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.
Mohamed ‘Mo’ Farah’s story grasps the attention of listeners as he recounts his success as a British Olympic track champion. When he was forced to separate from his family (including his own twin brother) in a move from Somalia to Britain, nobody could’ve predicted that this boy with a language barrier would later become a British legend. Twin Ambitions is a heartfelt autobiography that moves readers as Mo describes how he overcame rather impossible adversities and tribulations to achieve his dreams and break countless records.
In Against the Water, Owen Wright details a traumatic head injury he suffered in a world championship surfing competition in 2015. This intimate memoir describes the challenges Owen faced growing up, which included the pressure of living up to his father’s very high expectations. Despite the disputes, the reconciliations and everything in between, Owen grew up to become surfing royalty in Australia. He exemplifies the definition of tenacity as he endures his long road to recovery and, ultimately, competes at the Summer Games five years later.
As a Paralympic gold medallist and a Grand Slam tennis champion, Dylan Alcott’s life story is both inspiring and astonishing. Recounting his legendary career in sports and in philanthropy, Able is an uplifting listen that challenges societal views of people with disabilities. Narrated by Dylan himself, this audiobook details his journey of overcoming adversity through resilience and perseverance, a powerful encouragement that we should all strive for greatness.
In Body Lengths, Liesel Jones takes listeners on a deep dive into her childhood, rise to stardom and the highs and lows of being an elite athlete. Liesel describes her struggles with depression and the enormous pressure she had to endure at just 15 years old while achieving groundbreaking success. Narrated by Liesel herself, Body Lengths is an eye-opening and fascinating memoir that showcases her story as a swimmer and the challenges she had to overcome.
In this raw and personal audiobook, rugby superstar Ruby Tui shares her story, from a difficult childhood to becoming a gold medallist. Tui’s honest storytelling reveals her struggles and victories, showcasing that with hard work, anyone can obtain amazing success. This audiobook is a must-listen for Ruby Tui fans and anyone seeking an inspiring story of resilience and perseverance. Tui’s story will leave a lasting impact, motivating listeners to confront their challenges with the unbreakable spirit that carried her to Summer Games glory.
Petria Thomas’s journey from small-town girl to swimming legend is an unforgettable narration of resilience and the ongoing pursuit of greatness. Over 12 years, she endured excruciating injuries, yet her spirit never faltered, making her an admired icon to all. However, she concealed a private battle with depression that threatened to cut her inspiring story tragically short. Now, in this raw and deeply personal biography, Petria opens up about her mental health struggles, captivating listeners with the raw emotion of her journey.
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.
