I seldom read biography, and certainly not sports biography, but this book was so highly recommended that I picked it up. I’m so glad that I did. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. While it focuses on the life of Joe Rantz, one of the crew members at the University of Washington, it also presents the other crew members, captures the depths of the hardships filling this country during the Depression, and paints a grim picture of Hitler’s Germany.
Who knew crew was such a grueling sport? I certainly didn’t. These college men worked incredibly hard and sacrificed much to earn a place on the team that ultimately triumphed in the Berlin Olympics. I was inspired by their dedication and by their commitment to each other and to their goal. This is a story about strength of will, teamwork, and values. Read it. You’ll be glad you did.