By Mary L. Fahrenbruck, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

In July 2024, the world’s attention will turn to Paris, France, as athletes from across the globe come together to compete in the summer Olympic Games. Millions of spectators will watch as these Olympic athletes showcase their physical talents in running, jumping, throwing, rowing, cycling, tumbling, diving and swimming events among others, all competing for a chance to write their names in sporting history.

Olympic athletes, past and present, are often celebrated for their physical achievements, but their journeys to the medal podium are also filled with inspiring stories of overcoming adversity. This month, the WOW Dozen features stories about past Olympic athletes who overcame significant obstacles including racism, sexism, poverty and illness to reach the peak of their sports. Notable stories include Sammy Lee, who practiced his diving skills in a backyard sandpit due to segregated pools, eventually winning gold and bronze medals, and Billy Mills who overcame personal obstacles and surpassed expectations with his remarkable victory in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

This WOW Dozen features stories about courageous individuals who had the determination and confidence necessary to succeed against all odds. Sharing these Olympians’ stories celebrates their lives and teaches valuable lessons, inspiring the next generation.

WOW Dozen features a list of 12 global books for children and adolescents around a theme, topic, issue or personal favorites. Each Dozen consists of ten newly-published titles with two older “must have” books. Please share or recommend additional books that fit the theme in the comments section or on social media using #WOWDozen. Use the printer icon in the upper left corner of this post to print or save this list as a PDF.​

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• Themes: Adam Gustavson, Alice Faye Duncan, Amira Rose Davis, Arthur Loves to Run, Asma Enayeh, Billy Mills, Caster Semenya, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, Clara Hughes The Only Canadian Athlete Who Won Medals at Two Olympic Games, Colleen Wint, Dawud Anyabwile, Derrick Barnes, Dom Lee, Donna Janell Bowman, Elisa Boxer, Elizabeth Baddeley, Go Wilma Go, Jean L. S. Patrick, Keith Mallet, Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics, Mary Fahrenbruck, Michael Long, Natash Mac a'Bhaird, Patrick Meikle, Paula Yoo, Race to be Myself, Reem Faruqi, S.D. Nelson, Sonia O'Sullivan: Great Irish Sports Stars, Splash! Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change, Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee, Swimming Toward a Dream, Tommie Smith, Traveling Shoes, True Canadian Heroes, Victory Stand!, Wings of an Eagle
• Descriptors: WOW Dozen