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Must-Read Books About the Olympics to Dig Into During the Paris Games 🥇

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PickeringAdult

Pickering Public Library

Staff-created list

A collection of memoirs and biographies celebrating Olympic champions, to get you ready to celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics. From overcoming adversity and personal challenges to achieving historic victories on the world stage, these narratives go beyond pure inspiration and passion for the Olympic Games.

By:

PickeringAdult

Pickering Public Library

17 items

17 items

Coming Home

Coming Home

by Griner, Brittney

Book - 2024

From the nine-time women's basketball icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist -- a raw, revelatory account of her unfathomable detainment in Russia and her journey home. From the nine-time women's basketball icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist -- a raw, revelatory account of her unfathomable detainment in Russia and her journey home. Show less

From the nine-time women's basketball icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist -- a raw, revelatory account of her unfathomable detainment in Russia and her journey home. From the nine-time women's basketball icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist -- a raw, revelatory account of her unfathomable detainment in Russia and her journey home. Show less

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Above the Noise

Above the Noise

My Story

by DeRozan, DeMar

Book - 2024

DeMar DeRozan, Olympic gold medalist and six-time NBA All-Star, shares a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone. DeMar DeRozan, Olympic gold medalist and six-time NBA All-Star, shares a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone. Show less

DeMar DeRozan, Olympic gold medalist and six-time NBA All-Star, shares a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone. DeMar DeRozan, Olympic gold medalist and six-time NBA All-Star, shares a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone. Show less

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Proud

Proud

My Fight for An Unlikely American Dream

by Muhammad, Ibtihaj

Book - 2018

Growing up in New Jersey as the only African American Muslim at school, Ibtihaj Muhammad always had to find her own way. When she discovered fencing, a sp...Show more Growing up in New Jersey as the only African American Muslim at school, Ibtihaj Muhammad always had to find her own way. When she discovered fencing, a sport traditionally reserved for the wealthy, she had to defy expectations and make a place for herself in a sport she grew to love. Show less

Growing up in New Jersey as the only African American Muslim at school, Ibtihaj Muhammad always had to find her own way. When she discovered fencing, a sp...Show more Growing up in New Jersey as the only African American Muslim at school, Ibtihaj Muhammad always had to find her own way. When she discovered fencing, a sport traditionally reserved for the wealthy, she had to defy expectations and make a place for herself in a sport she grew to love. Show less

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Dear Black Girls

Dear Black Girls

How to Be True to You

by Wilson, A'ja

Book - 2024

From Olympic gold medalist and two-time professional basketball MVP A'ja Wilson comes an inspirational collection on what it means to grow up as a Black girl in America. From Olympic gold medalist and two-time professional basketball MVP A'ja Wilson comes an inspirational collection on what it means to grow up as a Black girl in America. Show less

From Olympic gold medalist and two-time professional basketball MVP A'ja Wilson comes an inspirational collection on what it means to grow up as a Black girl in America. From Olympic gold medalist and two-time professional basketball MVP A'ja Wilson comes an inspirational collection on what it means to grow up as a Black girl in America. Show less

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Undisputed

Undisputed

A Champion's Life

by Bailey, Donovan

Book - 2023

A memoir of Olympic glory, the value of mentorship and the courage to champion your own excellence, from the long-reigning world's fastest man, Canadian sprinting legend Donovan Bailey. A memoir of Olympic glory, the value of mentorship and the courage to champion your own excellence, from the long-reigning world's fastest man, Canadian sprinting legend Donovan Bailey. Show less

A memoir of Olympic glory, the value of mentorship and the courage to champion your own excellence, from the long-reigning world's fastest man, Canadian sprinting legend Donovan Bailey. A memoir of Olympic glory, the value of mentorship and the courage to champion your own excellence, from the long-reigning world's fastest man, Canadian sprinting legend Donovan Bailey. Show less

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The Race to Be Myself

The Race to Be Myself

A Memoir

by Semenya, Caster

Book - 2023

Olympian and World Champion Caster Semenya is finally ready to share the vivid and heartbreaking story of how the world came to know her name. Thrust into...Show more Olympian and World Champion Caster Semenya is finally ready to share the vivid and heartbreaking story of how the world came to know her name. Thrust into the spotlight at eighteen years old after winning the Berlin World Championships in 2009, Semenya's win was quickly overshadowed by criticism and speculation about her body, and she became the center of a still-raging firestorm about how gender plays out in sports, our expectations of female athletes, and the right to compete as you are. Show less

Olympian and World Champion Caster Semenya is finally ready to share the vivid and heartbreaking story of how the world came to know her name. Thrust into...Show more Olympian and World Champion Caster Semenya is finally ready to share the vivid and heartbreaking story of how the world came to know her name. Thrust into the spotlight at eighteen years old after winning the Berlin World Championships in 2009, Semenya's win was quickly overshadowed by criticism and speculation about her body, and she became the center of a still-raging firestorm about how gender plays out in sports, our expectations of female athletes, and the right to compete as you are. Show less

