Olympic Turnaround: How the Olympic Games Stepped Back from the Brink of Extinction to Become the World's Best Known BrandHow the Olympic Games Stepped Back from the Brink of Extinction to Become the World's Best Known Brand

Packed with previously untold stories from the high-octane world where business, sports, politics, and media meet, Olympic Turnaround is a remarkable tale of organizational renewal and a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of the world's most iconic brand.

From August 8 to August 24, more than 10,000 athletes from 205 nations will convene in Beijing, China, to take part in the XXIX Olympiad. Athletes will compete in a variety of sports ranging from archery, basketball, and diving to rowing, soccer, and weightlifting.
Although the modern version of the Olympic Games has been around for over 100 years since its revival at the 1896 games in Athens, the Olympics have a rich and exciting history that goes back to ancient Greece. A crucial aspect of Greek culture, the ancient Olympics emphasized the ideas of heroism and honor established by Homer's epic poetry. The games were meant to celebrate physical strength, speed, and manhood. Most importantly, they embodied the spirit of competition (agon) that defined ancient Greek life.

This book is a succinct history of both the ancient Olympics and their modern resurgence.