BEAUMONT — With a sweet smile, poise and tape on her hand, skater Dorothy Hamill autographed her new book at the LiveWell conference in Beaumont on Thursday.

She told fans the tape reminded her not to shake hands. Hamill said she was in an auto accident and got a bit banged up. But she was assessable and cordial as she signed “A Skating Life: My Story,” which recounts her battle with depression and her search for a fulfilling career and relationship after the Olympics.

She spoke at the conference that Christus St. Elizabeth and St. Mary and Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital sponsored at MCM Elegante Hotel.

Chair yoga was one session at the event designed to focus on physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. Organizers are calling attention to National Women's Health Week, which begins on Mother's Day, May 11, and will be celebrated until May 17. The nationwide initiative, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life.

Hamill, who won Olympic gold in 1976 for the figure skating competition, became “America’s Sweetheart.” Since her win, Hamill has released two autobiographies.

Fans at the book signing commented on her effervescence and recalled her famous flip hairdo that many American girls copied. Hamill still sports a short crop.

“I want to get my hair cut like hers all over again,” one woman in attendance remarked.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.