The biggest international sporting competition is happening in Paris this July, and it's sure to be full of high-stakes tension, passion for sport, incredible feats of athletic prowess, long-awaited victories, stunning upsets, and more than a few surprises, too. If you're gearing up for the Games and are looking for some great listens to get you in the mood, we've got you covered. These audiobooks and podcasts include memoirs by some of the world's best athletes; deep dives into specific moments in the history of the Games; biographies of sports giants; and a whole lot more. So grab your headphones and get ready for a summer of athletic—and auditory—greatness.
Soccer gold-medallist Christine Sinclair is one of Canada’s most admired athletes, having scored more career goals than any player in international soccer, male or female, and played in four different Summer Games and six World Cups, to name just a few of her top-line accomplishments. In her bestselling memoir the normally intensely private Sinclair shares her reflections on the significant moments and turning points in her life, on and off the pitch. This tale of her extraordinary journey, combined with her candor and decency, is as empowering a sports tale as you’ll find.
George Washington Orton was the first Canadian to win a gold medal at the Games—but it took 70 years for the world to know it. His medals from the 1900 Games in Paris were mistakenly credited to the US, where he was attending postgrad in Philadelphia. Even more extraordinary than that, Orton, the greatest distance runner of his generation, couldn’t walk until he was 10, having been paralyzed from an early childhood accident. Mark Hebscher spent two years researching Orton to write this fascinating bio, and he narrates the audiobook with passion and reverence.
Decades before Perdita Felicien became a world champion hurdler running the biggest race of her life at the 2004 Summer Games, she carried more than a nation's hopes—she carried her mother Catherine's dreams. An immigrant from Saint Lucia, Catherine raised three children in Ontario, overcoming racism, domestic abuse and even homelessness to support Perdita’s preternatural athletic gifts and push her to greatness. This is a captivating memoir about perseverance, triumph and the power of a parent's love to transform their child's life, beautifully narrated by Perdita herself.
In this hilarious, sometimes absurd, and always fascinating collection of true stories, Jeremy Fuchs shares the weirdest, most unbelievable, and most inspiring moments in international sports history. Did you know that tug-of-war used to be a real event? Or that the Games as we know them today began in a tiny English village? Oliver Wyman's engaging narration will have you in stitches as he regales listeners with tales far too wild to be fake.
Katie Ledecky is one of the most decorated swimmers in women's sports history. She's competed in London, Rio, and Tokyo, and she won her first gold medal at age 15 as the youngest member of the American team. She's since gone on to win six more golds, demonstrating that her drive, passion, and commitment to the sport are simply unparalleled. In this memoir, she opens up about what it takes to achieve such a high level of success. Her dedication really shines through in her narration, which is full of the spark that has won her so many championships.
This comprehensive history of the Games is vital listening for sports and history buffs alike. Goldblatt traces the history of the modern Games from their reinvention in Athens in 1896 through to today, illuminating what they can teach us about contemporary society and politics. He shares plenty of stories of glory, conflict, and mind-boggling athletic achievement, but he also delves into how political events have shaped the Games, from fascist Germany to the Cold War. Napoleon Ryan's narration is part knowledgeable professor, part enthusiastic fan: He strikes the perfect balance between imparting information and highlighting the passion that defines the Games.
Basketball legend Stephen Curry will be at the Paris Games—his first time ever participating in the world's biggest sporting event. But what does it take to overcome the odds and change the game? That’s at the heart of the warm and revealing conversations between epic NBA sharpshooters—and father and son—Dell and Steph Curry in their Audible Original Heat Check. While Dell laid the groundwork, Steph later delivered a whole new era of jaw-dropping three-pointers from a time previously dominated by flying dunks. In these episodes, we hear how Steph experienced his life’s journey and how Dell saw it play out.
Four-time gold medal-winning gymnast and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Simone Biles is an athlete like no other. Get to know Biles in this tell-all autobiography. Her inspiring tale is one of resilience through hardship, faith, family, and an unwavering belief in oneself. Narrated by the tremendously talented Imani Parks, this audiobook is sure to stick the landing.
If you're eager to keep up on all the news and happenings before, during, and after the Paris Games, this is your go-to podcast. Hosts Jill Jaracz and Alison Brown talk with athletes, fans, coaches, historians, officials, and others about everything from rules and events to who's playing, who's retiring, and who they think is going to take home the gold. It's engaging, conversational, and full of fresh information.
In this breezy but knowledgeable podcast, the hosts discuss everything happening in the international sports world. Expect deep dives into qualifying events, historical tidbits about the Games, profiles of athletes and coaches, analysis of various national teams, and a whole lot more. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Summer Games or newly interested thanks to the upcoming Games in Paris, this podcast has something for you.
If you're looking for a listen to get revved up about Paris, the location of the 2024 Summer Games, this lively audiobook is the perfect listen. If you're lucky enough to be in Paris, these four guided tours will provide a wonderful introduction to the city. But not to worry—if you're following along at home, the audiobook will make you feel like you're in the city's winding streets, taking in all its colors, sounds, and scents. Actor Gates McFadden's upbeat, intimate narration is so transporting, you'll feel like you're strolling through Paris with an old friend.
