The Olympics are a time of joyous celebration for the entire world! I love watching the highlights, the memes, and the moments of pure joy we see in these athletes. And I love having those moments reflected in the books I read! So in the Olympic spirit, here are three books that will show the importance, the dedication, and the history of the athletes we admire today.
1. Don't Tell Me You're Afraid by Giuseppe Catozzella
Samia Yusuf Omar was a woman with a dream - to run in the Olympics. And her story is filled with bravery and sadness. After competing in the 2008 Olympics she was determined to go back, but faced death threats and persecution from her home nation of Somalia. Her goal was to go back in 2012, but an unfortunate accident as she was escaping a country as a refugee, killed her. This book is powerful in it tells her story, and shows how strong of a person she was. It also serves as a reminder of how important the Olympics are, and how that dream not only inspires athletes but also the ones who are watching.
Don't Tell Me You're Afraid is available through Penguin Random House
2. Courage to Soar by Simone Biles
Simone Biles has shown us time after time she is the ultimate GOAT - Greatest Of All Time. And her autobiography about her life shows the journey she took to get there. Between talking about her time in foster care, her training as a gymnast, and her competing on the world stage, she talks about how everything in her life led her to who she is now. It's an inspiring story, especially as we watch her again in Paris shattering records left and right.
Courage to Soar is available through Zonderkids
3. Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water by Vicki Valosik
Artistic Swimming, previously known as Synchronized Swimming, is one of my favorite events to watch. I am jealous of these women who I consider real-life mermaids and how graceful they are in the water. This book is a fascinating look at the sport's start in Vaudeville up to becoming the Olympic sport we see today. For anyone who wants to know the history of an underrated sport, this book is absolutely for you.
Swimming Pretty is available through Liveright