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Races

Races

The Trials & Triumphs of Canada's Fastest Family

by Jerome, Valerie

Book - 2023

In the 1960s, Harry Jerome set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world's fastest man. His grandfather, John "...Show more In the 1960s, Harry Jerome set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world's fastest man. His grandfather, John "Army" Howard, was Canada's first Black Olympian, running in Stockholm in 1912 against nearly impossible odds. Harry's sister, Valerie, competed for Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics. With Races, Valerie Jerome sets the record straight on her heroic family's history, and the racism they fought along the way. Show less

In the 1960s, Harry Jerome set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world's fastest man. His grandfather, John "...Show more In the 1960s, Harry Jerome set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world's fastest man. His grandfather, John "Army" Howard, was Canada's first Black Olympian, running in Stockholm in 1912 against nearly impossible odds. Harry's sister, Valerie, competed for Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics. With Races, Valerie Jerome sets the record straight on her heroic family's history, and the racism they fought along the way. Show less

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Magic

Magic

The Life of Earvin "Magic" Johnson

by Lazenby, Roland

Book - 2023

Through hundreds of interviews with Johnson’s coaches, representatives past and present, teammates, opponents, friends, and loved ones, as well as key con...Show more Through hundreds of interviews with Johnson’s coaches, representatives past and present, teammates, opponents, friends, and loved ones, as well as key conversations with Johnson himself over the years, Lazenby has produced a definitive biography of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr.—the revolutionary player, the icon, the man. Show less

Through hundreds of interviews with Johnson’s coaches, representatives past and present, teammates, opponents, friends, and loved ones, as well as key con...Show more Through hundreds of interviews with Johnson’s coaches, representatives past and present, teammates, opponents, friends, and loved ones, as well as key conversations with Johnson himself over the years, Lazenby has produced a definitive biography of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr.—the revolutionary player, the icon, the man. Show less

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Triumph

Triumph

The Untold Story of Jesse Owens and Hitler's Olympics

by Schaap, Jeremy

Book - 2008

In 1936, against a backdrop of swastikas flying and storm troopers goose-stepping, an African-American son of sharecroppers won a staggering four Olympic ...Show more In 1936, against a backdrop of swastikas flying and storm troopers goose-stepping, an African-American son of sharecroppers won a staggering four Olympic gold medals and single-handedly crushed Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy. The story of Jesse Owens at the 1936 games is that of a high-profile athlete giving a performance that transcends sports. But it is also the intimate and complex tale of the courage of one remarkable man. Show less

In 1936, against a backdrop of swastikas flying and storm troopers goose-stepping, an African-American son of sharecroppers won a staggering four Olympic ...Show more In 1936, against a backdrop of swastikas flying and storm troopers goose-stepping, an African-American son of sharecroppers won a staggering four Olympic gold medals and single-handedly crushed Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy. The story of Jesse Owens at the 1936 games is that of a high-profile athlete giving a performance that transcends sports. But it is also the intimate and complex tale of the courage of one remarkable man. Show less

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Butterfly

Butterfly

From Refugee to Olympian, My Story of Rescue, Hope, and Triumph

by Mardini, Yusra

Book - 2018

The inspiring story of how one woman saved fellow refugees from drowning--and how she went on to become an Olympic swimmer. The inspiring story of how one woman saved fellow refugees from drowning--and how she went on to become an Olympic swimmer. Show less

The inspiring story of how one woman saved fellow refugees from drowning--and how she went on to become an Olympic swimmer. The inspiring story of how one woman saved fellow refugees from drowning--and how she went on to become an Olympic swimmer. Show less

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World's Fastest Man*

World's Fastest Man*

The Incredible Life of Ben Johnson

by Ormsby, Mary

Book - 2024

For twenty-four hours in the summer of 1988, Canada's Ben Johnson was the most celebrated athlete on the planet, before testing positive for performance-e...Show more For twenty-four hours in the summer of 1988, Canada's Ben Johnson was the most celebrated athlete on the planet, before testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs and giving back his medal. But there's more to the story, and sports writer Mary Ormsby tells Ben's full story for the first-time in this biography. Show less

For twenty-four hours in the summer of 1988, Canada's Ben Johnson was the most celebrated athlete on the planet, before testing positive for performance-e...Show more For twenty-four hours in the summer of 1988, Canada's Ben Johnson was the most celebrated athlete on the planet, before testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs and giving back his medal. But there's more to the story, and sports writer Mary Ormsby tells Ben's full story for the first-time in this biography. Show less

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Path Lit by Lightning

Path Lit by Lightning

The Life of Jim Thorpe

by Maraniss, David

Book - 2022

A biography of America’s greatest all-around athlete that goes beyond the myth and into the guts of Thorpe’s life, using extensive research, historical nuance, and bittersweet honesty. A biography of America’s greatest all-around athlete that goes beyond the myth and into the guts of Thorpe’s life, using extensive research, historical nuance, and bittersweet honesty. Show less

A biography of America’s greatest all-around athlete that goes beyond the myth and into the guts of Thorpe’s life, using extensive research, historical nuance, and bittersweet honesty. A biography of America’s greatest all-around athlete that goes beyond the myth and into the guts of Thorpe’s life, using extensive research, historical nuance, and bittersweet honesty. Show less

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One Life

One Life

by Rapinoe, Megan

Book - 2020

The Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women's World Cup champion describes her childhood in a conservative California town, her athletic achievements, and her public advocacy of civil rights and urgently needed social change. The Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women's World Cup champion describes her childhood in a conservative California town, her athletic achievements, and her public advocacy of civil rights and urgently needed social change. Show less

The Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women's World Cup champion describes her childhood in a conservative California town, her athletic achievements, and her public advocacy of civil rights and urgently needed social change. The Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women's World Cup champion describes her childhood in a conservative California town, her athletic achievements, and her public advocacy of civil rights and urgently needed social change. Show less

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Playing the Long Game

Playing the Long Game

A Memoir

by Sinclair, Christine

Book - 2022

Olympic soccer gold-medalist Christine Sinclair, the top international goal scorer of all time and one of Canada's greatest athletes, reflects on both her exhilarating successes and her heartbreaking failures. Olympic soccer gold-medalist Christine Sinclair, the top international goal scorer of all time and one of Canada's greatest athletes, reflects on both her exhilarating successes and her heartbreaking failures. Show less

Olympic soccer gold-medalist Christine Sinclair, the top international goal scorer of all time and one of Canada's greatest athletes, reflects on both her exhilarating successes and her heartbreaking failures. Olympic soccer gold-medalist Christine Sinclair, the top international goal scorer of all time and one of Canada's greatest athletes, reflects on both her exhilarating successes and her heartbreaking failures. Show less

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Beneath the Surface

Beneath the Surface

My Story

by Phelps, Michael

Book - 2016

In this candid memoir, Phelps talks openly about his battle with attention deficit disorder, the trauma of his parents’ divorce, and the challenges that come with being thrust into the limelight. In this candid memoir, Phelps talks openly about his battle with attention deficit disorder, the trauma of his parents’ divorce, and the challenges that come with being thrust into the limelight. Show less

In this candid memoir, Phelps talks openly about his battle with attention deficit disorder, the trauma of his parents’ divorce, and the challenges that come with being thrust into the limelight. In this candid memoir, Phelps talks openly about his battle with attention deficit disorder, the trauma of his parents’ divorce, and the challenges that come with being thrust into the limelight. Show less

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The Games

The Games

A Global History of the Olympics

by Goldblatt, David

Book - 2016

From the reinvention of the Games in Athens in 1896 to Rio in 2016, best-selling sportswriter David Goldblatt brilliantly traces their history through national triumphs and tragedies, individual victories and failures. From the reinvention of the Games in Athens in 1896 to Rio in 2016, best-selling sportswriter David Goldblatt brilliantly traces their history through national triumphs and tragedies, individual victories and failures. Show less

From the reinvention of the Games in Athens in 1896 to Rio in 2016, best-selling sportswriter David Goldblatt brilliantly traces their history through national triumphs and tragedies, individual victories and failures. From the reinvention of the Games in Athens in 1896 to Rio in 2016, best-selling sportswriter David Goldblatt brilliantly traces their history through national triumphs and tragedies, individual victories and failures. Show less

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Unsinkable

Unsinkable

My Untold Story

by Laumann, Silken

Book - 2014

Just ten weeks before the 1992 Olympic Games, Silken Laumann, the reigning world champion in single sculls rowing, suffered a brutal accident that left he...Show more Just ten weeks before the 1992 Olympic Games, Silken Laumann, the reigning world champion in single sculls rowing, suffered a brutal accident that left her right leg shattered and useless. Silken’s extraordinary story offers us an intimate look at the complicated woman behind the Olympic hero, showing how perseverance and optimism can allow anyone to embrace the incredible opportunities that often go hand in hand with adversity. Show less

Just ten weeks before the 1992 Olympic Games, Silken Laumann, the reigning world champion in single sculls rowing, suffered a brutal accident that left he...Show more Just ten weeks before the 1992 Olympic Games, Silken Laumann, the reigning world champion in single sculls rowing, suffered a brutal accident that left her right leg shattered and useless. Silken’s extraordinary story offers us an intimate look at the complicated woman behind the Olympic hero, showing how perseverance and optimism can allow anyone to embrace the incredible opportunities that often go hand in hand with adversity. Show less

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