Fast Girls

About the book

Elise Hooper, a renowned writer, delves into the fascinating true story of female athletes who were part of the inaugural integrated women's Olympic team, and their journey to the 1936 summer games in Berlin, Nazi Germany. This book is a must-read for fans of inspiring untold stories of remarkable women, such as The Only Woman in the Room, Hidden Figures, and The Lost Girls of Paris.

At the 1928 Olympics, Betty Robinson from Chicago competes as a member of the first women's track and field delegation. Celebrated as America's Golden Girl upon her return, her life takes a terrifying turn when she survives a near-fatal plane crash that threatens to derail her dreams.

Meanwhile, in a town outside of Boston, Louise Stokes, one of the few black girls in her community, seizes the opportunity to defy the limitations imposed on her through sports. Determined to prove herself as a champion, she takes a leap of faith to join the Olympic team.

Hailing from Missouri, Helen Stephens, a shy, tomboyish girl from a humble background, is an outsider among her peers. Despite facing adversity, she harbors dreams of a better life through athletic success. Her world changes when a chance encounter presents her with a new path.

Together, these three athletes challenge societal norms and expectations of women's capabilities. As tensions rise between the United States and Europe, Betty, Louise, and Helen must fight for their chance to compete as the fastest women in the world amidst the grandeur and politics of the Nazi-hosted 1936 Olympics in Berlin.