Lori "Ice" Fetrick Brings Strength and Heart to Children's Literature

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Lori "Ice" Fetrick is a name synonymous with strength, determination, and fierce competition. Best known for her role as the powerhouse gladiator "Ice" on American Gladiators, she dominated the arena with a mix of athleticism and charisma. But beneath the tough exterior was always a competitor who valued teamwork, camaraderie, and encouragement. Now, years after her time in the spotlight, Fetrick is channeling that same energy into a new arena—children’s literature.

Her debut book, The Playground Warriors: Ace & the Monkey Bars, is a heartwarming and inspiring story about perseverance, teamwork, and outdoor play. The book follows Ace and her friends, the Playground Warriors, as they tackle the challenge of crossing the monkey bars—a seemingly simple task that soon becomes a lesson in determination and mutual support. “I wanted to create a series that not only encourages kids to be active but also teaches them the importance of teamwork and lifting each other up,” Fetrick explains. “It’s something I experienced firsthand with my fellow Gladiators, and I wanted to bring that same spirit to children.”

The inspiration behind The Playground Warriors stems from Fetrick’s own childhood, where she spent countless hours playing sports and engaging in outdoor adventures. Growing up in Southern California, she was a self-proclaimed tomboy, always in motion, always competing, and never shying away from a challenge. That love for movement led her to bodybuilding and, ultimately, to her career as a Gladiator. But as times have changed, Fetrick has noticed a troubling shift in how kids engage with the world around them. “Kids today are spending way too much time on their screens,” she says. “They’re not outside playing the way we used to. They’re missing out on those experiences that help build confidence, resilience, and real friendships.”

In addition to promoting physical activity, The Playground Warriors carries a deeper message about perseverance. The book’s central challenge—crossing the monkey bars—is a metaphor for life’s obstacles. “It’s about not giving up,” Fetrick says. “It’s about trying again, even when you fall. That’s a lesson that applies to kids and adults alike. Life will knock you down, but you have to get back up and keep moving forward.”

Fetrick’s transition from Gladiator to children’s author is a natural evolution of her lifelong passion for fitness and personal growth. She has long been an advocate for health and wellness, previously releasing fitness videos and working as a personal trainer. But The Playground Warriors is more than just a book—it’s a movement. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to Every Kid Sports, an organization that helps children from income-restricted families participate in sports programs. “It’s not just about telling kids to go outside and play—it’s about making sure all kids have the opportunity to be active,” Fetrick says.

With this first installment in the Playground Warriors series, Fetrick hopes to inspire a new generation to embrace physical activity, teamwork, and resilience. And while she may no longer be tackling competitors in the Gladiator arena, her mission remains the same: to encourage people to push their limits and become the best version of themselves.

For those who want to hear more from Fetrick, she continues to engage with fans through her podcast, Chillin’ with Ice, where she shares insights from her Gladiator days, fitness tips, and now, her journey as an author. Whether in the arena, the gym, or on the pages of a children’s book, Lori “Ice” Fetrick remains a true warrior at heart.