In Motivational Moments in Men’s Track and Field, read 80 inspirational stories of male athletes who overcame adversity to achieve success. The stories convey the history of track and field and are designed to inspire, encourage, motivate, and teach valuable life lessons. The stories are written for those who are currently competing, coaching, have participated in track and field, or are simply a track and field or sports fan. The questions at the end of each of the stories are designed to apply learning principles to athletics and to the bigger game of life. Some of the stories are of well-known athletes such as Glenn Cunningham, who set a world record in the mile after being told he would never be able to walk again, or Al Oerter, who won four Olympic gold medals despite never being a favorite to win. Other stories are of less-known athletes whose achievements did not end on the podium, but whose glory was achieved through magnificent efforts. Performances such as Buddy Edelen, who raced through 100 degree temperatures to win the Olympic Trials Marathon by 20 minutes, or Ryan Shay, who paid the ultimate price and gave his life in an attempt to achieve his lifelong dream, or Louis Zamperini, who survived inhumane prisoner of war treatment, are stories of ever-lasting inspiration. Some, such as Jesse Owens, faced racial discrimination but overcame adversity to become successful. Many athletes trained to become among the best in the world but were unlucky with injuries, such as Eulace Peacock, who consistently beat Jesse Owens before injuries prevented him from competing in the 1936 Olympics. The athletes profiled are ordinary people who used extraordinary desire to accomplish extraordinary things in the history of track and field. Each athlete began simply with a dream, which developed into a belief in themselves. Their stories offers hope that we too can dream and reach beyond our perceived abilities to achieve. Each story can be read in just a few minutes. The stories of these 80 history makers teach us how to think positive and how to overcome obstacles to reach our goals.
