2024 Olympics: Ultimate Book & Movie List (all sports)
2024 Paris Olympics: Are you looking for the best inspirational books and movies? This ultimate list covers every sport in the summer Olympic Games.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
All the Dates
2024
Summer Olympic Games – Paris, France
26 July – 11 August, 2024
Summer Paralympic Games – Paris, France
28 August – 8 September, 2024
~~~~~~~~~~
2026
Winter Olympic Games – Milano Cortina, Italy
6 – 22 February, 2026
Winter Paralympic Games – Milano Cortina, Italy
6 – 15 March, 2026
Summer Youth Olympic Games – Dakar, Senegal
31 October – 13 November, 2026
~~~~~~~~~~
2028
Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games – Los Angeles, USA
~~~~~~~~~~
2030
Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games
~~~~~~~~~~
2032
Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games – Brisbane, Australia
~~~~~~~~~~
List of every summer sport: 2024 Paris Olympic Games
The List:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Basketball 3Ă—3
- BMX Freestyle
- BMX Racing
- Boxing
- Breaking (New in 2024!)
- Canoe (Slalom)
- Canoe (Sprint)
- Climbing (Sport)
- Cycling (Road)
- Cycling (Track)
- Diving
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Football (Soccer)
- Golf
- Gymnastics (Artistic)
- Gymnastics (Rhythmic)
- Handball
- Hockey
- Judo
- Mountain Biking
- Pentathlon (Modern)
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Sailing
- Shooting
- Skateboarding
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Swimming (Artistic)
- Swimming (Marathon)
- Table Tennis
- Taekwondo
- Tennis
- Trampoline
- Triathlon
- Volleyball
- Volleyball (Beach)
- Water Polo
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Competition Schedule
Official Websites
Olympic Torch
Olympic Mascots
Geography: France
Geography Now (Youtube channel)
It’s 2024 and the Olympic Games are with us again! This time they will be held in the beautiful City of Lights, the French capital of Paris. In order to make your life a whole lot easier, I have spent hundreds of hours in research in order to bring you the best, ultimate Olympic Games book and movie list that I wish I had had when my children were younger. I have not been able to find anything online that comes anywhere close to the extensive list below.
Not only are there general books about the Olympics and more specifically the Olympics in Paris but I have made sure to cover every single summer sport that you and your children will be able to enjoy in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics lineup.
Some of these stories are about modern athletes and how they made their way to the Olympic Games. Others are older and portray the struggles of those who faced persecution and extra challenges during the years surrounding the World Wars.
While these are all sport stories, they are not all Olympic ones. Instead, through personal stories they tell of the resilience and commitment required to excel in any area of life. Sometimes it is those who have had to face the toughest trials who have learned these lessons through necessity and the will to survive.
-La Fille Mal Gardee ballet
Travel along with those have fought to win through some of the toughest trials, from the crowning glories of long time sports such as athletics and swimming through to the more recent marginal sports that have had to fight their way on to the Olympic calendar such as surfing, skateboarding, climbing and breaking.
In 2024, Paris becomes one of two cities (along with London) to host the Olympic Games three times (1900, 1924 and 2024) making it 100 years since it last hosted the Games. 2024 also marks the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell’s gold medal victories in Paris 1924. His story about not only his Olympic career but also his incredible service as a missionary to China is one of my top choice family read alouds recommended below.
You will discover books specifically about the Games’ origins and the rich history of the Olympic Games as well as more specific Olympic Games events and individual sports. The athletics events are further broken down into individual categories where applicable.
Experience the heart of Paris as you track along with the 2024 sports schedule. You can utilise the 2024 Paris Olympics: Ultimate Book & Movie List (all sports) any way you like. If you have preferred sports in your family then you can head straight to those sections and focus on those sports alone. However, because we never know what might catch the attention of our children and spark an interest in them, I recommend working your way through the list and trying to read or watch at least one book or movie representing each sport.
The Olympics only happens every four years and while it does not represent every sport in the world, it certainly gives you a great starting point if you are looking to diversify your family’s sporting interests or at least increase their knowledge.
