U.S. Winter Olympics Memoirs

Airborne by Shaun White

From the publisher: “White exceeded the imaginable limits of snowboarding and raised the bar for other snowboarding competitors to try to keep up with him. Narrated by White with detailed commentary throughout, this book is an autobiography in images and an intimate glimpse into the life of a celebrity athlete:  training, competing, on the road and in the spotlight.”

Beautiful on the Outside by Adam Rippon

From the publisher: “From traveling to practices on the Greyhound bus next to ex convicts to being so poor he could only afford to eat the free apples at his gym, Rippon got through the toughest times with a smile on his face, a glint in his eye, and quip ready for anyone listening. Beautiful on the Outside looks at his journey from a homeschooled kid in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a self-professed American sweetheart on the world stage and all the disasters and self-delusions it took to get him there.”

Bode: Go Fast, Be Good, Have Fun by Bode Miller, with Jack McEnany

From the publisher: “‘I don’t master the mountain, I master speed.’ Coming from Bode Miller, this isn’t boasting, it’s just the way he lives: fast, honest, and wide open. In this candid book, the two-time Olympic medalist and champion skier shares his story, the secret of his success, and his philosophy of life…In a book loaded with insight, good humor, and eye-opening stories about the world of competitive skiing, Bode, as always, holds nothing back.”

But Now I See: My Journey from Blindness to Olympic Gold by Steven Holcomb, with Steve Eubanks

From the publisher: “One of the top bobsledders in the world, Steven Holcomb was considered a strong gold contender for the 2010 Winter Games…But Steven Holcomb was going blind…When he finally told his coach, Holcomb was led to a revolutionary treatment, later named the Holcomb C3-R. With his sight restored, Holcomb became the first American bobsledder since 1948 to win the Olympic gold medal…But Now I See is the intimate portrait of a man’s pursuit of a dream, laced with humility and the faith to find a way when all seems hopeless.”

Brave Enough by Jessie Diggins, with Todd Smith

From the publisher: “Travel with Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins on her compelling journey from America’s heartland to international sports history, navigating challenges and triumphs with rugged grit and a splash of glitter…Between thrilling accounts of moments of triumph, Diggins shows the determination it takes to get there—the struggles and disappointments, the fun and the hard work, and the importance of listening to that small, fierce voice: I can do it. I am brave enough.”

Dare to Make History: Chasing a Dream and Fighting for Equity by Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando

From the publisher: “The Lamoureux twins led the US women’s ice hockey team to its first Olympic gold medal in twenty years over arch rival Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. Their story of personal grit and determination in the big business of elite international and Olympics sports gives voice to the struggle of female athletes in all sports—and beyond sports—to achieve parity with their male counterparts. From ice rinks to board rooms, the Lamoureux twins refuse to be denied their voice or their chance to help girls and women be victorious in the battle for gender equity.”

Driven to Ride: The True Story of an Elite Athlete Who Rebuilt His Leg, His Life, and His Career by Mike Schultz, with Matt Higgins

From the publisher: “When ‘Monster’ Mike Schultz won snowboarding gold in Pyeongchang, South Korea, it was the culmination of a decade of reinvention, in every sense of the word. Ten years earlier he’d lain bleeding on the side of a mountain after a devastating snowmobile accident. Now he stood tall on the Paralympic podium, supported by a prosthetic knee and foot of his own creation…Inspiring and thrilling in equal measure, this is a singular story of uncommon strength, ingenuity, and seizing golden opportunities.”

The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph by Oksana Masters, with Cassidy Randall

From the publisher: “An inspirational and powerful memoir from the United States’ most decorated winter Paralympic or Olympic athlete, The Hard Parts is Oksana Masters’s gripping account of overcoming extraordinary Chernobyl disaster–caused physical challenges to create a life that challenges everyone to push through what is holding them back.”

Gold from Iron: A Humble Beginning, Olympic Dreams, and the Power in Getting Back Up by Nick Baumgartner, with Jeff Seidel

From the publisher: “In this candid and affable memoir, Baumgartner details his journey from a one-stoplight town to the podium in Beijing. Tales of crisscrossing the globe on the racing circuit and competing in four Olympic Games sit comfortably alongside Baumgartner’s reflections as a single parent and his affectionate portrayal of Iron River, Michigan, the community that raised him. More than just a sports story, Gold from Iron is a tale of massive dreams, constant sacrifice, and the lessons that can be learned racing down an ice-covered course on a carbon fiber board.”

Heart of a Champion by Michelle Kwan, with Laura James

From the publisher: “In her own words, Michelle takes us on her journey from glory to disappointment and back again. She tells us what the life of a teenage skater is really like—on and off the ice. She talks about her family, her dreams, and the philosophies she lives by. This book is a picture of Michelle’s life. The growing up. The falling down. The getting up again. The competing. The losing. The winning. But most of all, it’s a picture of something invisible to the eye: a remarkable young athlete’s heart.”

