Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

Dick Pound does not mince words. He informs the readers as he sees the problems within the Olympic Movement in his own words, and tries his utmost to improve these. A book worth reading for anyone interested in the Olympic Movement.