With the ongoing countdown to the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris, we can feel the excitement in the air. The Summer Olympics, a spectacular event saddled with amazing histories and drama, is irresistible to spectators worldwide with its exhibitions of athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and human resilience.

From the jaw-dropping records on the track to the breathtaking happenings in the pool, the Olympics shows a character that is uniquely theirs. However, underneath the competition's backdrop, the players' passion, stories, histories, and insights intertwine to form the colorful landscape that makes the games we love so alluring.

Whether you are a sports fanatic, a history buff, or someone who just wants to experience the Olympic atmosphere, prepare yourself with a curated compilation of books that illustrate the historicity of the Olympics. Here, we present a list of five recommended books that will only add to the depth and experience of the upcoming Olympics. 

Letters to a Young Gymnast By Nadia Comaneci

Well-known for her revolutionary achievements in women's gymnastics, Nadia Comaneci became a role model through her incredible exploits that won the hearts of spectators worldwide. In the book, Comaneci reveals her way from gymnastics lessons in a Romanian school and being discovered by Bela Karolyi to becoming an outstanding athlete.

Comaneci reveals interesting interviews, provides advice on how athletes can excel in sports, and stresses the significance of perseverance, determination, and dedication to reach the top of the sports scene. These insights offer a behind-the-scenes view of a champion's mentality, touching the hearts of novice athletes and fans who follow the game.

Total Olympics By Jeremy Fuchs

This book depicts an appealing journey that passes through the history of the most famous sporting event. It goes through the historical path, starting from the Games' primitive beginnings in Much Wenlock, England, to the addition of novel sports like tug of war and live pigeon shooting, touching upon unrecorded events, astounding feats, and even questionable affairs.

Readers will come across the stories of heroes, like the dram of gymnast Shun Fujimoto, who continued to perform despite the fracture in his knee. Readers will also see the photos of the athletes in action honoring them.

This collection is vivid and imaginative, as the stories and images evoke the soul of the Olympics, making it appealing to both sports enthusiasts and history buffs.

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Olympic Pride, American Prejudice By Deborah Riley Draper, Blair Underwood, and Travis Thrasher

The book chronicles the compelling journey of eighteen Black athletes navigating the complex racial dynamics of a segregated America as they contemplate participating in the 1936 Olympic Games in Nazi Germany. Faced with the dilemma of representing a nation that viewed them as second-class citizens, five of these athletes, including trailblazers like Tidye Pickett and Louise Stokes, rose above adversity with discipline and determination.

Their stories, filled with resilience and triumph, shed light on a lesser-known chapter of Olympic history, highlighting the athletes' courage amidst racial prejudice and their enduring impact on African American sports history.

One Life By Megan Rapinoe and Emma Brockes

World Cup winner and activist Megan Rapinoe shares her personal experience and, more importantly, her passion for social justice. From her young love for soccer ingrained by her parents to her story of coming out as a gay person after winning the 2011 World Cup and supporting the protest of racial injustice against Colin Kaepernick, she tells of her brave choices and the influence she had on the world of sports.

As she considers significant events, such as her relationship with WNBA champion Sue Bird and her battle against gender discrimination in football, Rapinoe challenges readers to accept their ability to make a difference and poses the question, 'What will you do with your one life?'

No Limits By Michael Phelps and Alan Abrahamson

As one of the greatest Olympic legends, Michael Phelps reveals his secrets to unmatched success, from his teenage breakthrough to winning Olympic gold in Beijing. He dives into his resolute mentality, preparation ability, and love of swimming.

Phelps guides readers through narrations about his family, coach, and the races he recalls most as he shares candid reflections about his journey, showing how hard work and sacrifice are the pillars of his success. The book is an inspiring example of how each obstacle is successfully dealt with and how what you dream about is achieved when you do not give up.

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