Inside the Olympics: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Politics, the Scandals, and the Glory of the Games [Hardcover]

Richard W. Pound (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

A candid look at how the Olympic rings got so tarnished-from a top IOC insider

Bribery, illicit drugs, tainted judges, dirty politics . . . the Olympics have come a long way from ancient Greece. Far from the vaunted symbol of athletic excellence, the Olympic games have become awash in scandal (from doping and judging scandals, questionable selection practices for future sites) that have given it a tawdry luster only cynics and news junkies would relish. Now, Dick Pound, a former Olympic medalist and twenty-five year member of the IOC gives an insider's account of the politics within the IOC as well as an unsensationalistic look at what went on behind the headlines. As controversial as the games themselves have become, Inside the Olympics is a fascinating, no-holds-barred look at just how the Olympics and their legacy have foundered.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an intriguing account of many of the scandals that have despoiled the event…" (The Times, 16 December 2004)

“…Pound details the bribery, doping, cheating and exploitation involved in the world’s most ‘golden’ business.” (Fitness First Magazine, Autumn 2004)

“…an interesting account of the recent history of IOC…” (British Runner, October 2004)

“…a good modern history of the Olympics…” (Business Eye, August 2004)

“…a powerful fascinating read and Pound does not pull his punches…” (Time Out, 25 August 2004)

“Pound digs deep into many controversial events and issues surrounding the Olympics” (Athletics Weekly, 18 August 2004)

“A fascinating, no –holds-barred look at just how the Olympics and their legacy have foundered” (New Addington Advertiser, 13 August 2004)

“…the ultimate Olympic insider lifts the lid on everything from drug scandals to political wranglings.” (Northern Echo (North), 13 August 2004)

“…a fascinating, no-holds-barred look at just how the Olympics and their legacy have foundered” (Croydon Advertiser, 13 August 2004)

“…well written…” (Irish Independent (Dublin), 16 August 2004)

“…his book is entertaining..” (Aberdeen Press & Journal, 14 August 2004)

“…brings an invigorating candour to a world in which officials have rivalled competitors for wrong doing.” (The Independent (Review), 13 August 2004)

“…brings an invigorating candour to a world in which officials have rivalled competitors for wrongdoing…” (Independent, 13 August 2004)

“…tells it like it is…a compelling read…” (Nottingham Evening Post, 7 August 2004)

“…a revealing and fascinating book.” (Leicester Mercury, 3/8/04)

“His insider knowledge informs his compelling book...” (The Economist, 30/7/04)

Review

"You won't always agree with Dick Pound...but his 'no holds barred' approach to so many major issues will keep you reading all night long."
—Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Sports and Olympics

"The Olympic Games exist for the benefit of the athletes and not the IOC. Many IOC members still don't get it; however, Dick Pound [a former Olympic swimmer] certainly does. His unique view from inside the Olympic Movement is told in his usual straightforward manner, with his special blend of idelism and cynicism."
—Brian williams, CBC, Veteran Broadcaster and Olympic Host

"The only man who could have written this book has done it with candor and style. A lucid and penetrating look at the five-ringed world, filled with Dick Pound's customary insight, frankness and wit. Inside the Olympics wins gold, silver and bronze."
—John Powers, Boston Globe

"Pound takes us through the Olympic landscape with insight and opinion and on one of the biggest problems we all face: drugs in sport, he has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the good guys."
—Sebastian Coe, OBE, double Olympic Gold 1500-meter champion

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470834544
• ISBN-13: 978-0470834541
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,156,510 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Penetrative Pound, April 13, 2011

By 

Eric Shun (Tokyo) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inside the Olympics: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Politics, the Scandals and the Glory of the Games (Paperback)

Throughout the text, Mr. Pound has proved himself both a master debater in the face of rather daunting issues regarding the Olympic Games, as well as a cunning linguist with his mastery of prose. The narrative itself deeply penetrates into the confluxated veil of secrecy that surrounds virtually every aspect of these Games. Furthermore, while some authors would pull out of exploring these issues when they become overly sensitive or otherwise uncomfortable, Mr. Pound shows both vigor and stamina in what fulminates in an overall satisfying climax.

Most importantly, however, Mr. Pound has demonstrated that it is more than possible to work as a writer while being apparently entirely devoid the faculties of irony.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Read, August 17, 2004

By 

Michael Friedberg (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inside the Olympics: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Politics, the Scandals, and the Glory of the Games (Hardcover)

This was a really interesting read. I've always been an Olympics fan, but you never get these kind of stories in other books. Pound really reveals the inner workings of the games, from the big news now, doping, to the judging scandals (Comaneci didn't deserve a 10???), to the contentious process of selecting the host city. He obviously has had a view that no one else could have, as an athlete, as the VP of the IOC, and as the head of the World anti-doping agency, and he really brings you into his world. But it's really not all scandals. One of the things that really comes through is his love of the games. As much as he talks about the scandals, he seems to do so out of a desire to bring honor back to the games. Really fascinating stuff.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Four Inches, August 5, 2011

By 

Kent Kondo (SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inside the Olympics: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Politics, the Scandals, and the Glory of the Games (Hardcover)

Dick Pound cleverly pokes it's way into the mushy gushy, in a stalking perspective, often surprising at the many positions he takes (innovative yet powerful strokes of excitement is each behind-the-scenes account). This read was a good four inches thick, somewhat on the shorter side, but he uses every inch of it masterfully, carefully, and oft forcefully upon the unsuspecting. Dick Pound surprises everyone, and even you, as he creeps up behind you and delivers a political message you will not (and cannot) forget. It will leave you utterly shaken, and wanting more and more of Dick Pound.