If a particular sport does interest your child, see if there is an opportunity for them to try it out in your local community. Try out several of the sports if possible in the months leading up to the Olympics. If there is nothing on offer that suits your child’s age or playing level, try to get in touch with local sports associations and see if you can organise a one off introductory session or maybe a week-long clinic for beginners. Get together with other families to make up a group if necessary. Locally, we have even been able to access some sports for free by utilising sports vouchers and grants awarded to community organisations.
Maybe you know someone who knows how to play or coaches a particular sport. See if they are willing to commit a day to your local homeschool community to be a coach and mentor to the children.
Remember, if your children are interested in trying out any of the sports you read about in the list, enrolments in Olympic sports are typically in very high demand following the Olympic Games. Everyone is watching and being inspired by the success stories they see. If your country has a new sports hero in a particular sport, their sport is likely to become even more popular due to its local relevance. Get in quick and consider enrolling in your child’s preferred sport before the Games begin or they may miss out.
I have visited Paris twice and enjoyed leisurely strolls along the Seine riverbank and afternoons on the lawns surrounding the Eiffel Tower. If you have the opportunity to visit Paris for the Olympic Games, there are travel packages and hospitality packages available, as well as ticketing information for individual Olympic events. Design the event of your dreams and create lifetime memories here at the Paris 2024 Official Website. This has all the information you need about the opening ceremony, closing ceremony, individual sports events as well as the event venues.
I do not typically use public transportation but don’t worry if it is your first time visiting. The train system in Paris is fantastic. Even not speaking the language, we were able to find our way around and onto connecting lines.
Whether you explore Paris in person or travel the streets vicariously with your favorite storybook characters, I hope you will come to love this historic city. Whether you play these Olympic sports yourselves or experience them through the eyes of another in the pages of a biography, may this ultimate list give you not just knowledge of the Olympic Games and its sports but may you also see the world a little differently as you walk in someone else’s shoes and discover the power of story.
“It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.”
– Eric Liddell, Something Greater Than Gold
My Top Choice Biographies for Family Read Alouds
Olympic stadium, Germany – 1936 Games in Berlin.
Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold & Unit Study (Age 10+)
It has been 100 years since Eric Liddell won gold in the men’s 400 metres running at the 1924 Olympics, also held in Paris. Celebrate the centenary of this inspiring athlete and missionary and his quest for a much greater prize than could ever be found at the Olympic Games.
- Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Age 10+) (See companion Unit Study Guide below)
- Eric Liddell: Unit Study Curriculum Guide (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Christian Heroes: Then & Now Unit Study) (Age 10+) (Companion Unit Study to Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold above)
Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold
$8.65
Christian Heroes: Then and Now - Age 10+
The inspiring biography of the Scottish runner who won a gold medal in the 1924 Olympics and went on to commit his life to missionary work in China.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2024 06:50 pm GMT
Eric Liddell Unit Study: Curriculum Guide
$15.00
Curriculum Guide - Christian Heroes: Then & Now Unit Study - Age 10+
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2024 06:50 pm GMT
Watch the Movie:
The Boys in the Boat (Age 10+)
Now also a major motion picture, read this incredible true story about the gold medal winning, men’s eight, rowing team at the 1936 Berlin Games. This edition has been adapted for young readers.
The Boys in the Boat
Young Reader's Adaptation: Age 10+
For readers of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. They shocked the world by defeating the German rowing team under Adolf Hitler.
đź©· See hundreds more sports recommendations here in my Olympics Ultimate Book & Movie List.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Watch the Movie:
Unbroken (Age 13+)
Warning: The adult version of this book is definitely not appropriate for children. While this young adult adaptation is milder than the full version, there are still some very heavy mature themes and the portrayal of extreme cruelty toward prisoners of war and civilians. It is a great story of survival and overcoming in the most difficult of circumstances but it may be a hard read for some teens and sensitive adults. Please preview before choosing this as a family read aloud with your teens. An alternative title below by Janet and Geoff Benge is an option for younger children.
This young adult adaptation brings this inspiring story of survival and redemption to younger readers. Made in to a major motion picture about Zamperini’s Olympic journey and harrowing World War II years, along with its sequel about his spiritual journey, Unbroken tells a story of the power of love and forgiveness.
- Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive (Age 13+)
- Louis Zamperini: Redemption (Age 10+)
Unbroken
Young Adult Adaptation: Age 11+
An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive. Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian's courage, cunning, and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory. This adaptation of Unbroken introduces a new generation to one of history's most thrilling survival epics.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Louis Zamperini: Redemption
$8.49
Heroes of History series - Age 8+
A magnet for trouble as a boy, Louis Zamperini determined to create a new path for himself. Nicknamed the "Torrance Tornado," he set national records and traveled to the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. His resolve as a runner was matched by his will to survive a plane crash, weeks adrift at sea, and years in a prison camp. This American hero encouraged countless others to have faith and to persevere through trials, revealing that no life is beyond redemption (1917-2014).
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2024 09:59 pm GMT
Watch the Movies:
- Unbroken
- Unbroken:Path to Redemption
- Louis Zamperini: Captured by Grace
- LOUIS ZAMPERINI: CAPTURED BY GRACE – Movieguide Reviews
“I think the hardest thing in life is to forgive. Hate is self destructive. If you hate somebody, you’re not hurting the person you hate, you’re hurting yourself. It’s a healing, actually, it’s a real healing…forgiveness.”
– Louis Zamperini, Unbroken
Trapped in Hitler's Hell
A young Jewish girl discovers the Messiah's faithfulness in the midst of the Holocaust.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
2024 Paris Olympics: Ultimate Book & Movie List (Includes every summer Olympic sport)
A word about books:
Books without an age recommendation should be suitable for all ages. As always, please preview before deciding if a book is appropriate for your family. These recommendations do not imply an endorsement of the lifestyles or beliefs of any particular athlete portrayed in the books, nor author of the books.
A word about movies:
All the movies are biographical in nature, either as biopics, documentaries or are based on real life stories. The movie listings do not imply an endorsement of the movies, lifestyles or beliefs of any particular athlete or person portrayed in the movies but I am simply listing some of what is available. Please use the below platforms in order to decide appropriateness and age suitability for your family. The recommendation of these platforms also does not imply that I endorse everything these platforms recommend. Please exercise your own wisdom and discernment.
Movie Reviews
Christian websites:
Secular websites:
- Common Sense Media
- IMDb (Age rating and parent guide under Storyline heading for each movie)
Olympic Sports – General
Here are some great resources about the olympic games and the summer sports in general, the rules of the games and how to better organise and enjoy your viewing schedule. There is loads of fun information in this section before focussing on the specific sports below.
Books
Olympic Viewing Helps:
- Ultimate Guide to 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris: A Comprehensive Details and Analysis of the Buildup to the Sports Games Events
- How to Watch the Olympics: The Essential Guide to the Rules, Statistics, Heroes, and Zeroes of Every Sport
- The Olympic Games – Fill-in-the-blank Olympic scores booklet – Follow your favourite sports and disciplines
Biographies:
- Kid Olympians: Summer: True Tales of Childhood from Champions and Game Changers (Age 8+)
- Kid Olympians: Summer: True Tales of Childhood from Champions and Game Changers (Audible) (Age 8+)
Fiction:
- Hour of the Olympics (See non-fiction companion below)
Non-fiction:
- Ancient Greece and the Olympics: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker) (Companion to Hour of the Olympics above)
- G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet (Sports Alphabet)
- Olympic Games Picture Book
- The Great Book of Olympic Games
- What Are the Summer Olympics? (What Was?)
- Great Moments in the Summer Olympics
- The Olympics Encyclopedia for Kids (Sports Encyclopedias for Kids)
Documentaries
Archery
Archery has been a permanent fixture in the Summer Olympics since Munich, 1972.
Books
Fiction:
Athletics
Dating back to the ancient Olympics, athletics is the crown jewel of the modern Olympic Games. Enjoy this diverse selection.
Books
Track and Field
Biography:
Fiction:
- Track and Field Takedown (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Track and Field Takedown (Audible) (Age 8+)
- Track and Field Trick (Jake Maddox JV Mysteries) (Age 8+)
Decathlon
Biography:
- Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path (First Native American, 1912) (Also Pentathlon)
High Jump
Biography:
Hurdles
Biography:
Long Jump
Biography:
Marathon
Biography:
- The First Marathon: The Legend of Pheidippides
- The Wildest Race Ever: The Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon
- Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer’s Historic Boston Marathon
Relay
Fiction:
- Relay Race Breakdown (Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Relay Race Breakdown (Audible) (Age 8+)
Running
Biography:
- The Pumpkin Runner (Semi-biographical. Inspired by the story of 61-year old, Australian potato farmer Cliff Young) (See movie Cliffy below)
- Just Like Jesse Owens
- Who Was Jesse Owens?
- Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman
- I Am a Promise: Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce
- Born to Run: Cathy Freeman
- She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner
- Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena RamĂrez
- Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion (Age 8+)
- Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Age 10+) (See companion Unit Study Guide below)
- Eric Liddell: Unit Study Curriculum Guide (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Christian Heroes: Then & Now Unit Study) (Age 10+) (Companion Unit Study to Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold above)
- Louis Zamperini: Redemption (Age 10+)
- Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive (Age 13+)
Fiction:
- Go, Jade, Go!: Ready-to-Read Level 2 (Tony and Lauren Dungy Ready-to-Reads)
- Record Run (Sport Stories) (Age 8+)
- Running Scared (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Running Rivals (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Running Rivals (Audible) (Age 8+)
Shot Put
Biography:
Fiction:
Movies
Badminton
Badminton has been included in the official program of the Olympic Games since 1992, Barcelona.
Books
Fiction:
Non-fiction:
Movies
Basketball
Basketball officially became an Olympic sport in the Berlin Games of 1936.
Books
Biography:
- Rising Above: The Wataru “Wat” Misaka Story
- Stephen Curry: The Children’s Book: The Boy Who Never Gave Up
- Dream Big: Michael Jordan and the Pursuit of Excellence
- Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
- Basketball’s Greatest Buzzer-Beaters and Other Crunch-Time Heroics (Sports Illustrated Kids Crunch Time) (Age 8+)
- Catch a Star: Shining through Adversity to Become a Champion (Age 13+)
Semi-biographical/Fiction:
- Real Hoops (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) (Age 7+)
- Full Court Fever (All-Star Sports Stories: Basketball) by Fred Bowen (Age 7+)
- On the Line (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) (Age 7+)
- Hardcourt Comeback (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) (Age 7+)
Fiction:
- Carson Chooses Forgiveness: A Team Dungy Story About Basketball
- The Half-Court Hero (Zach and Zoe Mysteries, The) (Age 6+)
- Off the Rim (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) (Age 7+)
- Hot Hand (Comeback Kids) (Age 8+)
- Long Shot (Comeback Kids) (Age 9+)
- Allie’s Basketball Dream (Age 8+)
- Point Guard Prank (Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Full Court Dreams (Impact Books a Jake Madox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Free Throw (Impact Books: a Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Slam Dunk Shoes (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Hoop Hustle (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Pick and Roll (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Fast-break Friends (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Playing Forward (Team Jake Maddox) (Age 8+)
- Win or Lose (Team Jake Maddox) (Age 8+)
- Off the Bench (Team Jake Maddox) (Age 8+)
- Hoop Hotshot (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- On Guard (Team Jake Maddox) (Age 8+)
- Drive to the Hoop (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) Kindle Edition (Age 8+)
- Hoop Doctor (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) Kindle Edition (Age 8+)
- Sixth Man Surprise (Jake Maddox Graphic Novels) (Age 8+)
- Roster Rebound (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Trick-shot Triumph (Jake Maddox Graphic Novels) (Age 8+)
- Bad-Luck Basketball (Jake Maddox JV) (Age 9+)
- Full-court Mess (Jake Maddox Jv Mysteries) (Age 9+)
- Basketball Battles (Jake Maddox: JV) (Age 9+)
- Travel Team (Age 10+)
- Summer Ball (Age 10+)
- Fast Break (Age 10+)
- True Legend (Age 10+)
- Last Shot: Mystery at the Final Four (The Sports Beat, 1) (Age 12+)
Movies
“There’s more to me than just this jersey I wear, and that’s Christ living inside of me.
– Stephen Curry, Basketball
Basketball (3×3)
Having made its way into a few Youth Olympic programs, 3×3 Basketball was first added to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, 2021.
Books
Fiction:
BMX (Freestyle)
First appearing in the 2018 Youth Olympics, BMX Freestyle made its Olympic Games debut in Tokyo, 2021.
