What I'm reading: Something in the Air

I love getting new books for Christmas. I enjoy reading, and the selections at Christmas are always good. There's always one box under the tree containing a few books Yvonne and the kids think I will enjoy (and they're always right).

I'm about two-thirds of the way done with one of this year's books, "Something in the Air: American Passion and Defiance in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics." The book combines my two favorite subjects -- sports and history.

Besides telling the story of the year's political and racial upheaval (and Cold War tensions) and how it affected the U.S. Olympic Team, the book has some great stories on how athletes reacted to the drama -- and how many struggled with the decision on whether to participate in the Games, or then to somehow make a statement of protest.

I'm especially enjoying it because over the years, thanks to my involvement with Simplot Games, I've met several of the athletes featured in the book.

I look forward every year to visiting with Dick Fosbury, the high jumper who revolutionized his event by winning gold in 1968 with the "Fosbury Flop." He's an icon in the sport, generous with his time, and still very involved in the Olympic movement.

In previous years I have interviewed and become friends with Tommie Smith, whose black-gloved gesture on the medal stand was the defining moment of the 1968 Games (and one of the defining moments of the U.S. Civil Rights movement). He's also the subject of one of my all-time favorite headlines -- after setting world records in the 400-meter and 440-yard events, Sports Illustrated proclaimed: "He is Built for Chasing Beyondness." Wow.

I have also interviewed and gotten to know Wyomia Tyus, who repeated as the 100-meter womens' gold medallist in 1968 and playing a lead role in the womens' team involvement. In February I'll meet Madeline Manning and Jim Ryun, who are both featured predominantly in the book.

Gotta love a well-written book. Even though I know how the story ends, I'm enjoying the read.