9 Lives by 35: An Olympic Gymnast’s Inspiring Story of Reinvention

Olympic gymnast and Cirque du Soleil acrobat Mary Sanders shares her incredible story of dedication and personal sacrifice that led to success and reinvention.

Mary Sanders was handed an Olympic dream by her father from the moment she was born. Determined to follow in his footsteps, the young gymnast struggled through training setbacks, financial hardships, and personal rivalries, under a cloud of grief, to compete in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. But that achievement was only the beginning for a woman determined to reinvent herself and consistently raise her own standards for success.

In this revealing memoir, Mary recounts her journey from Olympian to Cirque du Soleil acrobat to entertainment executive working for Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec while balancing life at home with two children.

Through it all, no matter what obstacles are thrown in her path, Mary pushes forward, leaning on her faith, her family, and her enduring optimism to support her in each of her nine lives so far.

Mary Sanders is an Olympian and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. She earned the title as the most successful rhythmic gymnast in the western hemisphere. Mary continued her achievements as a Cirque du Soleil acrobat, creative director for nationwide arena tours, entertainment executive, producer in film and TV, actress, wife, and mother. She lives in Newmarket, Ontario.