Books
Fiction:
- Undercover BMX (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- BMX Bravery (Jake Maddox JV) (Age 9+)
Movies
BMX (Racing)
BMX Racing has a few Olympic Games under its belt now, having first become an Olympic sport in Beijing, 2008.
Books
Biography:
Non-Fiction:
Fiction:
Boxing
Did you know boxing did not appear in the Stockholm Olympic Games of 1912 due to being a banned sport in the country of Sweden at that time? Apart from 1912, boxing has been a part of every Olympic Games since 1904.
Books
Biography:
- Muhammad Ali: Champion of the World
- George Foreman: Fearless Fighter of Faith, Family, Fortune and Fun
Fiction:
Movies
Breaking (New in 2024!)
Following its outstanding success at its debut at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in 2018, Breaking becomes part of the full Olympic Games program in Paris, 2024.
Books
Fiction:
Youtube
Canoe (Slalom) / Canoe (Sprint)
2024 Canoe Events: Slalom – 27 July – 5 August / Sprint – 6 August – 10 August.
Canoe slalom became a permanent part of the Olympic program in Barcelona, 1992 whereas canoe sprint is an old hand in the program, having been a permanent fixture since the Berlin Games in 1936.
Books
Biography:
- Can You Canoe? And Other Adventure Songs (See movie below)
- No Barriers (The Young Adult Adaptation): A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon (Age 12+)
Non-fiction:
Movies
- Can You Canoe? (See book above)
Climbing (Sport)
Sport climbing first appeared at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, 2018 making its full Olympic debut as one of the new sports in Tokyo, 2021.
Books
Fiction:
- Free Climb (Impact Books) (Age 8+)
- Rocky Mountain Disaster (Jake Maddox Adventure) (Age 8+)
Movies
Cycling (Road)
Home of the Tour de France, the 2024 Olympics brings one of the longest standing Olympic sports to its Paris stage. Road cycling appeared in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, Athens.
Books
Biography:
- Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero
- The Brave Cyclist: The True Story of a Holocaust Hero (Age 9+)
- The Boy Who Biked the World: On the Road to Africa (1) (Age 9+)
- The Boy Who Biked the World: Part Two: Riding the Americas (2) (Age 9+)
- The Boy Who Biked the World: Part Three: Riding Home through Asia (3) (Age 9+)
Fiction:
- Cycling Champion (Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Olympic Dream (Age 9+)
Cycling (Track)
Track Cycling has made an appearance at most Olympic Games since first appearing at the first modern games in Athens, 1896.
Books
Biography:
Diving
Diving has been a permanent fixture in the Olympic Games since St. Louis in 1904.
Books
Biography:
- Jabari Jumps
- Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story
- Greater Than Gold: From Olympic Heartbreak to Ultimate Redemption (Age 12+)
Fiction:
Equestrian
This is third time equestrian sports are making an appearance at a Paris Olympics, first featuring as part of the Olympic Games in Paris, 1900.
Books
Dressage
Biography:
Jumping
Biography:
- Showtym Viking (Kindle)
Fiction:
- Horseback Hopes (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Impact Books) (Age 8+)
- Horseback Hurdles (Jake Maddox Sports Story)
- Jump Girl: The Go Girls Chronicles Book 2 by Hutton, Leigh (Age 12+)
Movies
- Harry & Snowman
- A Sunday Horse (Age 16+)
Fencing
Fencing has been part of modern Olympic Games from the beginning. It has been a part of every program since its appearance in Athens at the 1896 Games.
Books
Biography:
Non-fiction:
Football
Football is known to much of the world as soccer. In Australia, football means Australian Rules Football (also known as Aussie Rules or AFL) and America knows football as American Football (also known as Gridiron Football). Football has been included in the Olympic Games from early on, appearing every time since 1900 in Paris and now in Paris, 2024 for the third time.
Books
Biography:
- Ronaldo: A Boy Who Became A Star. Inspiring children book about one of the best soccer players.
