Ask most Olympians how their story begins and they will answer, 'When I was young, I always dreamed of going to the Olympics. . .' Some will then go on to tell of their great athletic triumphs. Others will recall agonizing near-misses. But for most, the very fact that they reached the Games at all was a dream come true. For the Olympic Games offer athletes something few others sporting events can: the chance to be recognized as the best in the world at a chosen sport.

With stories of great triumphs (such as Nadia Comaneci's great feat of scoring seven perfect scores in gymnastics) and losses (such as when U.S. diver Greg Louganis hit his head on the Olympic diving board), the Olympics not only embody the competitive human spirit, but also is stage for foreign relations and politics. Historical references, such as when countries were banned during times of war, combined with amazing sports stories give this book both an educational and exciting appeal.