Long-armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics

Lucile “Ludy” Godbold was six feet tall and skinnier than a Carolina pine and an exceptional athlete. In her final year on the track team at Winthrop College in South Carolina, Ludy tried the shot put and she made that iron ball sail with her long, skinny arms. But when Ludy qualified for the first Women's Olympics in 1922, Ludy had no money to go.

Thanks to the help of her college and classmates, Ludy traveled to Paris and won the gold medal with more than a foot to spare. Hooray for Ludy!
 
Based on a true story about a little-known athlete and a unique event in women's sports history.

Jean L. S. Patrick is the author of several books for children, including The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth (Carolrhoda Books). Jean has also written a weekly children's book column for the Daily Republic in Mitchell, South Dakota, since 1989.


Adam Gustavson has illustrated several picture books, including the award-winning Good Luck, Mrs. K! (Margaret K. McElderry) and Dirty Rats. Adam lives in West Orange, New Jersey.