Product Description
Given the popularity of all types of skating--on the ice, on the boards, and on the streets--why isn't roller skating an Olympic event? Author David H. Lewis sought out people involved in every aspect of the sport in an attempt to answer this question. He talked to competition judges and coaches, rink operators and rink organists, and scores of skaters from around the world. The answers he found--and there are many--are likely to anger and astound readers in turn. Those answers, along with a wealth of information on the world of roller skating past, present and future, are detailed Whether you skate for the love of it, or have higher aspirations in the world on wheels, "Roller Skating for Gold" is fascinating and illuminating reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Confirming what skaters already know.
"Why isn't roller skating in the Olympics?" This question has bothered skaters and skating fans for decades. Occasionally it seems that the sport will finally get its day in the sun, but inevitably it retreats to the status quo. Skaters toil on wheels, unknown, while their counterparts on ice score millions of dollars in commercial contracts.

David Lewis recounts the story of roller skating's years of attempting to join the Olympic games, and points out some rather scathing reasons why it hasn't happened yet. Substantial amounts of blame can be placed with the IOC, but even more blame is laid at the feet of the USA Roller Skating organization, portrayed here as inept and out of touch with what needs to be done to push skating forward.

In some cases Lewis' ideas are a bit out of touch themselves -- does he really think that fans would swarm to watch roller skaters compete in school figures or American Dance? Only skaters enjoy watching those events, and not even many of them! But his heart is in the right place, and he clearly has affection for the sport.

Roller Skating for Gold is a good read, but be aware that there are tons of typos and a few factual errors, and the price is extremely high for such a slim book. The high price is the major reason I could only give the book three stars. Were it half the price, it would be a 5 (or at least 4 1/2) star book. ... Read more