Olympic Books

Reads centered on the history of the Games and the extraordinary athletes who define them across disciplines like rowing, climbing, cycling, and boxing.

Classic

The Greatest

Muhammad Ali / Richard Durham

Boxing Biography

A powerful biography of the iconic heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist.

Reading Note
Must-read

Simone Biles: Courage to Soar

Simone Biles / Michelle Burford

Olympic Memoir

The inspiring personal story of gymnastics' most dominant athlete.

Reading Note
Hidden gem

Chasing Glory

Lynn Hill

Climbing Memoir

A fascinating account of vertical adventure and personal endurance.

Reading Note
Classic

The Boys in the Boat

Daniel James Brown

Rowing History

A masterful historical account of the 1936 US Olympic rowing team.

Reading Note
Must-read

Triumph

Jeremy Schaap

Olympic History

The definitive story of Jesse Owens and the controversial 1936 Berlin Games.

Reading Note
Top pick

Gold Rush

Victoria Pendleton

Cycling Memoir

An honest look at the immense psychological pressure of track cycling at the highest level.

Reading Note