Uncommon Champions

Just in time for the 2022 Winter Olympics, here is a motivating collection of true stories from athletes, including many former Olympians, who have faced incredible adversity—proving that integrity and honor are not entirely missing from the playing fields.

Readers will learn about blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer, who scaled the heights of Mount McKinley; sprinter Gail Devers, who returned from a life-threatening illness to defend her Olympic title... and more. Despite challenges, each of these stars found the heart and stamina to persevere. With themes of resilience and grit, this inspirational book includes a foreword by noted former baseball player and coach Bobby Valentine, with additional stories from the following athletes:   

Michelle Akers: The Fire Within    
Ruben Gonzalez: Street Survivor      
Jim Eisenreich: This Is  Who I Am    
John Lucas: One on One     
Mansour Bahrami: For the Love of the Game  
Greg LeMond: Making a New Plan     
Diana Golden Brosnihan: Gliding on the Edge   
Chris Zorich: Zora’s Gift     
Zina Garrison: No One Is Perfect     
Bob Welch: Living One Day at a Time             
Willie O’Ree: Breaking the Barriers
Dan O’Brien: No Sure Thing
Jean Driscoll: Don’t Look BackMarty Kaminsky has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, Highlights for Children, Parenting, Disney Adventures, and more. He lives in in Ithaca, New York.