The 2026 Winter Olympics have inspired a new generation, with wins for the US Women’s and Men’s Hockey Teams and the beloved Alysa Liu, figure skating star. We’re all wondering how these great athletes got so great. Here are some books by and about Olympic athletes of the past and present.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Rise: My Story by Lindsey Vonn
This book by the Olympic alpine ski racing legend is a reflection on her life and career. It goes behind the scenes of the elite sport, giving civilians a peek into the training and intense pressure of this lifestyle. This story is personal and honest, not your typical celeb tell-all. This is a great pick to understand the mind of an Olympic athlete!
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
This book is about the American rowing team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and their quest for gold. They were underdogs from the University of Washington, and with the Great Depression co-occurring, most people did not expect these working-class college students to succeed. If you like history, this is the book for you.
Grace, Gold, and Glory by Gabrielle Douglas
This is a short autobiography by Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas that tells about her upbringing, challenges, and what kept her strong through tough competition. Her historic win in London made her the first African-American gymnast to win the individual all-around title. She also helped the U.S. win gold. It’s short, sweet, and inspiring.
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Bravey by Alexi Pappas
This is a memoir and collection of personal essays in which Pappas details her journey from Olympian to filmmaker to writer, as well as a daughter. After losing her mother at a young age, she tells us how creating ambitious goals helped her face her fears and gain confidence. She is a runner, having represented Greece at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she set a national record for the 10k.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This book was recommended by Great Britain rowing athlete Imogen Grant and the US’s snowboarder, Maddie Mastro. Though it starts a bit slow, the profound platonic connection stood out to these Olympians. It touches on identity, the struggle to succeed, and the passion to keep pushing. These themes all translate extremely well to sports!
Let Me Tell You a Story by Jorge Bucay
This is a self-help book that is presented in the form of stories and fables as tools for personal insight and growth. German figure skater Minerva Fabienne Hase likes this book because it gives you some nice advice for life without being too harsh. The format makes it easier to reflect on your own fears and habits by comparing them to the scenarios in the stories.
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Hell Week by Erik Bertrand Larssen
This book is a self-help book that served as motivation for German figure skater Nikita Volodin. Unlike the last self-help book, this one draws inspiration from intense military training. Its goal is to push readers beyond their limits and create meaningful, long-lasting personal change. As a result, it can serve as a powerful motivation to maintain the discipline needed to get through the Olympics.
