Book Synopsis

What does it mean to be a hero-in sports and in life?

Heroes aren't just the ones who bring home medals. Hero Redefined delves into the lesser-known stories of Olympic athletes-and a couple of special Olympic venues-that challenge the conventional narrative of glory and gold. In riveting personal profiles exploring herculean feats of strength, perseverance, and sportsmanship, award-winning sports journalist Doug Levy offers a new vision of heroism. There is more than one path to greatness, and the extraordinary acts of resilience and personal sacrifice by these athletes have left an indelible mark on the spirit of the Olympic games in quiet but fundamental ways through the ages.

Each chapter reveals a different face of heroism-immense resilience, strength of character, unparalleled sportsmanship, an incredible zeal to compete, and a seemingly superhuman will to finish. Throughout, Levy celebrates the heroic human spirit and its relentless drive to carry the torch forward-both inside and outside of the Olympic Games.

Review Quotes

"Doug Levy's well-researched book contains some of the lesser-known Olympic stories of courage . . . I confess to a particular interest in chapter three with my friend and teammate Dave Moorcroft, where we shared the opposite ends of the emotional spectrum in the Summer Games of 1984."

-Sebastian Coe, two-time gold medalist, set twelve track-and-field world records

"When training and racing internationally leading up to my Olympic races, I quickly came to believe that on any given race day, about ten people would have trained well enough to win but only three would "have a good day" and emerge. Doug Levy has paid tribute to competitors who had trained to win and been willing to find out-but their individual stories intervened."

-Frank Shorter, gold medalist, Men's Marathon, 1972 Summer Olympic Games

"As someone who experienced Olympic success, I can attest that true heroism lies in the relentless pursuit of excellence and the courage to overcome obstacles. Doug Levy beautifully illuminates these remarkable stories, reminding us that every athlete's journey is worthy of celebration."

-Mitch Gaylord, gold medalist, Men's Gymnastics, 1984 Olympic Games

"There's compelling storytelling ribboned throughout-Doug Levy really captures the essence of what it means to become an Olympian regardless of results."

-Ross Fletcher, former Emmy Award-winning broadcaster of the Olympics, Seattle Kraken hockey, Seattle Sounders soccer

"Doug Levy explores the enormous work ethic, devotion, and sacrifices elite athletes demonstrate when they aspire for excellence. There are only winners here."

-Dr. Bob Adams, longtime team doctor for USA Track & Field, helped establish drug testing programs for USATF athletes

"Anyone who thinks the Olympics are only about winning Olympic medals hasn't read this book. It's the people seen in these pages that are the true soul of the Olympic Games."

-Bob Hughes, president, USA Luge; executive producer emeritus, Carr-Hughes Productions

"Doug Levy captures so many compelling stories that remind me of the magic of Hayward Field, where every run, jump, or throw tells a story of grit. . . . The true magic of sport isn't just in victories but in the untold journeys."

-Paul Swangard, longtime Hayward Field PA announcer, Olympics broadcaster

"Hero Redefined offers a rich tapestry of stories about lesser-known Olympic athletes, bringing their achievements into the spotlight with an inspiring, deeply human touch."

-Cindy Gustafson, Placer County Board of Supervisors