- Messi: A Boy Who Became A Star. Inspiring children’s book about Lionel Messi
- Who Is Lionel Messi? (Who HQ Now) (Age 8+)
- Chase Your Dreams: How Soccer Taught Me Strength, Perseverance, and Leadership (Age 8+)
- Soccer’s Greatest Last-Second Shots and Other Crunch-Time Heroics (Sports Illustrated Kids Crunch Time) (Age 8+)
Semi-biographical/Fiction:
- Go for the Goal! (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) (Age 7+)
- Soccer Team Upset (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) (Age 7+)
Fiction:
- The Berenstain Bears: We Love Soccer! (I Can Read Level 1)
- Justin and the Bully: Ready-to-Read Level 2 (Tony and Lauren Dungy Ready-to-Reads)
- Let’s Play Soccer!
- Goal!
- Maria Finds Courage: A Team Dungy Story About Soccer
- The Soccer Secret (Zach and Zoe Mysteries, The) (Age 6+)
- Out of Bounds (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) (Age 7+)
- Soccer Shootout (Impact Books; a Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Striker Assist (Jake Maddox) (Age 8+)
- Soccer Shake-Up (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Soccer Show-Off (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Soccer Snub (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Soccer Surprise (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Soccer Spirit (Impact Books: Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Soccer Sensation (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Jake Maddox JV) (Age 9+)
- Second-Chance Soccer (Jake Maddox JV) (Age 9+)
- Lucky Soccer Save (Jake Maddox JV) (Age 9+)
- Soccer Suspicions (Jake Maddox JV Mysteries) (Age 9+)
- Defending Champ (Age 10+)
Movies
Golf
Appearing first in Paris, 1900 and then again in the 1904 Games, golf only became a permanent fixture in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Games in Brazil.
Books
Biography:
Fiction:
- One, Two, Follow Through!: Starring Polly Pivot
- Help! My Dad Lost His Golf Ball!
- Help! My Dad Lost His Golf Ball! AGAIN!
- Secondhand Slice (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
Non-fiction:
Movies
Gymnastics (Artistic)
Appearing at the first modern Games in Athens, gymnastics has been on the Olympic program ever since. With Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci achieving perfect scores at the Montreal Games in Canada 1976, gymnastics achieved international recognition and prominence.
Gymnastics is a great foundational sport, allowing its participants to also diversify into other sports that require a strong foundation of speed, strength, balance, flexibility and focus. It is often recommended at a young age for developmental challenges and learning difficulties. This is one of the best activities in which all young children should participate in order to maximise physical, mental and social development.
Books
Women’s
Biography:
- Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles (Who Did It First?)
- Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still
- 10.0: The Nadia Comaneci Story (GymnStars) (Age 8+)
- Olga Korbut: Gymnastics Trailblazer: GymnStars Volume 10 (Age 8+)
- GymnStars (12 book series) (Age 8+)
- Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance (Age 12+)
- Gabby Douglas: Going for Gold
- Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith (Age 13+)
Fiction:
- I Will Try (I Like to Read)
- She’s Got This: Laurie Hernandez
- Gymnastics Queen (Kylie Jean)
- Gymnastics Challenge (Jake Maddox Graphic Novels) (Age 8+)
- The Gymnast (All In Sports Middle Grade Books) (Age 8+)
- Victory Vault (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Kindle) (Age 8+)
- Gymnastics Jitters (Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Back on the Beam (Sport Stories) (Age 8+)
- Balance Beam Boss (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Gymnastics Payback (Jake Maddox Jv Mysteries) (Age 9+)
Men’s
Biography:
- It’s Not Just Gymnastics; It’s Life: The Experiences and Insights of Olympic Gymnast Lance Ringnald (Age 13+)
Fiction:
Movies
“I give all the glory to God. It’s kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and the blessings fall down on me.”
– Gabby Douglas, Artistic Gymnastics
Gymnastics (Rhythmic)
Premiering at the 1984, Los Angeles Olympic Games, rhythmic gymnastics is the only women’s only sport at the Olympics.
Books
Fiction:
- Gymnastics Routine Takeover (Kids Sports Stories)
- Noa’s dream: Passion for Rhythmic Gymnastics Collection 1 (Age 8+)
- New Challenges for Noa: Passion for Rhythmic Gymnastics Collection 2 (Age 8+)
- Dreams in motion: Passion for Rhythmic Gymnastics Collection 3 (Age 8+)
- Destination BakĂş: Rivalry and emotion: Passion for Rhythmic Gymnastics Collection 4 (Age 8+)
- The last chance: Passion for Rhythmic Gymnastics Collection 5 (Age 8+)
Non-fiction:
Movies
Handball
Making its debut in Berlin 1936, handball became a regular in the Olympic Games in Munich, 1972.
