FOR THE WIN

Twenty-one poets celebrate the achievements of 20 contemporary athletes.

The 10 men and 10 women spotlighted here excel across sports, from baseball, football, and soccer to basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and more. The poets each begin with a boldly declarative title, praising their subjects for their ability to triumph over childhood challenges and to withstand the intense pressures of competition, as well as for their humanitarian work. In “Naomi Osaka Takes a Breath,” Anita Yasuda threads the tennis star’s accomplishments with her boundary-breaking decision to temporarily step away to seek help for depression and practice self-care. “She is more / than chasing / racing after titles, / because she’s willing / to say, no more.” Accompanying each poem is a quote from the athlete, an action photograph, and a sidebar with a thumbnail biography. Athletes and poets alike represent a broad array of cultures, races, and backgrounds. Suni Lee is the first Hmong American Olympian gymnast. Chargers’ wide receiver Keenan Allen endured a litany of derailing injuries, bouncing back after rehabilitation. Some athletes are immigrants to the U.S.; others play for their home countries, like Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi. At 12, swimmer Jessica Long became the youngest Paralympic competitor. Sarah Grace Tuttle marvels, “Water welcomes you / to celebrate your strengths.” A theme that emerges throughout this wholly edifying and well-composed work: the support of parents for their youngsters’ dreams.

Successfully utilizes poetry to illuminate athletic excellence.