Overview

Embark on a unique journey into the realm of elite gymnastics with the unfiltered and heartfelt interviews presented in Beyond the Chalk Box. This exceptional book not only uncovers the challenges and triumphs of former elite gymnasts but also provides an authentic and unvarnished depiction of life in high-level competition. From the exhilarating highs of victory to the crushing lows of injury and retirement, these athletes share their personal journeys with unflinching honesty. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the human spirit, inspiring readers to overcome their own challenges. Through their stories, readers gain insight into the intense pressures of elite competition and its profound impact on athletes' lives. Beyond the Chalk Box is not just a chronicle of athletic accomplishments. It's a valuable resource for athletes, shedding light on the often-neglected aspects of athlete well-being. It underscores the significance of a comprehensive approach to health, longevity, and joy in sports. The book explores tools such as mindfulness, spirituality, self-compassion, visualization, and introspection, providing practical insights on how athletes can navigate the intricacies of their sport and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. Beyond the Chalk Box is more than a compilation of interviews. It is a powerful catalyst for understanding and connection within the elite gymnastics community. It underscores the strong sense of support and camaraderie that permeates among athletes. By sharing their stories, these athletes not only invite readers to deepen their empathy but also to broaden their perspectives on the realities of elite competition. Moreover, the book stimulates deep reflection on how to better support athletes-both during their careers and as they transition out of sport-so they can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you're a gymnastics enthusiast, an athlete grappling with the challenges of competition, or someone seeking inspiration and insight, Beyond the Chalk Box offers a captivating journey into the heart and soul of elite gymnastics.

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9781662953248

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Reviews

""Not only was this book such an interesting read, but it was also important for me to read, and I didn't even know it. It was everything I needed to hear at this point in my life. While reading all of the trials, tribulations, triumphs, and post-sports stories, I found a little bit of myself in each of them. Beyond the Chalk Box actually brought me to tears as I thought about my post-sport journey that I start to embark on. Being able to relate to a story makes it that much more special and beneficial for me. I know there is more to life than just how ""perfect"" I can be, and this book was just the reminder I needed."" - Maile O'Keefe, Four-Time NCAA Champion University of Utah ""When I sat down to read Beyond the Chalk Box, the introduction alone captivated me in a way I hadn't anticipated. It was as if Theresa was writing the book I would have written had I been able to organize all my thoughts, feelings, experiences, and trauma-induced anxiety and somehow magically weaved them in and out of the rich, beautifully told stories filled with life lessons from remarkably resilient gymnasts. I believe these stories will resonate with so many readers as they reflect on some of their own impossibly challenging times, harsh disappointments, and bittersweet moments as they journeyed through and moved on from the sport that captured their hearts and never let go."" - Kathy Johnson-Clarke, 1980 and 1984 Olympian, 1984 Olympic Team Silver Medalist and Balance Beam Bronze Medalist, world-renowned gymnastics commentator ""My ""Utah Sister,"" as we call ourselves, has written a beautiful and timely narrative about the importance of mental self-care while pursuing world-class dreams. I began gymnastics when I was eight and found myself traveling internationally as a junior national team member by eleven. Some of my experiences were sheer dreams, and, as life can be, some of them were miserable, with a need for a gentler path. Reading these accounts is like time traveling back to my own career, and Theresa's notes after each story are insightful, helpful, and conscientious lessons for all of us regardless of our current stage in life. This book is relevant to elite athletes and is also an excellent playbook for thriving in the real world on a day-to-day basis."" - Missy Marlowe, 1988 Olympian, Five-Time NCAA Champion and Honda Sports Award Winner at the University of Utah

Author Information

Theresa Kulikowski is a functional medicine physician assistant (PA), certified mindfulness meditation teacher, author, Army veteran, and former elite and collegiate gymnast. She is the founder of Fit Intuit, where she guides, empowers, and educates high achievers in holistic wellness and performance.Theresa's works are inspired by her early life experiences handling the pressures of high-level athletics and military service followed by a rapid decline in her health and rather severe disability. As a physician assistant, she branched into holistic health practices and became a certified mindfulness teacher, having experienced the personal benefits of both.Theresa's first book, Beyond the Battlefield: Stories of Tenacity and Mindful Guidance Along the Warrior's Path, is a testament to the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation. Inspired by her three years serving as a physician assistant in the US Army, it's a compilation of candid interviews with service members, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of military service and retirement. She then educates readers on the importance of these tools in supporting healing in service members.Beyond the Chalk Box: Insight and Inspiration from Olympic Gymnasts, Theresa's second book was inspired by her 21 years as an elite and collegiate gymnast. She was a gymnast from the ages of 2 to 23, becoming the 1996 Olympic Team Alternate and the All-Around and 2-time Balance Beam Champion while competing at the University of Utah.She now lives in West Point, NY, with her husband, an Academy Professor at West Point, her son, and their Goldendoodle, Ollie.Learn more at www.fit-intuit.org, and make sure to follow Theresa on Instagram @fit.intuit, Facebook @fitintuit, and LinkedIn, Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie.

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