Total Olympics

This would have been right in time for the summer Olympics if they hadn’t been postponed to 2021, a book looking back at interesting facts about the previous editions. Filled with some history, some remarkable people who competed in the various sports events, and also some discontinued sports this was a very nice read to get in the mood for Tokyo 2020.

While not everything was new to me, I did find out that the international parking sign (white on blue P) was invented for the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, and that initially it had been planned as a two-yearly rather than a four-yearly event.

I just found that the book, clearly marketed for the American market, focused a bit too much on American athletes. Especially chapter two, about the Legends, was at least 90% American where I’m sure there are also ‘legends’ from other countries. In the later chapter ‘Forgotten Heroes’ this is slightly less, but remains prominent still.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!