The 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics may almost be over, but it takes years of relentless training for athletes to achieve some of the greatest underdog successes in history.
While we wait for the next games, we’ve compiled a list of Olympic and Paralympic tales on audio, covering personal stories of medalists and the cultural impact of the Olympic Games.
The Boys in the Boat
“Determined to beat the odds, nine working-class boys from the University of Washington’s rowing team overcome a depressing beginning to defeat the world at Hitler’s 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Underdogs from day one, fighting poverty and privilege along the way, this crew shocks all with their unbelievable come-from-behind effort to become gold medalists. Filled with details of a post-Depression and a pre-WWII era, this is the inspiring tale of a team winning the hearts of a nation while achieving their lifelong dream. Read by Edward Herrman, The Boys in the Boat is a must-listen for all non-fiction fans.”
— Kristin, McLean & Eakin Booksellers
View the audiobookCheck out The Boys in the Boat, adapted for young readers!
Grace, Gold, and Glory
Grace, Gold, and Glory is an inspiring autobiography of the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual All-Around champion—detailing her journey from the time she first entered a gym to Olympic gold.
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Foxcatcher
Foxcatcher is a memoir detailing the gripping story of Olympic wrestling gold medalist brothers Mark and Dave Schultz, and their relationship with John du Pont, who murdered Dave in 1996.
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No Limits – Abridged
In No Limits, Olympic legend Michael Phelps shares the secrets behind his success, from his rigorous training and mental preparation to his passion for swimming. He offers insights into overcoming obstacles, highlighting the hard work and dedication that led to his record-breaking achievements.
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Courage to Soar
In Courage to Soar, by four-time Olympic gold-winning and record-setting American gymnast Simone Biles, Biles shares how her faith, family, passion, and perseverance propelled her to success. Through personal stories, she reveals how she overcame challenges from foster care to Olympic glory.
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My Olympic Life
My Olympic Life tells the inspiring journey of Anita L. DeFrantz, from her activism and leadership at Connecticut College to winning a bronze medal in women’s rowing at the 1976 Olympics. Her story highlights her role in advancing civil rights and shaping sports organizations.
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Letters to a Young Athlete
Written by the legendary NBA player Chrish Bosh, Letters to a Young Athlete shares his story, infused with hard-earned wisdom, about the journey to self-mastery from a life at the highest level of professional sports. Reflecting on what he’s learned from basketball legends, Bosh offers insights on self-mastery and achieving greatness beyond sports.
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Just Don’t Fall
Just Don’t Fall tells the story of Josh Sundquist, who was diagnosed with cancer at nine years old, and lost his leg to the disease by ten. He remained unwavering in his dream to ski in the Paralympics, achieving his goal in 2006 in Turin, Italy.
View the audiobookAlso check out Just Don’t Fall, adapted for young readers!
Limitless
Mallory Weggemann is a Paralympic gold-medalist and world champion swimmer who has broken world records and won multiple medals. In Limitless, Mallory shares lessons learned from pushing past every obstacle and expectation that stood in her way.
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The Power of Choice
Melissa Stockwell lost her leg in Iraq in 2004, becoming the first female soldier to lose a limb in the war. Since then, she has become a three-time Paratriathlon World Champion and Paralympic medalist.
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Olympic Pride, American Prejudice
For anyone concerned with race, sports, and politics in America, Olympic Pride, American Prejudice tells the inspirational and largely unknown true story of the eighteen African American athletes who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Defying racism in Nazi Germany and the Jim Crow South, their courage and achievements challenge racial prejudices on a global stage.
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Fast Girls
Fast Girls delves into the inspiring real life stories of Betty Robinson, Louise Stokes, and Helen Stephens, who overcame societal barriers to join the first integrated women’s Olympic team at the 1936 Berlin Games.
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Fire on the Track
Fire on the Track recounts the inspiring story of women who broke barriers in track and field. It highlights Betty Robinson’s rise from an ordinary high school student to an Olympic gold medalist, her recovery from a near-fatal crash, and her triumphant return to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
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Cocomania
Cocomania tells Coco Gauff’s journey from tennis prodigy to U.S. Open champion, marked by overcoming disappointments, criticisms, and self-doubt. Despite early struggles, her perseverance and belief in herself led to a historic breakthrough, culminating in her 2023 U.S. Open victory.
View the audiobook
Listen to Audiobook about the Olympics at Libro.fm
We’ve compiled a list of Olympic and Paralympic tales on audio, covering personal stories of medalists and the cultural impact of the Olympic Games.
Have you read any audiobooks about the Olympics and Olympians?
Let us know in the comments which are your favorite!