In My Own Words by Nancy Kerrigan, with Steve Woodward

From the publisher: “From frozen pond to Olympic rink, Nancy Kerrigan started skating when she was six years old. Nineteen years later she won the Olympic silver medal. This is the story of what happened in between: the hard work, the fun and friends, the nerve-racking competitions, the disappointing losses and, of course, the thrilling victories. Here is Nancy’s story about a little girl from Massachusetts who grew up to be an Olympic champion.”

Just Don’t Fall: A Hilarious True Story of Childhood, Cancer, Amputation, Romantic Yearning, Truth, and Olympic Greatness by Josh Sundquist

From the publisher: “When he was just nine years old, Josh Sundquist was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a virulent cancer strain that eventually claimed his left leg. Told in a wide-eyed, often heartbreaking voice, Just Don’t Fall is the astounding story of the boy Josh was and of the young man he became—an utterly heroic struggle through numerous hospitalizations and worse to become an award-winning skier in the Paralympics and renowned motivational speaker. What emerges is one of the most fresh and sincere works of inspiration to come along in years.”

The Long Program: Skating Toward Life’s Victories by Peggy Fleming, with Peter Kaminsky

From the publisher: “In all of her roles—athlete, wife, mother, role model, and cancer survivor—Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming has relied upon the discipline she cultivated as a young skater. Now in this intimate memoir, she eloquently reveals her fascinating life story and shares her secrets to serenity and success…A compelling memoir that deserves the highest marks, The Long Program is both a portrait of a remarkable woman and a collection of inspiring lessons on how each of us can be our best.”

The Making of a Miracle: The Untold Story of the Captain of the 1980 Gold Medal-Winning U.S. Olympic Hockey Team by Mike Eruzione, with Neal E. Boudette

From the publisher: “Beating the U.S.S.R. was only one of the numerous challenges Mike has faced in his life. In this inspiring sports memoir, he recounts the obstacles he has overcome, from his blue-collar upbringing in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to his battle to make the Boston University squad; his challenges in the minor leagues and international tournaments to his selection to the U.S. team and their run for gold. He also talks about the aftermath of that stupendous win that inspired and united the nation at a time of crisis in its history…This lively, fascinating look back is destined to become a sports classic and is a must for fans of Olympic hockey”

Momentum: Chasing the Olympic Dream by Pete Vordenberg

From the publisher: “Momentum is a tale that travels the world of ski racing, crossing from childhood to the edge of adulthood. It shares all the humor, friendship, adventure and poignancy inherent in the pursuit of a dream. Momentum gives an intimate view of how the Olympic dream is born and how it is chased…without excuses.”

One Jump at a Time by Nathan Chen, with Alice Park

From the publisher: “In this exhilarating memoir, three-time World Champion and Olympic gold-medalist Nathan Chen tells the story of his remarkable journey to success, reflecting on his life as a Chinese American figure skater and the joys and challenges he has experienced—including the tremendous sacrifices he and his family made, and the physical and emotional pain he endured…Chen reveals what it was really like at the Beijing Games and competing on the US team in the same city his parents had left—and his grandmother still lived.”

Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F***ing Up, and Figuring It Out by Gracie Gold

From the publisher: “A ‘piercing account’ of surviving as a young woman in a society that rewards appearances more than anything and demands perfection at all costs…Gold reveals the exclusive and harrowing story of her struggles in and out of the pressure-packed world of elite figure skating: the battles with her family, her coaches, the powers-that-be at her federation, and her deteriorating mental health. Outofshapeworthlessloser is not only a forceful reckoning from a world-class athlete but also an intimate memoir, told with unflinching honesty and stirring defiance.”

Picabo: Nothing to Hide by Picabo Street, with Dana White

From the publisher: “In this powerful, honest autobiography, Street shares her coming-of-age experience, revealing how adversity shaped a rebellious tomboy into a champion athlete and compassionate woman, in harmony with her family and at peace with her fear of failure. Here, for the first time, Street addresses the pressures exerted on her by her ski sponsors that may have been partly to blame for her terrible crash; the scandals surrounding the Salt Lake City Olympic Committee; and how she overcame a lengthy, debilitating depression.”

Push: Breaking Through the Barriers by Johnny Quinn

From the publisher: “After achieving his wildest dream of playing professional football, Johnny Quinn was cut three times, lost $2.6 million in NFL contracts, and blew out his knee. But instead of beating himself up, he chose to ask a powerful question: ‘What’s next?’ At age 30, when most professional athletes are considered ‘over the hill,’ Johnny was competing for Team USA in the sport of bobsled at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. A compelling memoir that chronicles an extraordinary athletic journey, Push reminds us that failure is simply a season of life. If we want to win no matter the season, we have to learn to embrace change, take risks, and never lose sight of what’s possible.”

