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Last year, after the Olympics, I was in a bit of a funk. 

It’s hard to describe, but I had this big post-Olympic hangover.

I loved the games and the athletes so much, and once they ended, I felt like I was missing something. 

Then, I started reading these incredible sports memoirs and autobiographies, and let me tell you, they brought me back to that same adrenaline rush. 

These books are full of inspiring stories of athletes pushing themselves to the limit, and trust me, they’ll make you feel like you’re right there alongside them.

Best Sports Memoirs & Biographies by Athletes

1. Paper Lion by George Plimpton

In Paper Lion, George Plimpton takes us on a wild journey through training camp with the Detroit Lions, where he tries out as a quarterback. 

He shares his experiences with humor and insight and makes us laugh and sometimes even cringe as he steps into the world of professional football. 

It’s a charming, witty look at sports from someone who’s not a pro but gives it his best shot.

2. Open by Andre Agassi

Open is Andre Agassi’s incredibly raw memoir, where he opens up about his childhood in the harsh world of tennis. 

He talks about his struggles, his fame, his relationships, and his incredible comeback. 

It’s a story of perseverance, where Agassi shows how we all have our battles – on and off the court – and the importance of finding yourself in the process.

3. Courage to Soar by Simone Biles

Simone Biles’ memoir is truly inspiring. 

From her humble beginnings to becoming an Olympic champion, Courage to Soar is all about believing in yourself and pushing through challenges. 

Simone shares her journey with so much heart, from growing up in foster care to winning gold medals.

And, it’s a beautiful reminder that with faith, family, and determination, anything is possible.

4. The Long Season by Jim Brosnan

The Long Season takes us inside the life of a major league pitcher through the ups and downs of an entire baseball season. 

Jim Brosnan shares the personal and professional challenges of being in the big leagues, which makes this book feel like you’re right there in the locker room with him. 

If you’ve ever wondered what life’s like on the road in baseball, this one’s for you.

5. Finding Elevation: Fear and Courage on the World’s Most Dangerous Mountain by Lisa Thompson

Lisa Thompson’s memoir is about her courageous climb up K2, one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. 

After surviving cancer, she pushed herself to the limits of her strength and willpower to summit this terrifying peak. 

This book is about climbing and overcoming fear and finding inner strength. 

It really made me think about the power of pushing past your limits.

6. Heaven Is A Playground by Rick Telander

Rick Telander spent a summer in Brooklyn’s Foster Park, getting to know the talented young basketball players there. 

Heaven Is A Playground captures the spirit of the game and the dreams of these players, as it shows us the struggles they face off the court. 

It’s a powerful story of hope, ambition, and the harsh realities of life in an inner-city community.

7. Forward by Abby Wambach

Forward by Abby Wambach is a memoir full of heart and resilience. 

From her childhood to becoming a soccer icon, Abby shows us what it takes to succeed while also being true to yourself. 

She speaks openly about her challenges, and it’s a real inspiration for anyone who’s ever had to juggle their dreams with their personal life. 

Her story of growth is truly moving and this is frankly one of the most interesting sports memoir books.

8. Life on the Run by Bill Bradley

Bill Bradley’s memoir gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life as a professional basketball player. 

Life on the Run takes us through the highs and lows of a season with the New York Knicks, as she shows us the intense pressures and joys of being in the spotlight.

It’s a beautiful reflection on the personal side of professional sports.

And it shows how much the game and the people around you can shape your life.

9. Just Add Water: My Swimming Life by Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky takes us into her world of swimming, from her early love for the pool to becoming an Olympic champion. 

She talks about the dedication, training, and mindset needed to succeed, all while keeping her passion for the sport alive. 

Her journey is so motivating and shows how much heart and effort it takes to be the best at what you do.

10. I Always Wanted To Be Somebody by Althea Gibson

In this autobiography, Althea Gibson shares her inspiring story of breaking barriers in the world of tennis. 

She talks about the challenges she faced as an African-American athlete, and how her determination helped her achieve greatness. 

Her story is one of triumph and a reminder that with persistence, you can achieve anything, no matter the obstacles.

Must-Read Women in Sports Memoirs & Biographies

1. Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton

Deena Kastor shares how she became a champion runner not just with her legs but with her mind. 

She discovered that conquering mental challenges was the real key to unlocking her full potential. 

This memoir combines personal running stories with science and shows us how positive thinking helped her achieve record-breaking success in marathons. 

If you’ve ever felt stuck in any area of life, this book will show you that changing how you think can change everything.

2. Bravey by Alexi Pappas

Alexi Pappas’s life is a lesson in resilience and self-discovery. 

From losing her mother as a child to becoming an Olympian, she turned her pain into power. 

In this heartfelt memoir, she shares the ups and downs of her journey and offers isdom on embracing challenges and celebrating victories. 

Alexi’s message is clear: bravery isn’t about being fearless but about believing in yourself and finding joy, even in tough moments.

3. Naomi Osaka by Ben Rothenberg

This biography dives deep into Naomi Osaka’s rise to tennis stardom and her impact beyond the court. 

From her unforgettable 2018 US Open win to her advocacy for social justice and mental health, Naomi’s story is both powerful and relatable. 

She shows us that being strong also means being vulnerable, and her journey will inspire anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit the mold.

4. Playing the Long Game by Christine Sinclair with Stephen Brunt

Christine Sinclair, a soccer legend and goal-scoring queen, reflects on her incredible career, from thrilling wins to tough losses. 

She shares how teamwork, determination, and leadership have shaped her life on and off the field. 

Christine’s story is a beautiful show of how persistence and passion can change not only your own life but also inspire others.

5. Over It by Lolo Jones

Lolo Jones opens up about her struggles and triumphs, from growing up in hardship to becoming a three-time Olympian. 

With honesty and faith, she shares how she overcame setbacks – including narrowly missing Olympic gold – and found strength in God.

6. One Life by Megan Rapinoe and Emma Brockes

Megan Rapinoe takes readers through her life both as a soccer champion and a fierce advocate for justice. 

From standing up for equal pay to supporting LGBTQ+ rights, her memoir is as much about making an impact off the field as it is about her successes on it. 

Megan’s story is a call to action to use your voice, live boldly, and make the most of your one life.

7. All In by Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King, a tennis icon and equality trailblazer, tells her life story with honesty and courage. 

She reflects on her legendary career, her fight for women’s rights, and the struggles she faced in her personal life. 

Billie’s life is proof that living authentically and fighting for fairness can change the world.

8. Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman

Lauren Fleshman’s memoir is a love letter to running and a powerful call for change in sports. 

She talks about her own journey as an elite runner and the challenges women face in a system designed for men. 

Lauren’s passion for making sports better for young girls is inspiring, and her personal stories will resonate with anyone who loves the thrill of competition.

9. Resilient by Brooke Wells

Brooke Wells shares her incredible comeback story after a devastating injury at the 2021 CrossFit Games.

Her journey is all about pushing through fear and self-doubt to reclaim her strength and fitness. 

This story is perfect for anyone who needs a reminder that setbacks don’t define us – our strength does.

10. Outofshapeworthlessloser by Gracie Gold

Gracie Gold pulls back the curtain on the darker side of being an Olympic figure skater, from battling mental health struggles to the pressure of perfection. 

Her courage in sharing her story is inspiring, showing that even when life feels overwhelming, there’s always a way forward. 

Gracie’s honesty will remind you that nobody has to face their struggles alone.

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If you want more recommendations, be sure to check out my related posts, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.

I’d love to hear about your favorite sports memoirs.