Marvelous Mabel

Will appeal to figure skating and sports fans.A motivational true story featuring a strong female Black athlete and her hard work, perseverance, and dedication to her sport.Shares the little-known story of an athletic pioneer who will appeal to sports and iceskating fans.As a former journalist, author Crystal Hubbard brings her passion for sports to this well-researched and engaging book about Mabel Fairbanks.Includes an Afterword with additional information about Mabel Fairbanks and the many obstacles she faced throughout her career. Although she was barred from competing in the Olympic Games, Mabel went on to coach such famous athletes as Scott Hamilton and Kristi Yamaguchi; U.S. National champion and Olympic bronze medalist Debi Thomas (the first African American to win a Winter Olympic medal); U.S. National champion and the first openly gay skater, Rudy Galindo; and Tiffany Chin, who was the first Asian-American to win a singles title at the U.S. Championships.