What do you think?
Rate this book
Debi Thomas What Really Happened
UNAUTHORIZED, Debi Thomas What Really Happened, is an amazing tale of behind the scenes interviews that were conducted by journalist, and two-time award-winning writer, Carol Denise Mitchell. During two-years of phone interviews with Debi Thomas and Debi’s fiancé Jamie Looney, Mitchell got to know the superstar well enough to uncover secrets that Debi Thomas had yet to divulge to the general public. Mitchell uncovers the truth about Debi’s big losses in the 1988 Olympics up to how her medical career ended up failing. The author is stunned to learn that Debi Thomas felt she was not meant to win the gold in the 1988 Olympics. Moreover, Mitchell uncovers extensive research on why Debi, who openly dared to “Question Authority” seemingly at her peril, incurred many of her losses and how, and the author is unwilling to hold anything back. Readers will be appalled at how extensively Debi Thomas suffered Domestic Violence; and, how she was willing to let it all out to the author. Mitchell introduces surprising information about the skating star, while she ensures that it is Debi telling her own story! This earthshattering book will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Readers will be happy to hear Debi telling her own story throughout this fantastic writing effort.Carol Denise Mitchell is sensitive and authentic on the topic of what happened to her friend, Olympic champion, Debra Janine Thomas. Her goal is for readers to walk away from the book feeling that it was Debi telling her own story. In a shocking scene when Debi’s fiancé, Jamie Looney puts a gun to Debi’s head, Mitchell is mindful of Debi’s potential state-of-mind in not being able to tell her own story. Mitchell wants the name, Debra Janine Thomas to be inducted into the archives of great fame. Debi Thomas should be proud of this great writing effort. The book will do the superstar, no harm!
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2020
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 23, 2025
Trailblazing brilliance and the fragility of success collide in this raw and evocative narrative. The author captures the highs and lows of Debi Thomas’s life with a mix of admiration and unflinching honesty, weaving her groundbreaking achievements into the fabric of her personal struggles.
The storytelling is vivid and emotional, though at times it edges into melodrama, particularly when addressing the darker aspects of her journey.
The exploration of Thomas’s resilience and her defiance against systemic barriers is inspiring. The detailed portrayal of her triumphs and tragedies offers a compelling look at the human cost of breaking barriers.
Readers are left reflecting on the complexities of ambition, fame, and identity, making this a thought-provoking read for those drawn to stories of grit and perseverance.
The storytelling is vivid and emotional, though at times it edges into melodrama, particularly when addressing the darker aspects of her journey.
The exploration of Thomas’s resilience and her defiance against systemic barriers is inspiring. The detailed portrayal of her triumphs and tragedies offers a compelling look at the human cost of breaking barriers.
Readers are left reflecting on the complexities of ambition, fame, and identity, making this a thought-provoking read for those drawn to stories of grit and perseverance.
February 14, 2024
“Debi Thomas What Really Happened” is memoir-style biography of a powerful force that broke through racial bias combined with domestic violence awareness! This is a detailed look into the life after the 1988 Olympics for Debi Thomas, especially over the last decade. This book is real and raw, Carol Mitchell brings in detailed conversations, interviews, and research that she acquired during years of being a fan and later friend with the Olympic medalist. The overall formatting of the book feels more like a TV interview style and can feel repetitive and hard to follow at times, but the information is so riveting that it will keep you wanting to read on to figure out what happened. Debi’s story is inspiring, heartbreaking, and joyful throughout as you learn of the fall and rise back up of the incredible star. It is definitely worth the read and has me wanting to find out more on the remarkable figure skater!
May 23, 2025
Sensational tale of behind the scenes interviews that were conducted for two years by journalist, writer, & award-winning writer, Carol Denise Mitchell. During those phone interviews with Olympian, Debi Thomas and Debi’s fiancé Jamie Looney, Mitchell got to know the superstar and her lover well enough to uncover astounding secrets that Debi Thomas had yet to divulge to the general public.
