From the publisher: From the barefoot races of 8th century BC to the underwater obstacle courses in the early 20th century to the high-tension Berlin Games preceding World War II, the Olympics have always been exciting dramas of athletic prowess and human interest.  In A Passion for Victory, award-winning author Benson Bobrick tells the details of the captivating story of the Olympic Games, starting with their inception in Ancient Greece. This wonderfully readable narrative is rich with anecdotes and profiles of athletes and weaves in important historical events to create a complete picture of each installment of the Games. This thorough account of an international fixation is gripping, poignant, and occasionally hilarious.

“Why does a golf ball have dimples? Why does a belly flop hurt so much?” This book will explain the science behind some of your most asked sports questions. Each chapter asks a question, tells a story and then gives a detailed scientific answer. It also provides safe, hands-on experiments for young scientists to learn more about the science of sports. (BTW – a golf ball has dimples to provide air-resistance so the ball goes farther)

At the second modern Olympic games in Paris a woman named Margaret Ives Abbott became the first female Olympic champion from the United States. She earned the title playing golf, a sport that most women didn’t play at the time. Wilma Rudolf overcame many childhood health problems and racial discrimination to become the first American woman to win 3 gold medals in one Olympic game. Gertrude Ederle was hearing impaired and was told by her coach that women weren’t built to swim the English channel. Not only did she swim it, but she set a record that held for 20 years. These are just some of the stories of amazing women who persisted in sports against all the odds.

There has been a lot of talk about Simone Biles during this year’s Olympic games, but one thing is for sure, she is an AMAZING athlete. From the publisher: “Before she was a record-breaking gymnast competing on the world stage, Simone Biles spent time in foster care as a young child.

When she was six years old, Simone’s grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles adopted Simone and her sister Adria. Ron and Nellie became their parents. Simone was also introduced to gymnastics that same year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family.”