"I believe you can do anything you want, if you put your mind to it." --Major League pitcher Jim Abbottl VETERAN AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST Rappoport showcases a dozen of the twentieth century's greatest and most courageous athletes--from Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in the Major Leagues, to race car pioneer Janet Guthrie, the first woman to qualify for the Indy 500, to cyclist Lance Armstrong, who fought back from cancer to become a six-time winner of the Tour de France. Each dramatic, action-packed profile shows how these talented athletes overcame serious challenges-racism, sexism, serious illness, and congenital problems-to make a lasting impact not only on their sport but also on society. Young readers will find in each of these inspiring men and women the bravery, perseverance, and dedication that made them outstanding athletes during their own times and strong role models for today.