From an award-winning sports journalist comes a timely exploration of what it means to be a hero, with stories from lesser-known Olympic athletes from around the world.

Hero Redefined paperback cover shows text over an Olympic torch and dark blue background

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Headshot of author Doug Levy

About the Author

Doug Levy is a lifelong sports buff and a huge fan of the Olympic Games. He owned and operated a lobbying and government affairs consulting business for twenty-five years, and worked as a sports reporter, sports columnist, and news reporter through much of the 1980s. Hero Redefined is his first book.

  • “Doug Levy has paid tribute to competitors who had trained to win and had been willing to find out."

    —Frank Shorter, gold medalist, Men’s Marathon, 1972 Summer Olympic Games

  • “Doug Levy beautifully illuminates these remarkable stories.”

    —Mitch Gaylord, gold medalist, Men's Gymnastics, 1984 Olympic Games

  • “In Hero Redefined, Doug Levy has expanded the truism that 'every Olympian is a special hero in their own special way'...So much goes into becoming an Olympian that is only seen by the athlete and their family. There is so much more than network TV or even the local newspaper shares. It is a personal journey few are fortunate enough to make. Each athlete's road to Olympus can be a source of inspiration to all."

    —Mac Wilkins, USA discus thrower and gold (1976) and silver (1984) medal winner

  • “Compelling storytelling ribboned throughout."

    —Ross Fletcher, former Emmy Award–winning broadcaster of the Olympic Games, Seattle Kraken hockey, and Seattle Sounders soccer

  • “There are only winners here."

    —Dr. Bob Adams, longtime team doctor for USA Track & Field, helped establish the first drug testing programs for USATF athletes

  • “Truly a captivating read."

    —Paul Allen, author of Bright Lights Black Stars: Negro League Players and Canada’s Oldest Baseball League

  • "Anyone who thinks the Olympics are only about winning Olympic medals hasn’t read this book.”

    —Bob Hughes, president, USA Luge; executive producer emeritus, Carr-Hughes Productions