Unbroken: Early Life and Athletic Journey

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the date in the Preface of the book?

June 1943

In the Preface, __ and other crewman are on a raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Louie Zamperini, Two

In the Preface, Louie is surrounded by what?

Sharks

What does Louie see as a kid?

The Graf Zeppelin Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Louie being impressed with the Graf Zeppelin?

He doesn't want anything to do with planes. Signup and view all the answers

Louie ____ Pete.

Idolizes Signup and view all the answers

Does Pete pull stunts? Does he get caught?

Yes, No Signup and view all the answers

When Louie worries about high school, what does he dream of?

Running away from home Signup and view all the answers

Louie learns a key has a '____________' of fitting in any lock.

One-in-fifty chance Signup and view all the answers

Why does Louie almost gets suspended?

He helps some students enter a basketball game free of charge. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Louie join track?

Pete forces/convinces him to. Signup and view all the answers

Louie broke high school records by running a time of ______.

4:21.3 Signup and view all the answers

Louie the Compton open, and he gets __.

Almost wins, Invited to the Olympic trials Signup and view all the answers

What was Louie's track nickname?

'Torrance Tornado' Signup and view all the answers

Where are the Olympic trials located?

New York Signup and view all the answers

At the Olympic trials in New York, the radio announces that Louie , but they are __.

Won, Mistaken Signup and view all the answers

Louie is the ______ distance runner to make the Olympics.

Youngest Signup and view all the answers

How does Louie get to the Olympics?

He goes on a boat Signup and view all the answers

Where are the Olympics located?

Germany Signup and view all the answers

On the ship, Louie gains _______ pounds.

Twelve Signup and view all the answers

Who does Louie room with in Olympic Village?

Jesse Owens Signup and view all the answers

What does Louie deal with during the Olympics?

People in front of him throwing elbows and fisticuffs. Signup and view all the answers

What place does Louie come in at the Olympics?

Seventh Signup and view all the answers

Louie breaks a final-lap record at the Olympics by running his last lap in ________.

56 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What does Louie get for breaking a final-lap record at the Olympics?

A brief visit with Der Fuhrer Signup and view all the answers

Where are the 1940 Games supposed to be scheduled?

Tokyo Signup and view all the answers

At the University of _ , Louie makes a new friend, ___________.

Southern California, Jimmie Sasaki Signup and view all the answers

Louie sets an NCAA record by running the mile in 4:08.3 even with and an ___.

Bleeding shins, Impaled toe Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Olympics get canceled?

WWII Signup and view all the answers

Louie joins the __, but he drops out because of _.

Army Air Corps, Airsickness Signup and view all the answers

After dropping out of the Army Air Corps, Louie becomes an _______.

Actor Signup and view all the answers

What is Louie's job in WWII?

A bombardier Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preface and Introduction

The narrative begins in June 1943, featuring Louie Zamperini and two other crewmen on a raft in the Pacific Ocean.
Louie is surrounded by sharks, presenting a perilous situation.

Early Life and Aspirations

As a child, Louie witnesses the Graf Zeppelin, which leaves a lasting impression despite his aversion to planes.
He idolizes his brother, Pete, who engages in mischievous stunts without facing consequences.
Louie struggles with his high school experience, dreaming of running away from home.

Athletic Journey

Louie discovers that a key has a one-in-fifty chance of fitting in any lock, symbolizing the struggle for success.
He nearly faces suspension for helping classmates enter a basketball game for free.
Against his initial reluctance, Louie joins the track team due to Pete’s persuasion.

Achievements in Track

Louie shatters high school records with an impressive time of 4:21.3.
He nearly wins the Compton open and earns an invitation to the Olympic trials.
Nicknamed "Torrance Tornado," he showcases extraordinary speed.

1936 Olympic Trials

The trials in New York see Louie erroneously announced as the winner, but he ultimately achieves the status of the youngest distance runner to make the Olympics.
Louie travels to the Olympics in Germany by boat, gaining twelve pounds during the journey.

Olympic Experience

In the Olympic Village, Louie rooms with legendary athlete Jesse Owens.
He faces challenges during the races, including jostling competitors, and finishes in seventh place.
Louie's final lap record at the Olympics is an impressive 56 seconds, leading to an intriguing brief visit with Adolf Hitler.

Impact of WWII

The 1940 Olympics in Tokyo are canceled due to the outbreak of World War II.
Louie enlists in the Army Air Corps but drops out after struggling with airsickness.
He briefly pursues an acting career before taking on the role of a bombardier during the war.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the early life and athletic journey of Louie Zamperini, from his childhood dreams to his remarkable achievements in track. Discover how his experiences shaped his character and ultimately influenced his resilience during the war. Test your knowledge on the key moments that defined his early years.