Gold Medal for Weird by Kevin Sylvester (Kids Can Press, ISBN-10: 1-55453-021-0) is an incredibly fun read for children ages 7 and up. It features several sections, from weird Olympic events to Olympic disasters. There are cheats and there are heartwarming stories of perseverance. Altogether, Gold Medal for Weird is a great book to use to get children more interested in the weird side of the Olympics as well as for light reading.
Step-by-Step Calamity
Each chapter, or “event,” features a different theme. There are sixteen events altogether, ranging from past and present Olympic happenings, and ending with a look at possible future events. Here’s a look at some of the events:
- Find the Medal! And the Medalist! – This event chapter features odd stories of a lucky coin, a disappearing coxswain, and a lost gold medal.
- Stretch Your Credulity – Learn about seemingly impossible Olympic wins, from Sweden’s Oscar Swahn, who started winning medals when he was sixty, to Denmark’s Inge Sorensen who won the bronze medal in the 200-meter breaststroke when she was twelve.
- Famous Cheats – Find out about a marathon athlete who took a drive to the finish line, bribed judges, and how one country’s Paralympic team faked mental disabilities.
- Battling Mother Nature – Weather can easily disrupt the outdoor Olympic games. From a volcanic eruption to swimming in shark-infested water, learn about the dangers athletes are willing to face just to win the gold medal.
- Heroes – This is a favorite chapter. Learn about true heroes of the Olympics, such as Canadian Larry Lemieux who abandoned the race he was in to save the lives of his competitors.
- Run Into Yesterday – This chapter takes a look way, way, back in the past to the ancient Greek Olympics. Learn about Pankration, an extreme sport, and emperor Nero’s shameful wins.
- Stay on Your Butts and in Those Seats – Fans often have a way of interrupting the Olympic games. From jumping out and tackling a running to streaking onstage to diving into the Olympic pool wearing a pink tutu, there is no shortage of weird when it comes to the fans.
- Jump Some Real Hurdles – Some of the most respected athletes have had to overcome a hurtle or two to make it into the Olympic games. Learn about brave and wonderful athletes, such as Algeria’s Hassiba Boulmerka who had stones thrown at her because of her “inappropriate” sports attire and American George Eyser who won three golds, two silvers, and a bronze despite having a wooden left leg.
Recommended for Children and Adults
The best thing about Gold Medal for Weird is that kids don’t have to be sports enthusiasts to enjoy this book. The stories range from funny to bizarre to touching insights, and author Kevin Sylvester has done an incredible job at keeping the stories fun and easy to read. There are true stories for every mood and every occasion, stories that inspire and make people proud, and stories that exasperate. A fantastic read for all!
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