From the first women to compete in open-water contests to the Olympic superstars of today, Legends of Women's Swimming tells the stories of the women who have thrilled and inspired fans both in and out of the pool.

A fascinating, in-depth look at the history of competitive swimming and the people and moments that have defined the sport. From the first modern Olympic Games to the present, Below the Surface: The History of Competitive Swimming covers all the greatest moments, top rivalries, legendary swimmers, and biggest controversies in swimming history. It features athletes like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, who have elevated the sport to an unprecedented level, and individual performances that are groundbreaking and awe-inspiring, such as Australian Fanny Durack becoming the first female Olympic gold medalist in 1912 and Jason Lezak leading the US to a come-from-behind victory in the 400 freestyle relay at the 2008 Olympics. While controversies such as doping and the advent of tech suits have troubled the sport, a new generation of athletes have produced fresh enthusiasm for competitive swimming. Below the Surface offers little-known stories, unique insight, and a detailed history of a great sport with a remarkable past and an exciting future.

From the pioneers of the early days of the sport to the superstars of today, Legends of Women's Tennis tells the stories of the women who have thrilled and inspired fans both on and off the tennis court.

THE PERFECT MILE meet SWIMMING TO ANTARCTICA in this compelling tale of how nineteen-year-old Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel.

From the first women who fought to bring gymnastics to the Olympics to the international superstars of today, Legends of Women's Gymnastics tells the stories of the women who have thrilled and inspired fans both in and out of the gym.

From the pioneers of the early days of the sport to the superstars of today, Legends of Women's Basketball tells the stories of the women who have thrilled and inspired fans both on and off the basketball court.

In her extraordinary swimming career, Shirley Babashoff set thirty-nine national records and eleven world records. Prior to the 1990s, she was the most successful U.S. female Olympian and, in her prime, was widely considered to be the greatest female swimmer in the world. Heading into the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Babashoff was pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and followed closely by the media. Hopes were high that she would become “the female Mark Spitz.” All of that changed once Babashoff questioned the shocking masculinity of the swimmers on the East German women’s team. Once celebrated as America’s golden girl, Babashoff was accused of poor sportsmanship and vilified by the press with a new nickname: “Surly Shirley.” Making Waves displays the remarkable strength and resilience that made Babashoff such a dynamic champion. From her difficult childhood and beginnings as a determined young athlete growing up in Southern California in the 1960s, through her triumphs as the greatest female amateur swimmer in the world, Babashoff tells her story in the same unflinching manner that made her both the most dominant female swimmer of her time and one of the most controversial athletes in Olympic history.

From the groundbreaking women who fought to compete in early track meets to the Olympic superstars of today, Legends of Women's Track and Field tells the stories of the women who have thrilled and inspired fans both on and off the track.

From the pioneers whose hard work and determination led to the first Women’s World Cup to the international superstars of today, Legends of Women's Soccer tells the stories of the women who have thrilled and inspired fans both on and off the soccer field.

Explores the nature and appeal of swimming, from the history of the strokes to aspects of modern Olympic competition, as well as the author's personal experiences and milestones in the sport.