With the sporting world still on a high following the triumphant 2012 Games in London The Official History of the Olympic Games & the IOC" gives an unparalleled account of the Olympic story from its beginnings in Athens 1894 to the present day including an in-depth account of the London Olympics. This lavishly illustrated story covers the re-creation of the Olympic Games by Pierre de Coubertin the often controversial fortunes of the governing body formed in 1894 & the highs & lows of the Olympics themselves since the first Games in 1896. It also tells the stories of the historic competitors
- from Spyridon Louis (the inaugural marathon winner) & such heroes as Jim Thorpe Paavo Nurmi Sonja Henie Jesse Owens Fanny Blankers-Koen Emil Zatopek Herb Elliott Kip Keino Mark Spitz Franz Klammer Sebastian Coe & Carl Lewis through to Hicham El Guerrouj Michael Phelps Usain Bolt Yu-na Kim & Mo Farah. Detailed background is provided to the many crises: the Nazi Games of 1936; the massacre at Mexico City in 1968; the terrorist slaughter of Israelis at the 1972 Munich Games; the boycotts; the advent of professionals from 1988; & the Ben Johnson scandal & the ongoing threat of drug abuse. The mounting million-dollar investment by medal- obsessed nations is also questioned. This elaborate analysis is the definitive account of the worlds foremost sporting spectacle."