runners (sports)

Based on a remarkable true story, an unforgettable Somali girl risks her life on the migrant journey to Europe to run in the Olympic Games At eight years of age, Samia lives to run. She shares her dream with her best friend and neighbor, Ali, who appoints himself her "professional coach." Eight-year-old Ali trains her, times her, and pushes her to achieve her goals. For both children, Samia's running is the bright spot in their tumultuous life in Somalia. She is talented, brave, and determined to represent her country in the Olympic Games, just like her hero, the great Somali runner Mo Farah. For the next several years, Samia and Ali train at night in a deserted stadium as war rages and political tensions continue to escalate. Despite the lack of resources, despite the war, and despite all of the restrictions imposed on Somali women, Samia becomes a world-class runner. As a teenager, she is selected to represent her country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She finishes last in her heat at the Games, but the sight of the small, skinny woman in modest clothes running in the dust of athletes like Veronica Campbell-Brown brings the Olympic stadium to its feet. Samia sets her sights on the 2012 Games in London. Conditions in Somalia have worsened, and she must make the arduous migrant journey across Africa and the Mediterranean alone. Just like millions of refugees, Samia risks her life for the hope of a better future.

"A group portrait of the female track stars who won gold at the Olympics--in 1928, 1932, and 1936--breaking barriers for female athletes and overcoming personal odds"--Provided by publisher.

Biography of Usain Bolt, a runner from Jamaica who competed in the 2008 and 2012, and won in the 2016 Olympic Games.

Presents a brief biography U.S. track and field champion Wilma Rudolph.

A biography of Olympic athlete Wilma Rudolph, discussing the illnesses she endured as a child, telling how she overcame polio to become a record-breaking runner, following her career as the fastest woman in the world, and considering her role in breaking down gender and racial barriers.

A biography of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, winner of nine gold medals in the Olympics.

Simple text and photographs offer a brief biography of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, winner of nine gold medals in the Olympics.

The autobiography of the fastest man of all time and a superstar whose talent and charisma have made him one of the most famous people on the planet.

The World Marathon Challenge?seven marathons on seven continents in seven days?is the ultimate race for adventurous runners. It tests the athletes to their limits, going from biting cold Antarctic conditions one day to dry desert heat another. To survive the onslaught of sensations?fear, fatigue, depression, elation?takes a special sort of determination and strength of will. Few would voluntarily take on such a challenge, and fewer still would finish it.

Wima Rudolph became a great American athlete. But do you know what she was like as a child? From battling polio to playing basketball, Wilma was a determined and strong child. This playful story of her childhood will help young readers connect with a historic figure and will inspire them to want to achieve greatness.