Champion on Wheels: A Biography of Jocelyn Lovell

Glynn A. Leyshon is a professor of physical education at the University
of Western Ontario, a former weekly columnist for the London Free Press
and author of 18 Sporting Stories.

One of a series of Canadian biographies, this slim volume (95 pages) chronicles the life of cyclist Jocelyn Lovell.

The simple sentence structure, the somewhat limited vocabulary, and the straight-ahead style make the book appear to be aimed at a juvenile market. Not a bad idea. We sorely need more Canadian role models for our youth, especially if the anti-free-trade lobbyists are correct in saying the U.S. culture will achieve a more complete dominance of our own than has already been reached.

One thing the book lacks is some perspective on the times and places in which Lovell’s story took place. Probably because of space restrictions, for example, almost nothing was said of the boycott of the 1980 Olympics. Lovell was at his prime in 1980, and missing a chance at an Olympic medal meant a great deal.

Lovell’s free-spirited approach to life is also played down in this book. Although some of his exploits — such as the theft of a box of cookies which led to a suspension — are documented they are quickly dismissed. Maybe it is sufficient to show that people like Lovell are liable to the foibles of the rest of us and to let it go at that.

As a book for the juvenile market, Champion on Wheels is more than adequate. Especially good is the latter part where Lovell’s tragic accident and his acceptance of paralysis are explained, but the book is not particularly interesting for an adult since it lacks insight and commentary from the author.