From Lindsey Vonn to Simone Biles: 13 Olympic Memoirs That Will Inspire You to Go for the Gold
Go behind the scenes of the world’s biggest stage. These raw, honest memoirs offer the ultimate blueprint for greatness!
The curtain has closed on the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, but we’re still in awe of the talent and determination embodied by American athletes like Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu and Rich Ruohonen. Their incredible performances are the result of years of discipline and sacrifice and that alone is something to celebrate! From overcoming obstacles to making sacrifices and staying focused on a dream, their dedication is inspiring to anyone who’s ever pursued a goal. If you’re interested in the grit behind the glory, you’re in the right place. Many of these beloved Olympians have shared their journeys in compelling memoirs—and we gathered up the best ones!
Here, we hand-picked our favorite Olympic memoirs written by a number of medalists, from current Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky and gymnast Simone Biles to former volleyball star Misty May-Treanor, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn and more. These tales shine a light on the awe-inspiring, often grueling years of practice and hard work as the athletes prepared for the moment their lives would change forever. Keep reading to learn more about these page turners!
‘Just Add Water: My Swimming Life’ by Katie Ledecky
Katie Ledecky—winner of more individual Olympic races than any female swimmer in history—is opening up about her journey in her tell-all new memoir. In her 2024 book, the 27-year-old talks about everything from her childhood in Maryland to how she fell in love with swimming and how she feels about being an Olympian. Ledecky holds nothing back in this inspiring tale. (If you prefer audiobooks, you’re in for a treat, as Ledecky narrates her story.)
What readers are saying: “Just Add Water was a joyful read! Katie has such an amazing perspective and her consistency is inspiring.”
‘Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance’ by Simone Biles
Beloved gymnast Simone Biles, 27, is ready to share her side of the story. Follow alongside the record-setting powerhouse as she deep dives into her flips, faith, family and finding her purpose. Plus: Learn what really goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics in this dazzling read, co-written by best-selling author Michelle Burford.
What readers are saying: “Simone wrote such a well-balanced book! She does discuss her wins and the beautiful side of gymnastics. But she also didn’t make it seem like a fairy tale. She speaks of struggles and how she made it through them, her perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles and she also remembers who helped her along the way!”
‘Age Is Just a Number: Achieve Your Dreams at Any Stage in Your Life’ by Dara Torres with Elizabeth Weil
Dara Torres opens up about how she really felt about returning to the Olympics as a 41-year-old mother in this barrier-breaking, honest memoir. She shares vulnerably about what inspired her to return to her sport and how being older than the other contestants made her that much more determined. The gold medal-winning swimmer tells all in this encouraging and empowering story that will have fans cheering.
What readers are saying: “Since I’m close to the same age as Dara Torres, I was really drawn to her story while watching the Olympics…so when this book came out, I wanted to read it right away. Filled with great life lessons and inspiring stories, this book is a must read.”
‘Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain and Other Big Ideas’ by Alexi Pappas
The Greek-American runner’s Olympic dreams began at an early age after her life turned upside down when her mother died by suicide. In her book, she chronicles her busy life as a professional runner and successful filmmaker and authentically shares about her battle with post-Olympic depression. With strength and grace, she inspires readers to overcome hardships and always be brave. The foreword is written by comedian Maya Rudolph, and both Pappas and Rudolph narrate the audiobook.
What readers are saying: “Wow! This book is both inspirational and important. I am for sure sharing this one to anyone who needs a little encouragement.”
‘Breakaway: Beyond the Goal’ by Alex Morgan
Soccer star Alex Morgan gets honest within the pages of her memoir, which is filled with uplifting and motivational moments. She leaves nothing out, writing about how she fell in love with the sport, how she became a world champion and the role she plays on the field. Her compelling story will inspire women—and girls—of all ages!
What readers are saying: “I highly recommend this book! Alex is such an inspiration and truly makes you believe and realize that not everyone is perfect and that everyone makes mistakes but that if you work hard and get through it you can achieve your goals!”
‘Beneath the Surface: My Story’ by Michael Phelps
Take a peek into the incredible life of the most decorated Olympian of all time in this fascinating story. The beloved swimmer candidly shares insights into his battle with ADHD, his personal training routine, the mental preparation required by his sport and some behind-the-scenes perspective on his journey from an awkward teenager to a superstar smashing records and finding his place at the top. With a foreword by legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas, this is one Olympic memoir not to miss.
What readers are saying: “Michael Phelps is, in my opinion, one of the greatest athletes of all time, but this book reminds us that he is also a human being who shares many of the same values and dreams with the rest of us. His connection with family and dedication to his friends is amazing.”
‘Misty: My Journey Through Volleyball and Life’ by Misty May-Treanor with Jill Lieber Steeg
The two-time Olympic gold medal-winning beach volleyball icon offers a look into her life during the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Misty writes about all the professional and personal curve balls that came her way—from her childhood to her parents’ struggles to her heartbreak after her mother’s death from cancer. Revealing intimate details she’s never shared publicly, she shares an inspiring, touching story.