Books
Fiction:
Hockey
Hockey made its debut in the 1908 London Olympic Games becoming a permanent fixture at the 1928 Amsterdam Games.
Books
Fiction:
Judo
Making its Olympic debut in Tokyo 1964, Judo found a permanent place in the Olympic Games from the 1972 Munich Games onwards.
Books
Biography:
Non-fiction:
Mountain Biking
Books
Fiction:
- If You Give a Girl a Bike
- Mountain Bike Mike Shreds the Gnar
- Ryan Goes Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking Adventures With Izzy: Etiquette is a Big Word
- Mountain Bike Hero (Audible) (Age 8+)
- Shred Girls 1: Lindsay’s Joyride (Age 8+)
- Shred Girls 2: Ali’s Rocky Ride (Age 8+)
- Shred Girls 3: Jen’s Bumpy Ride (Age 8+)
Pentathlon (Modern)
First introduced to the Olympic Games in 1912, the pentathlon used to be 5 events over 5 days. It is now 5 events in 1 day, providing a more demanding and thrilling sporting event.
Books
Biography:
- Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path (First Native American, 1912) (Also Decathlon)
Rowing
Scheduled to be part of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896, rowing was actually cancelled that year due to bad weather. It has been part of the Olympic program ever since that time.
Books
Biography:
Movies
“Rowing then becomes a kind of perfect language. Poetry, that’s what a good swing feels like.”
– Joe Rantz, The Boys in the Boat
Rugby
Rugby Union was first included in the Games in Paris 1900. It has been included as Rugby sevens since 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
Books
Fiction:
Sailing
Sailing has been included in the program of every modern Olympic Games but had to be cancelled in its first expected appearance in Athens 1896 due to bad weather.
Books
Biography:
Fiction:
Movies
Shooting
Starting with 5 events in 1896 Athens, shooting sports now has 15 events at this year’s Paris Games.
Books
Non-fiction:
- Ultimate Youth Shooting Sports Guide (Age 10+)
Movies
Skateboarding
Having debuted in Tokyo 2021, skateboarding will again appear in the 2024 Olympic Games in the heart of Paris.
Books
Fiction:
- Skateboard Save (Impact Books: Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Board Rebel (Impact Books. A Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Skate Park Plans (Jake Maddox) (Age 8+)
- Skate Park Challenge (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Board Battle (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Skateboard Summer (Jake Maddox Graphic Novels) (Age 8+)
- Skateboard Struggle (Jake Maddox) (Age 8+)
- Skateboard Idol (Jake Maddox JV) (Age 9+)
Surfing
Read about Duke Kahanamoku in my picture book recommendation below. Also introducing surfboarding to Australia, the Duke started campaigning for surfing to be included in the Olympic Games back in the 1920s, however it only made it into the official program in Tokyo 2021. It is again included in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games but they will actually be competing on the other side of the world at the famous surfing location of Teahupo’o on the island of Tahiti (French Polynesia).
Books
Biography:
- Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku (Hawaii) (Surfing & Swimming) (see movie below)
- Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark (Not technically a sport book, I included this one for another biographical perspective on sharks as an accompaniment to the other shark books listed. A relevant topic for those who wish to surf in waters notorious for shark sightings).
- Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board (Age 13+)
Fiction:
- Beach Bully (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Surfing Shake-Up (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Storm Surfer (Impact Books) (Age 8+)
- Shark Attack!: A Survive! Story (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Impact Books; A Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
Movies
Swimming
Beginning with just freestyle in a natural environment in Athens 1896, Olympic swimming events expanded to include other strokes in 1904 St Louis. Events have taken place in a pool since London 1908.
Books
Biography:
- Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku (Hawaii) (Swimming & Surfing) (See movie below)
- Swimming Toward a Dream: Yusra Mardini’s Incredible Journey from Refugee to Olympic Swimmer
- Sakamoto’s Swim Club: How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory
- How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals
- Who Is Michael Phelps? (Age 8+)
Fiction:
- Saturday Is Swimming Day: New things can be scary — but as one endearing little girl discovers, it’s perfectly fine to take your time.
