Victory in the Pool

Reviews / Votes

With Victory in the Pool, George has achieved his career trifecta, combining his love of sports journalism, history, and Northern California. Even if you're a long-time fan of big-time swimming, the name Sherm Chavoor may not resonate. But you'll enjoy meeting the aptly named Jeff Float and you'll happily recall the names of Olympians such as Mark Spitz and Debbie Meyer. George boasts both a flair for storytelling and an impressive attention to detail. His book sprints to the wall for a well-deserved gold medal. -- Mackie Morris, former Missouri School of Journalism chair, TV news consultant, author, and swim dad Unexpected drama, cliff hanger suspense, the clash of towering personalities... Victory In the Pool is a compelling tale of the late '60s and early '70s chase for Olympic swimming glory. Who knew a book about teenage swimmers would be a page turner? -- John Gibson, former TV reporter, author of The Mickey Judge Mystery series I met Sherm Chavoor when I was 8 or 10. Gruff, yes. A bit distant, yes. But as I aged, beyond the time I swam for him, and knew him as an adult, I recognized his true character.This book illustrates it well. If you want an inspirational story of a man who motivated kids to the pinnacle of their abilities, and the stories of those remarkable kids, read this book. -- Roger Niello, California State Senator Victory in the Pool takes the reader on a journey through time and Olympic swimming history. It documents the stories and passion that evolved out of Sacramento, under the guidance of coaching legend Sherm Chavoor. Decades ago, he and his students managed to open doors, raise international awareness, and put this once sleepy little capital city on the map. A native Sacramentan, I learned new information about stories I had covered throughout my decades as a print and broadcast journalist. Sacramento turned several young people into swimming stars. Not only did they win and win big-George wins and wins big with this book. -- Joyce Mitchell, Emmy Award-winning documentarian Debbie Meyer, Sue Pedersen, Mark Spitz, Mike Burton, Jeff Float and more: If you knew them, loved them, followed their careers and cheered for them, you will SO appreciate this book! You need not be a swimmer to feel both the punishment of maverick coach Sherm Chavoor's workouts, and the powerful motivation of his approach. A thrilling play-by-play of the careers of Sacramento's early Olympic swimmers and the coach who literally built the pool in which he trained them to greatness. -- Beth Ruyak, former NBC Sports sideline reporter Bill George made a huge splash with this book! I jumped in and never stopped swimming through the pages. As a Sacramento sportscaster I knew and was a neighbor of Sherm Chavoor. I covered his many accomplishments, knew people that worked for him, and knew the respect the athletes had for this man. But, I never knew the whole story until now. I'm even more in awe of the drive and vision one man can have on people and history! Bill George brought this to life in this page turner about the modern history of swimming in this country. -- Kristine Hanson, former NBC and ESPN sportscaster As a former sportscaster from Sacramento, Honolulu, and the Midwest, I thought I knew these well-known names from the world of swimming, but I learned so much more about their arduous journeys. Great insight, inspiring stories, wonderful book! -- Bob Hogue, PacWest Commissioner It is a fascinating look at an era of swimming heroes and their heroics in the water, but more importantly, how an unlikely coach and group of swimmers from all backgrounds, came together to form something special. * Swimming World *