Rise by Lindsey Vonn

From the publisher: “In Rise, decorated Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn shares her incredible journey for the first time, going behind the scenes of a badass life built around resilience and risk-taking. One of the most aggressive skiers ever, Vonn offers a fascinating glimpse into the relentless pursuit of her limits, a pursuit so focused on one-upping herself that she pushed her body past its breaking point as she achieved greatness. While this iconic grit and perseverance helped her battle a catalog of injuries, these injuries came with a cost—physical, of course, but also mental. Vonn opens up about her decades-long depression and struggles with self-confidence, discussing candidly how her mental health challenges influenced her career without defining her.”

Running on Ice: The Overcoming Faith of Vonetta Flowers by Vonetta Flowers, with W. Terry Whalin

From the publisher: “On February 18, 2002, Vonetta Flowers made Olympic history, becoming the first African-American to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. Her fellow Olympians chose her to carry the U.S.A. flag in the closing ceremonies. But this historic feat took the faith of a conqueror. Though trained as a track and field athlete since the age of 9, Vonetta did not make the cut for the Summer Olympic track team. Her coach and husband, Johnny, later saw an ad for bobsled competitors and convinced Vonetta to go for this previously unconsidered sport. She made it. Her lifetime of track training placed her in the anchor position on the 2-woman bobsled team, and the rest is literally history. Vonetta’s story is one of intense faith in God, whom she freely credits for her victories.”

A Skating Life by Dorothy Hamill, with Deborah Amelon

From the publisher: “The dazzling smile, the signature haircut, the staple spin. ‘America’s Sweetheart’ Dorothy Hamill grew up on the ice, working toward the dream she was to accomplish by age 19: winning Olympic gold in figure skating. But life was not the picture of perfection it appeared to be. Dorothy faced a painful inner struggle from the time she was a young girl that followed her into adulthood—though she would not know about the depression that ran in her family until much later in life…In her deeply moving and honest memoir, Dorothy opens up for the first time about love, family, courage, and what it means to truly win both on and off the ice.”

To the Edge and Back: My Story from Organ Transplant Survivor to Olympic Snowboarder by Chris Klug, with Steve Jackson

From the publisher: “In 1996, during snowboarding’s World Cup season, Chris was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis. His four-year wait for a donor came to an end when his rapidly failing liver prompted doctors to move him up on the transplant list. With the shooting death of a thirteen-year-old boy, Chris was given the organ that gave him a second chance at life. From his youth as a high school football hero, to his campaign for snowboarding’s acceptance, and through surgery, recovery, and Olympic glory, every setback and victory in Chris Klug’s ride is riveting. To the Edge and Back will be cherished as a story of an athlete who represents the best of the human spirit.”

Unforgiving: Lessons from the Fall by Lindsey Jacobellis

From the publisher: “Unforgiving recounts Lindsey’s journey from disappointment to triumph. It is an honest account of one life-altering misstep and its aftermath, and a reflection on what it means to come of age as an athlete in the spotlight, the weight of expectations, falling short, and ultimately fulfilling your dreams. Unforgiving is about the purpose-driven, forward-looking attitude Lindsey took on after her fall, when looking back wouldn’t have done anyone any favors. It’s about the pass she refused to grant herself until she’d earned it. Unforgiving is about the commitment to seek her own truth—and to speak up on one’s own behalf after letting others do it for years.”

Welcome to My World by Johnny Weir

From the publisher: “In a memoir as candid and unconventional as Johnny Weir himself, the three-time U.S. National Champion, who electrified the 2010 Winter Olympics, shares his glamorous, gritty, heartbreaking, hopeful, and just plain fabulous life story, and reveals the emergence of his natural talents for skating and horseback riding, the physically and emotionally grinding path to becoming a champion, a family that sacrificed everything to support his passions, an ability to rise again after the most devastating defeats and never look back, an appreciation of style (from his mom) and self-discipline (that would be his dad), and a fearless confidence to be himself and say whatever’s on his mind.”

Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday by Apolo Ohno

From the publisher: “Over three consecutive Olympic games, Apolo Ohno has come to symbolize the very best of the competitive spirit—remaining equally gracious in victory and defeat, always striving to improve his performance, and appreciating the value of the hard work of training as much as any reward it might bring. In Zero Regrets, Apolo shares the inspiring personal story behind his remarkable success, as well as the hard-won truths and strategies he has discovered in good times and bad…While Apolo’s own journey may be unique, the insights he has gleaned along the way have the power to help us all feel like champions every day.”