Hearts of Gold: Stories of Courage, Dedication, and Triumph from Canadian Olympians

Theresa Paltzat is the Smart Search librarian at the Edmonton Public
Library.

Hearts of Gold brings readers 21 heartwarming stories from nearly a
decade of Canadian participation in the Olympic Games. Lorne Zeiler was
inspired to write the book after witnessing two separate struggles: a
family member’s personal battle with illness and an Olympian’s
determination to fight on despite physical pain.

The book is divided into seven themed chapters: “Honourable
Conduct,” “Staying on Track,” “Overcoming Physical Adversity,
“Of Principles,” “Innovators,” “Determination,” and “Grace
in Defeat.” The stories of Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, Beckie
Scott, and Silken Laumann add detail and further context to readers’
personal memories. Showcasing Canada’s proud Olympic history are
accounts of The Matchless Six (the first women to compete in track and
field in the 1928 Olympic Games) and Larry Lemieux (who sacrificed the
lead in a sailing race to save a competitor’s life). There are stories
of perseverance after physical and emotional pain, and stories of those
who stood up for what they believed in, even if it threatened their
Olympic dreams. Enhancing these enjoyable stories are colour and
black-and-white photos of the athletes. This is an excellent book for
Canadian sports fans.