The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man's Fight to Capture Olympic Gold
$18.99
Description
Book Synopsis: The feel-good underdog story of the first American swimmer to win Olympic gold, set against the turbulent rebirth of the modern Games, that “bring[s] to life an inspiring figure and illuminate[s] an overlooked chapter in America’s sports history” (The Wall Street Journal) “Once or twice in a decade, one of these stories . . . like Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken [or] Daniel Brown’s The Boys in the Boat . . . captures the imagination of the public. . . . Add The Watermen by Michael Loynd to this illustrious list.”—Swimming World Winner of the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Paragon Award and the Buck Dawson Authors Award
In the early twentieth century, few Americans knew how to swim, and swimming as a competitive sport was almost unheard of. That is, until Charles Daniels took to the water.
On the surface, young Charles had it all: high-society parents, a place at an exclusive New York City prep school, summer vacations in the Adirondacks. But the scrawny teenager suffered from extreme anxiety thanks to a sadistic father who mired the family in bankruptcy and scandal before abandoning Charles and his mother altogether. Charles’s only source of joy was swimming. But with no one to teach him, he struggled with technique—until he caught the eye of two immigrant coaches hell-bent on building a U.S. swim program that could rival the British Empire’s seventy-year domination of the sport.
Interwoven with the story of Charles’s efforts to overcome his family’s disgrace is the compelling history of the struggle to establish the modern Olympics in an era when competitive sports were still in their infancy. When the powerful British Empire finally legitimized the Games by hosting the fourth Olympiad in 1908, Charles’s hard-fought rise climaxed in a gold-medal race where British judges prepared a trap to ensure the American upstart’s defeat.
Set in the early days of a rapidly changing twentieth century, The Watermen—a term used at the time to describe men skilled in water sports—tells an engrossing story of grit, of the growth of a major new sport in which Americans would prevail, and of a young man’s determination to excel.
Details
Are you ready for an inspiring journey into the heart of American swimming history? Introducing "The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man's Fight to Capture Olympic Gold" - a captivating true story that will leave you cheering for the underdog. Immerse yourself in this turbulent tale of triumph over adversity, as a scrawny teenager named Charles Daniels defies all odds to become the first American swimmer to win Olympic gold. Uncover the thrilling untold chapter of America's sports history that will have you hooked from the first page.
Discover the remarkable story of Charles Daniels, who despite facing extreme anxiety and a troubled family history, finds solace and purpose in the water. With no formal training, Charles struggled with swimming technique until two immigrant coaches recognize his potential and set out to build a swim program that can challenge the British Empire's domination of the sport. Experience the excitement, determination, and unfaltering spirit that propel Charles towards his ultimate goal – Olympic victory.
The Watermen not only delves into Charles's personal journey but also intertwines it with the rich history of the modern Olympic Games. Step back in time to an era when competitive sports were still in their infancy, and witness the struggle to establish and legitimize the Games. Feel the tension rise as the British Empire plots against Charles, setting a trap that aims to secure his defeat. Will Charles overcome the odds and emerge triumphant, or will his dreams be crushed by the powerful forces working against him?
Immerse yourself in the rapidly changing early 20th century and experience the growth of a major new sport - swimming. The Watermen will transport you to a time when swimming as a competitive sport was almost unheard of in America. Prepare to be inspired by Charles's unwavering determination and witness his pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. Don't miss out on this overlooked chapter in America's sports history that will leave you feeling motivated and uplifted.
Are you ready to dive headfirst into the intriguing world of "The Watermen"? Join Charles Daniels as he takes on the challenge of a lifetime and strives to capture Olympic gold. Don't miss out on this incredible true story filled with bravery, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Click here to embark on this captivating journey today.
Discover More Best Sellers in Water Sports
Shop Water Sports
Around the World in Six Years: My mostly solo circumnavigation in a 35 foot sailboat
$15.97
Water Sports - Around the World in Six Years: My mostly solo circumnavigation in a 35 foot sailboat
$29.95
Water Sports - 2023 ICW Cruising Guide: Your guide by Bob423 for safely navigating hazards on the Atlantic ICW with full color charts for each hazard and tips for living aboard
Celestial Navigation: A Practical Guide to Knowing Where You Are
$22.99
Water Sports - Celestial Navigation: A Practical Guide to Knowing Where You Are
$6.50
Water Sports - Dive Log Book Scuba Diving: Keep a Detailed Log of and Monitor up to 100 Diving Expeditions , Dive Log Statistics , Quick Tips for Safe Scuba Diving Included , Divers Log , Scuba Gifts
