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Black Olympians: 10 Riveting Autobiographies From the Best Athletes in the World

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

Cover image of Why Soccer Matters A Look at More Than Sixty Years of International Soccer by Pele

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

Cover image of Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography by Usain Bolt

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

Cover image of Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance Written by Simone Biles Contributions by Mary Lou Retton and Michelle Burford

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

Cover image of Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You by A'ja Wilson

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

Cover image of Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games Written by Lopez Lomong and Mark Tabb

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

Cover image of My Greatest Save: The Brave, Barrier-Breaking Journey of a World Champion Goalkeeper by Brianna Scurry with Wayne Coffey

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

Cover image of Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad and Lori Tharps

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

Cover image of Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope by Carmelo Anthony

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

Cover image of Coming Home by Brittney Griner, foreword by Michelle Burford

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

Cover image of I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson Written by Jackie Robinson and Alfred Duckett

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.

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Articles Book Lists Sports

Black Olympians: 9 “Itty-Bitty” Books for Kids About the World’s Greatest Athletes

The Olympics are a chance for the world’s top athletes to show us what talent really looks like. For Black Olympians worldwide, they have not only excelled in their sports but have also overcome significant challenges to achieve greatness.

Simone Biles at 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. (Photo Credit: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil)

Sharing their remarkable stories with young children is a great way to teach them them about the values of hard work, determination, and resilience.

Here are 9 books from My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio about some of the world’s top Black Olympic stars. This series produces short books—about 40 pages or so long—to introduce 5-6-year-olds to history’s most influential figures. Grab a couple to inspire your little ones to be the best they can be!

Coco Gauff

Cover image of Coco Gauff (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Meeg Pincus. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Coco Gauff, a prodigious tennis talent, made waves by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon when she was just 15 years old. Her determination and poise on the court have made her one of the most promising young athletes in tennis.

Check out the book here.

Simone Biles

Cover image of Simone Biles (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Katlin Sarantou. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Simone Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, boasting a record number of World Championship and Olympic medals. Her powerful routines and groundbreaking skills have set new standards in gymnastics. She has recently earned the title of the most decorated U.S. gymnast of all time.

Check out the book here.

Naomi Osaka

Cover image of Naomi Osaka (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Meeg Pincus. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Naomi Osaka, a tennis superstar, became the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles. Known for her powerful game and activism, she has won multiple Grand Slam titles and uses her platform to advocate for social justice.

Read more about the book here.

Florence Griffith Joyner

Cover image of Florence Griffith Joyner (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Emma E. Haldy. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Florence Griffith Joyner, known as “Flo Jo,” is the fastest woman of all time, holding world records in the 100m and 200m sprints. Her presence on and off the field and unmatched speed made her an icon in track and field.

Read more here.

Serena Williams

Cover image of Serena Williams (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Katlin Sarantou. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Serena Williams is one of the most decorated figures in tennis history, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name. Her powerful play and resilience have inspired countless athletes around the world.

Read more here.

Kobe Bryant

Cover image of Kobe Bryant (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Erin Fisher. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Kobe Bryant, a basketball legend, spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, earning five NBA championships. His relentless work ethic and competitive spirit made him one of the greatest players in NBA history.

P.K. Subban

Cover image of P. K. Subban (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Meeg Pincus. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Canadian P.K. Subban is a celebrated NHL defenseman known for his dynamic play and vibrant personality. He has won the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman and is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts off the ice.

Read more here.

Jackie Robinson

Cover image of Jackie Robinson (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Emma E. Haldy. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in the modern era. His courage and talent on the field paved the way for future generations of athletes.

Check out the book here.

Stephen Curry

Cover image of Stephen Curry (My Early Library: My Itty-Bitty Bio) by Katlin Sarantou. Illustrated by Jeff Bane.

Known as one of the greatest shooters of all time, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to multiple NBA championships. His skill and leadership have made him one of the most influential players in the sport. He is participating in his first Olympics in Paris.

More information about the book here.