Synopses & Reviews
Every four years the Olympic Games capture the world's imagination, catapulting new athletes into the pantheon of sports legends, a reputation built by their accomplishments on the field as well as their spirit of sportsmanship and perseverance. This new collector's edition,
A Lifetime of Training for Just Ten Seconds - Richard Witt - captures the very best quotes by athletes themselves on their Olympic moment of glory. Beautifully laid out in bold designs that are highly evocative of the style and era of the Olympiad in which they participated, the book presents the athlete's quotation and gives a concise history of the Games of that year and the participants involved. Inspiring, emotional, often humorous, the book is a tribute to the many heroes of the modern Olympic Games from Jesse Owens whose famous quote is also the title of the book to American discus thrower Al Oerter, winner of four successive gold medals (1956-68) who competed in the Tokyo Games of '64 despite excruciating pain from torn rib cartilage and said, "These are the Olympics; you DIE before you quit." The quotes are categorized by chapter subjects which reflect the wide range of interests of fans of the Olympics such as: The Ceremonies, the Games by Year, individual sports, like gymnastics, and special categories such as "Dirty Tricks" and delegations that have colorful histories, notably the French and Americans.
A Lifetime of Training in Just Ten Seconds is a moving tribute to the memorable athletes who have inspired the world and have fittingly become legendary sports heroes.
Synopsis
'I hope the Romanian doesn't get through, because I can't pronounce her bloody name.'
Allegedly from David Coleman, British radio and TV commentator, at one of his many Olympic coverages, when he thought he was off air.
"A Lifetime of Training for Just 10 Seconds" is a collection of quotations from Olympic athletes, eyewitnesses and commentators through the ages, whether written, broadcast, overheard or misreported. They are inspiring, devastating - often hilarious - and a fascinating insight into the Games, the people who watch and compete in them, and those labouring and slithering behind the scenes. The notes following the quotes give a potted history of the Games and its cast of characters.
'These are the Olympics; you die before you quit.'
The great American discus thrower, Al Oerter, winner of four successive gold medals (1956-1968). For the third of these in Tokyo, he competed despite excruciating pain from a torn rib cartilage, strapped up and iced.
About the Author
Richard Witt was the head of English translations (2001-2004) for the Organizing Committee of the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad.