The story of Betty Robison, an Olympic gold medalist and fastest woman in the world in 1928. Feminists today think they have it tough? Consider women during the earlier years of the Olympics, where women weren't considered strong enough or fast enough to compete in track and field. Imagine the obstacles they had to overcome. It wasn't just the lack of interest in women running, but also the unbearable heat that led to low attendance at this event. With little training and even less encouragement to pursue running as a sport, Betty pushed to prove herself to everyone around her, including her father. I can identify with that mindset. Don't ever tell me I can't do something because I'm likely to do it just to spite you. I don't see the "you can't" as a slight due to my gender, but rather just someone who doesn't truly know me. And my proving them wrong isn't an attempt at feminism. More like a stubborn child that wasn't to prove a parent (or peer) wrong.

"She simply could not, would not lose."

When arrogance gets in the way, Betty fails to perform as expected. Her response was full of excuses, yet included a dose of humility and the promise to work hard for the Olympics. Sports athletes should take that to heart. While they may have talent, humility goes a long way compared to arrogance.

Fire on the Track primarily tells the story of Elizabeth Robinson, though it does cover key individuals around her including Stanislawa Walasiewicz (Stella Walsh), Catherine Maguire and Delores Boechmann. It covers the spirit and determination of the women that competed at the Olympics in Amsterman in 1928. The novel included moments such as when some women Olympic contenders decided to go on a shopping spree in Paris. Though it was only those involved in the swimming category, the stereotype affected women across the board. Basically, women preferred shopping over the Olympics. Insert facepalm here.

The writing makes it easy for the reader to imagine themselves there, next to Betty as she prepared for and eventually took off down the track. Her first race, the nervousness of the other runners, even the weather, all descriptions added to the moment of that day. Even the victory when Betty won as the first women's gold medalist in track and field. The history of women in the earlier years of the Olympics track and field would be of interest to anyone that enjoys reading about historical events as well as for those that like reading about the trials and triumphs of athletes. When the book reached the part where it covered the 800m, that caught my interest enough to search and read about it more.

But the story doesn't end with her victory in Amsterdam. It continues with the amazing story of her survival after an airplane accident, being brought to the mortuary as she was thought to be dead, only to have the mortician discover she was barely breathing. Betty was told she'd never walk again, but her love of running pushed her not only to regain use of her legs but to sore even farther with the goal of the 1938 Olympics.

Stories continued to include the accident with the discus throw. Yiks. Stella had been arrested after the discus slipped from her hand and hit a spectator. The man fell unconscious and was sent to the hospital with a possible skull fracture. That moment of unknown strength from a woman surprised the public. This is what I found interesting about this book. There are lots of stories like that one. For readers that enjoy a bit of history, this would be an excellent gift. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

I was intrigued with this book’s title. I have heard of Betty Robinson, along with such other female athletes as Babe Didrikson and Stella Walsh, but I must admit that I don’t know much about them.

The story gets off to a compelling start with the 1931 plane crash that almost takes Betty’s life. Then the story reverts to her adventures at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam.

This is not just a biography of Betty, but weaves in other female athletes of the time. It was interesting reading, but the story kept moving back and forth. Author Montillo would introduce a person or a event, then give a backstory to that person/event. I was often confused about the timeframe each chapter was supposed to set in.

I believe that a reader has to have some knowledge of the participants and the events in order to really enjoy the way this book is written. Therefore Fire on the Track: Betty Robinson and the Triumph of the Early Olympic Women gets 3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world. ( )

Despite the very title of this book holding Betty Robinson’s name, there are several other prevalent female track athletes mentioned within. These names included: Polish-American Stella Walsh, Texan Babe Didrikson, the first African-American female to compete in the Olympics, Tidye Pickett, and young Helen Stephens. Without giving away too much, appearances of these women and the muscles they possessed caused extreme out roar in the media and public. Remember, this was a time that believed women ONLY belonged in the kitchen and definitely should not possess “manly muscles” gained from athletics.

This story follows Betty from a 16-year-old, discovered for her speed after running down and catching a morning commuter train, to a 20-something Betty recovering from a plane crash and never expected to run again. Throughout, Betty’s resolve, resiliency and strength are on full display, and while she may not have fully understood her place in history at the time, it is clear to the reader how important those 1928 Olympics would become for female athletes in the United States.

As a side note, it was interesting to see the different takes on the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. After having just finished The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, which followed a MEN’s rowing team and their treatment/accommodations in Berlin, it was certainly eye opening when compared to the WOMEN’s track and field team’s treatment and accommodations. Even the comparisons within the books regarding swimmer Eleanor Holm and her removal from the Olympic team while aboard the USS Manhattan on the way to Berlin, differed when told from the women’s point of view.

For the full review, please visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordpress.com/ ( )