Women Who Risk: Profiles of Women in Extreme Sports [Hardcover]

Marilyn Olsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2001

A groundbreaking look at women on the cutting-edge of sports... and life. From snowboarding to skateboarding, from skydiving to scuba diving, women are smashing records and making headlines in the most challenging sports today. Female athletes have conquered the Iditarod and won the Eco-Challenge, making their marks in fields long thought to be the exclusive domains of men. Featuring profiles of such adventurous women athletes as Sarah Fisher, who electrified the crowd at this year's Indy 500, and Joanne Wild, the Vancouver police constable who raced in the Eco-Challenge, this book will inspire women everywhere to test their skills and limits in the rugged world of extreme sports. The women of Generation Y are flocking to events such as the All Girl Skate Jam in Escondido and overflowing classes at the Wild Women Snowboard Camps. And females are taking home the gold from the hugely successful X Games, which were held recently in San Francisco and broadcast nationally by ESPN. Filled with photos of the athletes in action, these profiles will enlighten, entertain and inspire readers of all ages. 40 b/w photos.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Golf, soccer, and rugby all pale compared to the adrenaline sports the 11 women profiled in this book pursue. One is an Indy car racer with a team of sponsors and crew working together to win races. Another is a mother of two who teaches skydiving and does exhibition formation jumping just for fun. Another makes a living ski patrolling and heli-ski guiding in extreme terrain. Profiles also include a surfer, mountain climber, rock climber, sled-dog racer, and others. Each profile starts with a brief, helpful history of the sport, then lets the athlete tell her story: how she got started; what training, expense, and equipment are involved; and why she loves her sport. Readers come away with tremendous respect for the athletes' drive, skill, focus, and all-around positive attitudes. Most profiles include one or more black-and-white photos of the athlete, usually an action shot. This book admirably fills a gap in the sporting literature; teens will especially enjoy learning "what it takes" from these participants. Recommended for all high school and public libraries. Kathy Ruffle, College of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, BC
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

Admirably fills a gap in the sporting literature...recommended. -- Library Journal

An inspiring book for any woman to read. -- About.com --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Hatherleigh Press; 1ST edition (August 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578260922
• ISBN-13: 978-1578260928
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,916,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.