Summary

Simone begins Chapter 9, Bar Release, by saying that she loved Sundays because she would go to church with her family, play with her four German shepherds—after getting Maggie, the family also kept Maggie’s puppies, Lily, Atlas, and Bella—and read gymnastics magazines before dinner. Simone was obsessed with reading about elite gymnasts. She knew that in order to reach their level, she would have to increase the difficulty of her routines, especially because she was performing under the revised 2006 Code of Points. Instead of the traditional ten-point maximum score, gymnasts received two scores—a difficulty (D) score with no upper limit, and a ten-point maximum execution and artistry (E) score. A gymnast’s final score was determined by adding the two scores, with 15 and above usually qualifying the gymnast for a medal.

On Valentine’s Day 2011, Simone competed in the...