In this article, we delve into the autobiographies of Black Olympians, each narrative a testament to resilience, dedication, and triumph. These athletes have not only broken records but also barriers, navigating the intersections of sports, race, and identity.
Hearing someone’s story in their own words can give you an intimate look into their innermost thoughts, fears, and dreams. From the heart-pounding races to the moments of quiet reflection, these personal accounts provide an intimate look at the journeys of those who have paved the way in the world of sports, inspiring future generations with their legacy.
Here is a glimpse into the lives of some of the best Black athletes in history:
Why Soccer Matters: A Look at More Than Sixty Years of International Soccer
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pélé, was regarded as the greatest soccer (football) player in the history of the game. In this book, he explains his vision for the future of the sport and, by extension, the world.
“I know in my heart that soccer was good to me, and great to the world….I saw, time and again, how the sport improved countless millions of lives, both on and off the field. For me, at least, that’s why soccer matters.”
Read more about his legacy here.
Faster Than Lightning: My Story
Usain Bolt, known as the fastest man in the world, has captivated global audiences with his record-breaking sprints in the 100 and 200 meters. The Jamaican sprinter’s charisma and unparalleled speed have earned him eight Olympic gold medals, solidifying his status as a legend in track and field.
Read more about his autobiography here.
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance
Simone Biles needs no introduction (but feel free to check out our article about her in case you do). She’s the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time, but her journey to the top has been full of trials, tribulations, and challenges in the public eye. In Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, she shows us how perseverance, faith, and the support of her loved ones helped her share her undeniable talent with the world.
Read more about her story here.
Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You
A’ja Wilson is a dominant force in women’s basketball, known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the court. As an Olympic gold medalist and WNBA MVP, Wilson has become an inspiring figure in sports, advocating for equality and using her platform to bring attention to important social issues.
In Dear Black Girls, which we covered in a previous article, A’ja details a love letter to Black girls and women everywhere.
“Through honest stories and inspiring lessons from her life, A’ja Wilson reminds us to never doubt who we are or apologize for being true to ourselves. Dear Black Girls is a must-read for every Black girl out there.” ―Gabrielle Union
Learn more about the uplifting read here.
Running for My Life: One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games
One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Lopez Lomong’s journey from a Sudanese war refugee to an American Olympic champion is nothing short of inspiring. Abducted at age 6 while attending church, he escaped captivity, made it to Kenya on foot, and spent 10 years there before relocating to the United States. Olympian Michael Johnson, who was Lopez’s inspiration to become a runner, said that the book is “a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around.”
Learn more about the inspiring athlete here.
My Greatest Save: The Brave, Barrier-Breaking Journey of a World Champion Goalkeeper
Briana Scurry is one of the greatest players in the history of the US Women’s National Soccer team. She is the first woman goalkeeper and first black woman to be honored in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Her contributions to the sport have also been memorized in a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
However, after suffering a traumatic brain injury, she fought against depression, debt, and despair to save her greatest goal of all.
Read more about her memoir here.
Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream
Ibtihaj Muhammad is a fencer and the first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games. She is also the first female Muslim American to medal at the Olympic Games, winning bronze in the women’s saber team event. But breaking into fencing, a sport typically reserved for the white and the wealthy, wasn’t easy.
Read more about her story here.
Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope
Carmelo Anthony is known as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. As a key player for Team USA, Anthony has won three Olympic gold medals, showcasing his talent and dedication on the world stage. But violence, poverty, and racism almost derailed him completely. In his memoir, he details how his family and mentors—on the court and in the streets—were key in surviving, thriving, and reaching greatness.
Learn more about his story here.
Coming Home
Brittney Griner’s story of courage and resilience gives us a glimpse into her life before, during, and after her time in a Russian prison. She tells us how the love of her family, spouse, and fans helped her survive one of the most challenging experiences of her life.
“Compelling . . . An intimate, honest recollection of Griner’s time held captive in Russia. Coming Home reads as a deeply personal, publicly powerful documentation of what happened—what is still happening—to her body and mind.”—Slate
Learn more about her journey here.
While not an Olympian, the following athlete broke barriers in the sports world, fought for civil rights, and supported the 1968 Olympic boycott to protest racial injustice in the U.S. and South Africa.
I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was the first Black baseball player in the major leagues. Beyond his remarkable skills on the field, Jackie’s courage and determination in the face of intense racial discrimination made him an enduring symbol of the fight for equality in America. His legacy extends far beyond baseball, as he paved the way for future generations of Black athletes and civil rights advancements.
Learn more about his story here.