What gymnast wrote "Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything"?

Aly Raisman wrote “Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything.” The 2018 memoir recounts her rise from childhood gymnastics classes to Olympic success and the personal challenges behind her public achievements.

Raisman began gymnastics as a young child and went on to become a six-time Olympic medalist. She captained the U.S. women’s teams that won gold in the team competition at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games. Her book discusses training, competition, confidence, body image, and the pressure placed on elite athletes.

The title emphasizes Raisman’s changing definition of success. Rather than measuring herself only against rivals or scores, she describes learning to compete for her own goals and values. Readers may confuse the book with a conventional autobiography, but it is specifically framed as an inspirational memoir for young readers and aspiring athletes. Raisman later became a prominent advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and for safer athletic environments.