From Publishers Weekly
These oral accounts of Olympic games from 1912 to 1984 are stirring, if only because so many of the gold medalists overcame adversity to gain their triumphs. Carlson, a professor at Western Michigan University, and Fogarty, a professor at Ferris State University, open with an interview with Abel Kiviat, age 96, the nation's oldest living Olympian, continue with other participants in the games in the years when the Olympics were notable for international camaraderie, then trace the growing nationalism that began in 1936. Among the most interesting entries are those by Benjamin Spock, who shows that Chariots of Fire was not an accurate representation of the 1924 games; Eleanor Holm, who was dismissed from the 1936 squad for drinking and "roistering"; Bill Bradley, who has a number of unusual recommendations about the future games; and "Billy" Mills, whose story of running his victory lap 20 years after he won his race is memorable. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
In this book 59 American gold medalists aged 24 to 96 tell their personal stories of the Olympic games from 1912 to 1984. The accounts are lively, compelling, and unpredictable and provide a personal perspective that enriches the history of the games. The brief narratives reveal a richly complex world of personal triumphs, tragedies, political maneuverings, humor, and romance that is not available in the official historical record or in contemporary news accounts. A fascinating look back at not only sports history, but at the individual athletes who were realizing the dream of their young lives. Dennis Dillon, Univ. of Texas at Austin Libs.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
