Bruce Hamilton Yerman

The Victory Lap: Jack Yerman and His Incredible Journey to the Olympics and Beyond Bruce Hamilton Yerman

The Victory Lap tells the incredible true story of Jack Yerman's journey to the 1960 Olympics and his Gold Medal victory. This is a story of personal triumph intertwined with significant events of the Twentieth Century. Get ready to experience the inspiring story of a boy who overcomes adversity to become a world-class athlete and a world-class person. He takes those lessons with him in his professional and personal life, leading him to new adventures. Some may read this book and question, How could so much happen to such an ordinary person? Be assured - these stories are true!

When Jack was born on February 5, 1939, his father sat in the local jail. While living in poverty, an emotionally distant but hardworking mother, a caring community, and a spiritual guide helped him succeed. Several years after the Olympics, Jack asked Mr. Bailey, his former high school basketball coach, why of all his teammates, he ran faster, traveled the world, played in the Rose Bowl, and graduated from the University of California and Stanford when others who had more talent did not. The coach replied, It was important to you. You wanted it more than the others. This book also connects Jack to significant events in history including the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the rise of corporate America, educating the next generation, falling in love, and becoming a father.