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Icebreaker the Autobiography of Rudy Galindo
The U.S. Figure Skating champion reveals the personal and professional challenges that nearly destroyed his career, his difficult childhood in a violent neighborhood, his identity as a gay athlete, and his struggles with losing loved ones to AIDS.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 10, 2008
A very inspiring book by Galindo, a US national champion in men's and pairs, who overcame racial, sexual and socio-economic prejudices.
As an adult skater, reading how he prepared for the National Championships in 1996 gives the reader a wonderful glimpse into what it takes to become a champion.
He, like Scott Hamilton, writes in a warts-and-all style that appears to be not only honest but therapeutic as well. My only criticism is the book was written and published quickly, more than likely to capitalize on his sudden popularity and the rising popularity of everything figure skating in the late 90s. It would have been beneficial to know more about him and his transition into the professional world, his subsequent challenges with health, and his approach to staying relevant as a fading star in a sport whose popularity is declining.
As an adult skater, reading how he prepared for the National Championships in 1996 gives the reader a wonderful glimpse into what it takes to become a champion.
He, like Scott Hamilton, writes in a warts-and-all style that appears to be not only honest but therapeutic as well. My only criticism is the book was written and published quickly, more than likely to capitalize on his sudden popularity and the rising popularity of everything figure skating in the late 90s. It would have been beneficial to know more about him and his transition into the professional world, his subsequent challenges with health, and his approach to staying relevant as a fading star in a sport whose popularity is declining.
June 24, 2010
Eric Marcus was also the co-author of diver Greg Louganis' autobiography, so from this gay-friendly source at least there is no inappropriateness in the tone taken towards Galindo's sexual orientation or AIDS (this book was published before Galindo discovered himself to be HIV-positive, but it is full of the tragedies of other men in his life, including his brother and his coach). The book is fairly candid, although it has obviously been carefully edited to exclude any sense of any real rage Galindo may lingeringly feel against the prejudice he encountered. I found it an interesting read, not least because Galindo has had an interesting life (a curse, indeed!)
August 31, 2016
Rudy Galindo's performances at the 1996 US Figure Skating Championships were some the main reasons I became a figure skating fan and have followed the sport ever since. For whatever reasons, his skating really clicked with me and opened the door to figure skating for me so that I could understand it and appreciate it as a fan. Otherwise, I am really not a serious sports fan. This book was an interesting and informative peek into his life and career as a skater. A very enjoyable read and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story well told.
July 9, 2008
Rudy was from a poor Hispanic family and grew up in a trailer park in San Jose but his family was very supportive with his skating and he went on to win the national championship. I enjoyed reading this autobiography of how Rudy overcame obstacles (and prejudices) to become a top athlete in the sport of figure skating.
December 26, 2009
What can I say? I love Rudy. Always have, always will. He's my favorite skater of all time.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews