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

"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, 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.

Bruce Yerman grew up listening to his father's stories. Jack shared his lessons in quiet places, such as driving to a basketball game, working together in the yard, or holding family meetings.

From his father, Bruce learned that champions are people who do well in the face of adversity. Winners are motivated, rise above weakness, and work through the pain. Bruce knows that becoming a champion begins with how we meet problems head-on. It is not always clear what talents we have. Still, if we work hard at school or on the job, if we strive to be a better family member and friend, if we give our all, if we practice the piano even when we would rather do something else — if we push ourselves, the skills we develop during the difficult moments will reappear when we need them. Each of us has unique gifts, things that we do well, and where we find our talents is where we grow into true champions.

Bruce is excited to share the life-changing lessons and stories from his father's life. The lessons learned on Jack's Incredible Journey to Olympic Gold and beyond are as relevant today as when they happened.