All the hopes of a Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, were realized in 1896, when the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens. He had dreamt of an international sporting festival where the world's supreme athletes could compete against each other for the title of Olympic champion. Although the Games have continued as the most prestigious sporting championship for amateur athletes, de Coubertin's Olympic ideal has been constantly challenged. For many athletes, taking part is not enough and winning is everything. Politics and the misuse of drugs have often dominated the headlines, casting a shadow over the sporting...Read more
All the hopes of a Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, were realized in 1896, when the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens. He had dreamt of an international sporting festival where the world's supreme athletes could compete against each other for the title of Olympic champion. Although the Games have continued as the most prestigious sporting championship for amateur athletes, de Coubertin's Olympic ideal has been constantly challenged. For many athletes, taking part is not enough and winning is everything. Politics and the misuse of drugs have often dominated the headlines, casting a shadow over the sporting triumphs and achievements that represent the true spirit of the Olympic Games. This series examines the history of the Games through eight of the most popular sports. Of all the events held at the Olympics, track athletics are the focus of most attention. The sprint, hurdle, middle-distance, long-distance, steeplechase and relay races attract the largest audiences and receive the most media coverage. All Olympic sports have their share of personalities and characters, but it is generally the track athletes who are considered the most glamorous and exciting.
Jesse Owens, Fanny Blankers-Koen, Abebe Bikila, Herb Elliott, Carl Lewis and Florence Griffith-Joyner are just a few of the athletes who have become immortalized in Olympic history and whose stories make compulsive reading. This book is a tribute to all those - the winners and the losers - who have taken part in the Olympic Games and helped to make them the ultimate sporting event.
Jesse Owens, Fanny Blankers-Koen, Abebe Bikila, Herb Elliott, Carl Lewis and Florence Griffith-Joyner are just a few of the athletes who have become immortalized in Olympic history and whose stories make compulsive reading. This book is a tribute to all those - the winners and the losers - who have taken part in the Olympic Games and helped to make them the ultimate sporting event.
- ISBN10 0750200804
- ISBN13 9780750200806
- Publish Date 30 June 1991
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 19 April 2005
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Hachette Children's Group
- Imprint Hodder Wayland
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 48
- Language English