Together with the highs and lows of the Games themselves, this illustrated chronicle includes the recreation of the Olympic Games by Pierre de Coubertin and the often tempestuous and controversial fortunes of the governing body—including three successive boycotts and the Salt Lake City scandal of 1998. It also tells the story of the historic competitors—from Spyridon Louis (the inaugural Marathon winner) and such heroes as Jim Thorpe, Paavo Nurmi, Sonja Heine, Jesse Owens, Greg Louganis, and Carl Lewis, to more recent medal winners, including Steve Redgrave and Kathy Freeman. The twin evolutions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the world's greatest sports festival unfold in alternate chapters, each of which begins with a personal reminiscence by either a famous champion or a notable IOC figure. Detailed background is provided on the many crises—the Nazi Games of 1936, the massacre at Mexico City in 1968, the Israeli slaughter by terrorists in 1972, the boycotts, the new commercialism from 1984 onwards, the advent of professionals from 1988, and the ongoing threat of drug abuse. Included is how the credibility of the Games and of the IOC was rescued by the glory of Sydney 2000, and how the sporting world anticipated the Games' return in 2004 to the country of their ancient origins.
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About the Author
David Miller is a veteran sports journalist who has covered 16 Olympic Games.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent,
By Olympic Collector "PLH" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Official History of the Olympic Games and the IOC: From Athens to Beijing, 1894-2008 (Official History of the Olympic Games & the Ioc) (Hardcover)
Excellent history of the Olympic movement and the Games, very well balanced. For an "Official" history, Miller states his views even when they are critical of the IOC, athletes or other individuals, and hits the highlights in a very well-written book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
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This review is from: The Official History of the Olympic Games and the IOC: From Athens to Beijing, 1894-2008 (Official History of the Olympic Games & the Ioc) (Hardcover)
Excellent text giving all the relavent information on the games todate. Especially caters for those interested in the statistics of it all and in neeed for a ready reference.
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