Best Olympic Games Books of 2026

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown is an inspiring and heart-warming story of the University of Washington's eight-oar crew team, composed of nine working-class boys from the American West, who beat the odds and won the gold medal at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. The book focuses on the story of Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who finds hope and a real place for himself in the world through rowing. Brown's writing masterfully weaves the individual stories of each team member into a compelling narrative of triumph over adversity. Overall, The Boys in the Boat is a must-read for anyone who loves stories of perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit.

The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in weight training and bodybuilding, written by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. This updated and revised edition covers the latest advances in the field, including sections on diet and nutrition, sports psychology, and injury prevention. The book includes tried-and-true tips for sculpting and defining every muscle group, effective strength training methods, comprehensive information on health and supplements, and expert advice on injury prevention and treatment. Arnold's unique perspective as a seven-time winner of the Mr. Olympia title and international film star makes this book a must-read for anyone looking to achieve their personal best in bodybuilding.

Be wary of the people no one wants on their team, the ones who are too small, too slow and not very capable. The unwanted have a built-in motivation to do whatever it takes to succeed that those who are picked first do not have. This is a story of such a person and what he did to find his place at the top of the world in his sport. I'm that person and this book is an introduction to what I've learned. I believe there is a mental system that when used will speed up the process of getting to the winner's circle. I am well aware that there are many fine self-improvement books available. Psychologists, motivational speakers, religious leaders and business professionals write them. A competitor writes this one. The Mental Management(R) System is not based on psychology, instead it is 100% based on competition. I did my apprenticeship in the arena of Olympic pressure. My credibility is not based on the courses I took in college; it's in my gold medals and the medals of my students. It's not theory; it's simply what works. My goal in this book is to share with you the mental techniques that I have discovered and used to win.

Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe is a riveting biography about America's greatest athlete. David Maraniss, the bestselling author of When Pride Still Mattered, delivers a masterful and in-depth portrait of Thorpe's life. Thorpe's colossal skills earned him gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, an All-American football player title, and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, his life was a struggle against racism, broken marriages, financial distress, and alcohol. Maraniss sifts through the myths about Thorpe, depicting a proud and complicated man who sought to shape his own destiny despite larger forces of racism and hypocrisy. Path Lit by Lightning tells his story with skill and integrity.

The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph is a powerful book that tells the story of Oksana Masters, an extraordinary athlete who overcame incredible physical challenges to become the most decorated winter Paralympic or Olympic athlete in the United States. Born in Ukraine with numerous medical conditions, Oksana was relinquished to the orphanage system. However, salvation came when an American professor adopted her. Despite enduring years of operations, including a double leg amputation, Oksana triumphed in four sports, winning against the world's best. This inspiring memoir is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they don't fit in.

Bridge for Beginners is a comprehensive guide to learning the classic card game. The book provides step-by-step instructions on bidding, scoring, conventions, and winning strategies. With an easy-to-understand approach, beginners will gain the confidence and skills needed to become a master at Bridge. The book also includes tips and tricks for outwitting opponents and becoming a better Bridge partner. As a fun way to boost critical thinking skills and bond with loved ones, Bridge for Beginners is a must-read for anyone looking to learn this Olympic sport.

Courage to Soar is the inspiring autobiography of Simone Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and record-setting American gymnast. In this book, Simone shares how her faith, family, passion, and perseverance have helped her overcome challenges and become one of the top athletes in the world. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at gymnastics events, including the Olympics, and shares the events and challenges that led her from an early childhood in foster care to a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Courage to Soar is an ideal gift for young girls, gymnastics fans, and anyone looking for an inspirational story. Overall, this book presents a positive role model and is a must-read for anyone striving to achieve their dreams.

In "One Jump at a Time: My Story," Nathan Chen shares his journey to becoming a three-time World Champion and Olympic gold-medalist in figure skating. Despite facing challenges as a Chinese American skater, Chen's mother served as his coach and made significant sacrifices to help him pursue his dreams. Chen discusses his triumphs, disappointments, and the physical and emotional toll the sport demands. He also provides insights into the figure skating world and competing in the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. This inspiring memoir showcases the power of passion, perseverance, and family support.

The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey is an exceptional book that narrates the incredible story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team and the Miracle on Ice. Coffey provides a fresh perspective on the event and details the chemistry of the team led by an unconventional coach, Herb Brooks. He also traces the lives of the players and coaches after their stunning victory, examining how the Olympic events affected them. The book is a heartwarming portrayal of one Friday night in Lake Placid and the enduring power of the extraordinary. Overall, The Boys of Winter is a captivating read that enriches the greatest sports moment of the twentieth century.

10-Minute Toughness by Jason Selk is a comprehensive mental training program that helps individuals develop the mental toughness needed for success both on and off the field. This book provides readers with a proven routine of daily exercises that can be completed in just ten minutes a day. Selk's techniques, which are personalized and tailored to the individual, help to boost brainpower and achieve a competitive edge. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their mental game and achieve success in any area of life.