What readers are saying: “I am a huge fan of Misty May-Treanor! She is an amazing athlete and from what I have read in the book and in other interviews she seems like a very down-to-earth person. Her book is very interesting and inspiring. I am not an athlete myself but I can truly respect her talent! A must read!”
‘Grace, Gold and Glory My Leap of Faith’ by Gabrielle Douglas with Michelle Burford
Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas tells all in her memoir about the 2012 London Olympics where she stunned as the All-Around Gold Medal winner and member of the gold-medal-winning team. She shares the highs and lows and inspires readers with her faith, perseverance and grit that led her to take the leap—and soar!
What readers are saying: “I purchased this book simply because of the 2008 Olympics where I was inspired to learn more about this young competitor! Her story is truly amazing, but beware, once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it back down.”
‘Rise’ by Lindsey Vonn
At 41, Lindsey Vonn is a force to be reckoned with in the skiing world, and in her 2023 memoir Rise, she details how she got there. From how she trains, rests and recovers to how she navigates daily pressures, the most decorated female skier of all time leaves nothing out. A powerful, poignant story that is sure to inspire readers from the start.
What readers are saying: “I enjoyed this candid look into the life and mindset of one of the greatest skiers of all time. Lindsey Vonn was not only an elite athlete, but also moved the conversation forward about mental health; and in that regard she was way ahead of her time. Her bravery and determination is legendary, and I appreciate her sharing her unique story.”
‘Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F*cking Up and Figuring It Out’ by Grace Gold
When Grace Gold glided onto the ice at the 2014 Winter Games, people fell in love with her. She was pretty, well-spoken and talented. Because of that, she rose to fame rather quickly, only to come crashing down years later. In 2017, she began treatment to help her manage her eating disorder and anxiety treatment—or so the public was told. In her memoir Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F*cking Up and Figuring It Out, Gold reveals why she was really getting treatment and how she overcame the public pressures that came with being one of the most recognizable female athletes in the world. An honest story filled with strength and determination.
What readers are saying: “A beautiful, thoughtful, and gut-wrenchingly honest memoir. Grace Gold did not hold back from expressing her vulnerabilities. She opened up about her triumphs, her downward spiral and her comeback. It was authentic, it was raw and it was powerful.”
‘Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian – My Story of Rescue, Hope and Triumph’ by Yusra Mardini
In her breathtaking memoir, Yusra Mardini recounts the astonishing journey from war-torn Syria to the Olympic stage. As a young refugee fleeing across the Aegean Sea, Mardini leapt into the water when her overcrowded boat’s engine failed, helping guide it to safety and saving dozens of lives. After reaching Greece, she transformed that harrowing act of survival into a renewed sense of purpose, training relentlessly for a dream that once seemed impossible. Just a year later, she competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics as a member of the swimming Refugee Olympic Team and became a global symbol of resilience and hope. An important tale that highlights the unseen lives of refugees and the pure determination of one of the world’s greatest athletes!
What readers are saying: “Butterfly gives readers an excellent insight into why these refugees have left everything in order to start again elsewhere and the many challenges and barriers faced along the way. Though this is Yusra’s story, her family and especially her sister are extremely important. I really enjoyed learning about all of them. The book is written in such a way that you feel like you know them by the end.”
‘One Jump at a Time: My Story’ by Nathan Chen
In the afterglow of the 2026 Winter Olympics, there’s no better time to revisit One Jump at a Time, the memoir penned by Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen. Before he was known as the “Quad King,” Chen was the youngest child of Chinese immigrants. His family knew it would be difficult for him to rise in the world of figure skating due to their limited income. So his mother, Hetty Wang, became his first coach and reshaped their lives around a dream. Writing with candor about Olympic heartbreak and redemption at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chen traces the physical and emotional toll behind his historic gold medal performance. This inspiring and compelling story is a testament to family, sacrifice and resilience.
What readers are saying: “Nathan Chen gives the reader a brutally honest description of his struggles in the world of figure skating. As a fan of the sport, I recognize him as one of the greatest skaters who ever lived. After reading this book, I recognize him as a quality human being who is telling his story in order to help others face their own difficulties, whatever they may be.”
‘Beautiful on the Outside: A Memoir’ by Adam Rippon
In 2018, Adam Rippon became an Olympic bronze medalist for the team figure skating event and his memoir, Beautiful on the Outside, is a hilarious, big-hearted story about his journey. “Your mom probably told you it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” he writes. “Well, then she was never a competitive figure skater.” Rippon recounts his inspiring path to the Olympics—from being homeschooled in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to honing his skills as a skater and, finally, becoming a self-professed American sweetheart on the world stage.
What readers are saying: “What makes a good celebrity memoir? For me it must be open and a bit voyeuristic, chatty and a bit gossipy, sweet, funny, warm and positive. It must read like a lengthy storytelling one-on-one chat over coffee. It must feel like I know the person. Adam Rippon’s new memoir, Beautiful on the Outside, is all of these things. His book will teach you a bit more about figure skating. It will make you laugh out loud. But mostly it will make you feel like you are one of his intimate friends; like he just spilled all his secrets to you. I came away from the book admiring him even more than I did before.”
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