- Swim Team Trouble (Jake Maddox) (Jake Maddox Graphic Novels) (Age 8+)
- Pool Panic (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Diving Off the Edge (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Impact Books; A Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Gold Medal Swim (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics (The Sports Beat, 6) (Age 10+)
Movies
- Touch the Wall (Age 13+)
- Waterman: Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (See biography above)
Swimming (Artistic)
Artistic Swimming first appeared as an official Olympic sport in Los Angeles, 1984. Men will compete in the artistic swimming team event for the first time this year in Paris.
Books
Biography:
Non-fiction:
Swimming (Marathon)
Making its first appearance in Beijing 2008, marathon swimming is the latest swimming event to be added to the Olympic Games program.
Books
Fiction:
Table Tennis
Table Tennis first debuted at the Olympics in Seoul 1988. There are a total of 5 events for men and women.
Books
Fiction:
- My Secret Life as a Ping-Pong Wizard (Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever, No. 9) (Age 8+)
Movies
Taekwondo
Taekwondo first appeared as a demonstration event in its home country of Seoul, South Korea 1988. It became part of the official Olympic program in Sydney 2000.
Books
Fiction:
Tennis
Appearing at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896, tennis has had an on again off again relationship with the Games due to tennis going professional. It officially became part of the Olympic program in Seoul 1988.
Books
Biography:
- Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams
- Rafa Nadal: What really matters is being happy along the way, not waiting until you reach the finish line
- The Story of Tennis Champion Arthur Ashe (Age 8+)
- Winning Faith; The Margaret Court Story (Age 13+)
Fiction:
- Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open (The Sports Beat, 2) (Age 8+)
- Doubles Trouble (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Tennis Liar (Impact Books. A Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 9+)
- Tennis Trouble (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 9+)
- Tennis Triumph (Jake Maddox JV Girls)
Movies
Triathlon
A relatively new sport in many countries, triathlon was added to the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000.
Books
Fiction:
Movies
Volleyball
One of the longer term sports, volleyball had been an Olympic staple since the 1964 Games in Tokyo.
Books
Biography:
- The Miracle Season (Age 12+)
- Live Like Line, Love Like Ellyn (Age 13+)
Fiction:
- Right, Left, Right
- Dear Little Volleyball Girl
- The Volleyball Series #2 (3 book series) (Age 8+)
- Volleyball Dreams (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Volleyball Victory (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Jump Serve (Impact Books, A Jake Maddox Sports Story) (Age 8+)
- Digging Deep (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Over the Net (Audible) (Age 8+)
- Back Row Dynamo (Jake Maddox JV Girls) (Age 9+)
- Volleyball Ace (Jake Maddox JV Girls) (Age 9+)
- Haikyu!! (45 book series) (Age 12+) (Low level course language)
Movies
Volleyball (Beach)
Appearing as a demonstration sport in Barcelona 1992, volleyball found its official place as part of the Olympic Games program in Atlanta 1996.
Books
Fiction:
Water Polo
One of the oldest team sports of the modern Olympic Games, water polo has had its permanent place since Paris in 1900.
Books
Biography:
- Water Polo Whiz (Age 8+)
Movies
- Freedom’s Fury (Age 16+)
Weightlifting
Weightlifting made its Olympic debut in Athens 1896. After missing several Games, it became a permanent fixture at the 1920 Antwerp Games in Belgium.
Books
Fiction:
Non-fiction:
Wrestling
Due to its Geco-Roman origins, wrestling has not only been part of the modern Olympic Games since 1896 Athens but was also a main ancient Olympic sport. It has been a permanent fixture of the Olympic Games since London 1908.
Books
Non-Fiction
Fiction:
- Takedown (Impact Books: Jake Maddox Sports Stories) (Age 8+)
- Taking It to the Mat (Jake Maddox JV) (Age 9+)
Movies
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
2024 Paralympics: Best Sports Books & Movies List
2024 Paris Paralympics: Are you looking for the best Paralympics sports books and movies? Enjoy…
More Inspirational Books…
