective on the world of figure skating and the challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of greatness.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476685083