Title: Ode to Olympic Dreams
Author: Janice P. Kehler MSc, MA
Review by Nancy Jorgensen
Genre: memoir/sports history
Pages: 320
Date published: 2023
Publisher: CG Sports Publishing
The title says it all: Ode to Olympic Dreams. In this part memoir, part history book, Janice Kehler presents her own journey as an Olympic hopeful alongside the philosophy and history of the modern Olympic games.
Kehler’s story starts when she is still in the crib, with memories of her feet, her toes, and her first steps. Before long, she aspires to be an athlete who might represent Canada on the Olympic track and field team. As Kehler describes her pursuit, she offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a 1960’s family.
As the mother of an Olympian, I read this book with interest, and much of it resonates with me. Like my own daughter, Kehler was a girl taken with the Olympic spirit and a desire to compete and excel. Like my own family, Kehler’s family emphasized academics in addition to sports and instilled high expectations and support for both.
Interspersed with her own journey, Kehler offers a history of individuals prominent in the development of the Olympic games. Examples include Pierre de Coubertin—member of the IOC, believer in the ancient games and that sport matters, and promoter of amateur-centered competition. And Bruno Balke—champion of the idea that a sound body leads to a sound mind, rehabilitation fitness expert, researcher, and trainer for professional athletes.
Kehler presents not only the lofty ideals of early Olympic organizers, but also touches on politics associated with the Games, including Hitler’s manipulation of Olympic competition to promote German superiority.
Kehler asserts her own philosophy and suggests the lessons of sport are relevant in life: “...I wanted to believe…being-the-best-you-can-be was not just for athletes who failed.”
As the book alternates between history and Kehler’s aspirations, I was pulled by the intriguing tale of an Olympic hopeful, wanting to know what happens next and if she qualifies for the Games. Along the way, there are insights about issues that impact the games: politics, drug testing, coaching, and financing.
Each chapter begins with a quote that reflects the ideas to be presented, and as the chapters proceed, Kehler develops several themes including “effortlessness,” “being-the-best-you-can-be,” “common sense,” “excellence,” and “winning.”
Ode to Olympic Dreams is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn more about the modern Olympic Games and the people and philosophies that influenced them. It is also for anyone interested in the personal story of one young athlete, her dreams, aspirations, and her journey to be the best she could be.
Reviewer Nancy Jorgensen is a Wisconsin writer, teacher, and musician. Her most recent book is a middle-grade sports biography,“Gwen Jorgensen: USA’s First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete” (Meyer & Meyer). Her essays appear inMs. Magazine,The Offing,River Teeth,Wisconsin Public Radio,Cheap Pop, and elsewhere. NancyJorgensen.weebly.com
