Introduces the history, equipment, jumps, spins, and competitions of the sport of figure skating.

Double axel, triple toe - you've got all the right moves. Ever since Sonja Henie took the ice in 1924, women figure skaters have captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers around the world. Although this beloved sport is graceful and artistic, don't be fooled - figure skaters are intense, strong athletes. So lace up and get on the ice! The history, the rules, and the heroines: these nonfiction accounts of women's sports relate the interesting insights of each sport, including the rules, game play, and standout athletes. Girls looking for role models as well as the "hows and whys" of their favorite game will find the answers in these fresh, accessible titles. Part history, part biography, and part instruction, Girls Play to Win allows readers to access "everything they want to know" about the game. More than an introduction, this series takes what is likely an existing interest and allows the reader to delve deeper. Content consultants are real-world experts that include Olympic athletes and coaches. Library Media Connection Editor's Choice

Figure skating, which is the world's most popular winter Olympic sport, is the subject of this volume. Though figure skaters are often known for their theatrical and artistic performances, author Jennifer MacKay outlines for readers the complex physical and biomechanical properties at work in this beautiful and demanding sport. From the development of the indoor ice rink, to the application of Newton's laws of motion, to the psychological challenges faced by many skaters, MacKay explores how these athletes achieve amazing physical accomplishments and perfect their art.

How do people become involved in sports? What can their experiences teach us? These are two of the many questions asked by this unique collection of personal stories of people involved in sport. Told by researchers who have interviewd participants and observed what happens in the setting where people play sports, the contributions not only show how sport studies contribute to the wider study of society, but also describe the difficulties and challenges faced when doing research of this kind. Inside Sports is divided into four main sections reflecting the social processes and developments over time that make up the experience of sport for most people, however diverse their circumstances may otherwise be: * Early experiences: being introduced to sports * Experience and identity: becoming an athlete * Deep in the experience: doing sports * Transition experiences: facing life beyond the playing field. In its extensive coverage of the sporting experience from within, as well as its discussion of research methods, Inside Sports will be essential reading for all students studying sport in society.

An inspirational look at a diverse group of popular American sports figures and how they found success in sports and life. Young athletes all dream of what they might become. They might see themselves as a soccer player racing through defenses at the World Cup, as a hockey player scoring the winning goal in the Stanley Cup Final, or as a figure skater in the Winter Olympics. But to get there takes hard work, dedication, and passion. In The Reason We Play: American Sports Figures and What Inspires Them, Marc Bona profiles some of the nation’s top athletes and sports personalities from the past several decades to reveal what it takes to make it in the world of professional sports. Along with fascinating accounts of the sports figures’ lives and careers, Bona includes, in their own words, what motivated them, what obstacles they overcame, and even what books they loved to read when they were young. Featuring athletes such as soccer icon Kristine Lilly, basketball star Victor Oladipo, and softball phenom Cat Osterman, The Reason We Play has something for everyone. From football to rodeo, baseball to racing, the front office to coaching, the subjects all share a common trait of excellence on and off the field.

The 2018 Winter Olympics marked a milestone for LGBTQ+ athletes. Thirteen athletes out of 3,000 competitors were out and proud — nearly double the number who felt comfortable sharing their sexuality four years earlier at the Sochi Games. Many athletes stay closeted for their entire sports careers, often unable to compete at their highest ability because of the shame and self-doubt they feel in not being true to their orientation or identity. But coming out still means facing harassment from fans, teammates, opponents, and the media, and a lack of sponsorship opportunities. While organizations like You Can Play, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Eagle Canada have made progress in recent years in promoting inclusivity at the grassroots and elite sporting levels, there is still much work to be done to ensure all athletes feel safe being their authentic selves. Athletes profiled include swimmer Mark Tewksbury, rhythmic gymnast Rose Cossar, professional hockey player Brock McGillis, speed skater Anastasia Bucsis, pairs figure skater Eric Radford, volleyball players Betty Baxter and Christopher Voth and hockey player Angela James. Generously illustrated with photographs and given context by an overview of the history of LGBTQ+ athletes in Canada, this book will make all young sports enthusiasts and competitors proud to play.

Remy and Alison play on rival soccer teams. Remy hasn't trusted Alison ever since her former friend attended an elite soccer camp in England last summer. When Remy finds out Alison has a special plan to beat Remy's team in the tournament, she becomes convinced that Alison will sabotage her team's players. Foul Play is an entertaining story of misguided revenge, and the importance of communication in true friendship. [Fry Reading Level - 3.5.