In "Debi Thomas What Really Happened," Mitchell uncovers the truth about Debi’s big losses in the 1988 Olympics up to how her medical career ended up failing in 2014. The author is stunned to learn that Debi Thomas felt she was not meant to win the gold in the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Moreover, Mitchell uncovers extensive research on why Debi, who openly dared to “Question Authority” seemingly at her own peril, incurred many of her losses and how. Mitchell, described as one of the best writers on character building, has given us her best characterizations of Jamie, an unemployed coal miner who is abusive to Debi Thomas. Mitchell, is unwilling to hold anything back, when Jamie Looney aims a gun to the retired skater's head.
Readers will be appalled at how extensively Debi Thomas suffered domestic violence; and, how she was willing to let it all out to the author. Mitchell introduces surprising information about the skating star, while she ensures that it is Debi telling her own story! This earth-shattering book will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Readers will be happy to hear Debi telling her own story throughout this fantastic writing effort.
Carol Denise Mitchell is sensitive and authentic on the topic of what happened to her friend, Olympic champion, Debra Janine Thomas. Her goal is for readers to walk away from the book feeling that it was Debi telling her own story. In a shocking scene when Debi’s fiancé, Jamie Looney puts a gun to Debi’s head, Mitchell is mindful of Debi’s potential state-of-mind in not being able to tell her own story. Mitchell wants the name, Debra Janine Thomas to be inducted into the archives of great fame. Debi Thomas should be proud of this great writing effort. The book will do the superstar, no harm!
Footnote:
The day I had the pleasure of meeting Debi Thomas in person in July 2018 stands out as the most remarkable day of my life. In my review of the book Debi Thomas: What Really Happened, it is essential for history to recognize the significance of that day for me. On page 162 of the book, titled "Meeting Debi," I vividly remember her beauty in person. We enjoyed skating on play ice in my living room. For lunch, we had sandwiches, and for dinner, we savored pizza. I distinctly remember how Debi instructed me on how to place the pizza on the oven rack instead of using a cookie sheet. Since then, that has become my preferred method for cooking pizza. She is the most extraordinary individual I have ever encountered. It was a great honor for me to write this book about her. No other skater will surpass her level of professionalism in the realm of ISU skating.
In "Debi Thomas What Really Happened," Mitchell uncovers the truth about Debi’s big losses in the 1988 Olympics up to how her medical career ended up failing in 2014. The author is stunned to learn that Debi Thomas felt she was not meant to win the gold in the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Moreover, Mitchell uncovers extensive research on why Debi, who openly dared to “Question Authority” seemingly at her own peril, incurred many of her losses and how. Mitchell, described as one of the best writers on character building, has given us her best characterizations of Jamie, an unemployed coal miner who is abusive to Debi Thomas. Mitchell, is unwilling to hold anything back, when Jamie Looney aims a gun to the retired skater's head.
Readers will be appalled at how extensively Debi Thomas suffered domestic violence; and, how she was willing to let it all out to the author. Mitchell introduces surprising information about the skating star, while she ensures that it is Debi telling her own story! This earth-shattering book will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Readers will be happy to hear Debi telling her own story throughout this fantastic writing effort.
Carol Denise Mitchell is sensitive and authentic on the topic of what happened to her friend, Olympic champion, Debra Janine Thomas. Her goal is for readers to walk away from the book feeling that it was Debi telling her own story. In a shocking scene when Debi’s fiancé, Jamie Looney puts a gun to Debi’s head, Mitchell is mindful of Debi’s potential state-of-mind in not being able to tell her own story. Mitchell wants the name, Debra Janine Thomas to be inducted into the archives of great fame. Debi Thomas should be proud of this great writing effort. The book will do the superstar, no harm!
Footnote:
The day I had the pleasure of meeting Debi Thomas in person in July 2018 stands out as the most remarkable day of my life. In my review of the book Debi Thomas: What Really Happened, it is essential for history to recognize the significance of that day for me. On page 162 of the book, titled "Meeting Debi," I vividly remember her beauty in person. We enjoyed skating on play ice in my living room. For lunch, we had sandwiches, and for dinner, we savored pizza. I distinctly remember how Debi instructed me on how to place the pizza on the oven rack instead of using a cookie sheet. Since then, that has become my preferred method for cooking pizza. She is the most extraordinary individual I have ever encountered. It was a great honor for me to write this book about her. No other skater will surpass her level of professionalism in the realm of ISU skating.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews