Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics

Written by Jean L. S. Patrick · Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

An athlete's Olympic dream hinges on community support and determination.

4.1 Goodreads · 169 ratings

32 pages· 1,405 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud· 650L

$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Ludy Godbold, towering and determined, discovers her talent for shot put at Winthrop College. Qualifying for the 1922 Women's Olympics, she faces a daunting challenge: no funds to reach Paris. With her college's support, Ludy embarks on a journey that defies the odds, aiming for Olympic gold. Will her resolve and community's belief be enough to propel her to victory? Experience the inspiring true story of an unsung athlete who made history.

From the publisher

Lucile “Ludy” Godbold was six feet tall and skinnier than a Carolina pine and an exceptional athlete. In her ﬁnal year on the track team at Winthrop College in South Carolina, Ludy tried the shot put and she made that iron ball sail with her long, skinny arms. But when Ludy qualified for the first Women’s Olympics in 1922, Ludy had no money to go. Thanks to the help of her college and classmates, Ludy traveled to Paris and won the gold medal with more than a foot to spare. Hooray for Ludy! Based on a true story about a little-known athlete and a unique event in women’s sports history.

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