Berlin, 1936. The Olympic finals of the eight-oared rowing race. Germany, Italy, USA. The American boat touches the finish line first, beating all odds and sending Hitler away in a silent rage. In the midst of the Great Depression, the nine rowers showed the world what true grit really meant. They were western, working-class boys who never expected to beat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did. At the center of the tale is Joe Rantz, whose personal struggle-- and ultimate triumph-- captures the spirit of his generation, the one that would prove in the coming years that the Nazis could not prevail over American determination and optimism.

Includes index.

Who's who -- Only nine seats -- A dream life shattered -- A thousand and one small things -- Life in exile -- Making the climb -- Another chance at a home -- A rare and sacred thing -- Going it alone -- Part of a single thing -- A broken machine -- The makings of something exceptional -- Almost without pain -- Stay out of our life -- Driven nearly to madness -- Battle in California -- Rage, fear, and uncertainty -- Difficult and dangerous work -- The parts that really matter -- A truth to come to terms with -- Finding their swing -- Save, save, save -- Here's where we take California -- Rowing for liberty -- Fighting, fuming, and coming together -- A game of cat and mouse -- In the race of their lives -- Timeline of events -- The art of rowing.