Unstoppable!

My Journey from World Champion to Athlete A to 8-Time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and Beyond

By: Maggie Nichols, Simone Biles - introduction

Narrated by: Emily Pike Stewart, Maggie Nichols

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

This program is read by the author.

Maggie Nichols’s official memoir is an inspirational tell-all about the abuse she suffered under the US national gymnastics team and how she managed to redefine herself in the face of adversity.

With an introduction from Simone Biles.

In 2015, Maggie Nichols’s gymnastics career was on fire.

Having spent most of her young life training as an elite-level gymnast, Maggie carried the team all-around at the 2015 World Championships, helping to cinch the team gold medal. Next in her sights was the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She was eagerly looking forward to training for the 2016 Olympic Games along with teammates such as Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, and Laurie Hernandez. But on the verge of achieving her lifelong Olympic dream, her world came crashing down.

That summer Maggie revealed to her coach that USAG doctor Larry Nassar had been sexually abusing herself and other athletes under his care. What followed was an extensive investigation that would capture the nation’s attention and illuminate for the world the trauma and massive cover-up behind the scenes of one of the country’s most celebrated sports institutions.

Ultimately, Maggie would go on to become an 8-time NCAA champion and an outspoken advocate for the protection of young children, especially young athletes.

This inspirational tell-all offers an intimate look into the world of elite gymnastics, the sexual abuse scandal that shattered lives and dreams, and how Maggie Nichols risked everything in the name of justice. Maggie now tells this story in her words: a story of hope, trauma, reclamation, and above all, triumph.

A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Maggie Nichols (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A courageous and important cautionary tale."—Kirkus Reviews

Positive message

I really enjoyed this book. Both of my daughters were competitive gymnasts and I can really relate to the story and the emotions. I’m so sorry that this happened to Maggie but I’m so proud of her ability to go on in her life. She is a wonderful example for young girls!

Powerful

After all she has endured during her pursuit of her dreams, she has come away with such clarity of saving others. Absolutely beautiful and wonderful story of a woman finding her voice, demanding answers, and protecting those who come after her.

What an important story to share!

I can only imagine how difficult this story was to share, but I'm glad that she did. Maggie Nichols is a phenomenal athlete and even better person. I knew there would be some uncomfortable parts of her story, and there were. But I think she told them as sensitively as she could. I have so much respect for her. There were so many times in her life when she could've given up. There were also many times when she could've remained quiet and toed the line. The world of gymnastics is a better and safer place for athletes, because of Maggie's courage (and all of her peers). Thank you for sharing, dear Maggie.

The Truth

What a motivational story for all of us! It speaks to me on many levels: as a parent, as an obsessed fan of gymnastics and the true athleticism of gymnasts, as person who actually met Maggie and as a human. What a fascinating tell all.

When I met Maggie it was because she was a double grand slam gymnasts. I had no idea what that meant and did some additional research to understand if I wanted her around my young daughter. After I found out I thought what a missed opportunity. I appreciate the grand slam stuff and how difficult it must be ro accomplish but THIS ROLE MODEL has achieved so much to make the sport of gymnastics so much safer for thousands and thousands of children. That is what she should be known for. I am delighted that this high quality book has been released to teach us more about what happened and how we must remain vigilant or it can happen again.

I must also praise the quotes that lead each chapter of the book. Very well done. Maggie might not have been given the opportunity to be an Olympian but she has graced us with a great example of how to thrive and overcome adversity! Thank you for this book Maggie.

Dark truth with questions

So many that are suppose to protect. What the hell accountability ever was asked of the Karoli Ranch and “Marta and Bella?” Did the USA sell our babies heart and soul” for an opportunity to gain a gold medal? NO! I’m more proud of someone doing what they love and supported because of their talent. We MUST always protect each other especially our children. Maybe we should support each athlete’s personal doctor to accompany the athlete. Sweet Maggie, thank you for spearheading the change. I am so sorry the United States of America let you and your teammates down. Shameful.

Compelling Story

Pretty shocking story of what powerful men will do to keep the truth hidden so is not to cause disruption or interference in their lives .

Maggie's perseverance

Enjoyed hearing the timeline of events and insight into the Nassar events. Maggie its a true testament of strength.

Amazing!! Super good book and inspiring story

Maggie is so strong and is a truly amazing person! Great story of how adversity is just another challenge

A troublesome story told by an amazing athlete.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. The preview was all Simone Biles; so, it did not give a good idea of what the performance would be like. The performance was so-so. The author did not seem to connect to the material even though it is her own story and written by her. It also sounded like a teenager reading it for the first time which is, again, surprising since they are her own words. IMO this is book is best suited for a YA reader. It was a bit disjointed in that nearly the whole book was about all of the author's achievements, and virtually all of the scandal was crammed into the final chapter and read by someone else with very childish, almost comedic interludes by the author. What I would have most like to hear in the author's own voice was her testimony, which was read by someone else. But nothing can take away Maggie Nichols' achievements or the horror that she ensured and the price that she paid for doing the right, brave, nearly impossible thing that she did in reporting and following through.