Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the date in the Preface of the book?
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.
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?
In the Preface, Louie is surrounded by what?
Sharks
What does Louie see as a kid?
What does Louie see as a kid?
What is ironic about Louie being impressed with the Graf Zeppelin?
What is ironic about Louie being impressed with the Graf Zeppelin?
Louie ____ Pete.
Louie ____ Pete.
Does Pete pull stunts? Does he get caught?
Does Pete pull stunts? Does he get caught?
When Louie worries about high school, what does he dream of?
When Louie worries about high school, what does he dream of?
Louie learns a key has a '____________' of fitting in any lock.
Louie learns a key has a '____________' of fitting in any lock.
Why does Louie almost gets suspended?
Why does Louie almost gets suspended?
Why does Louie join track?
Why does Louie join track?
Louie broke high school records by running a time of ______.
Louie broke high school records by running a time of ______.
Louie ________ the Compton open, and he gets __________.
Louie ________ the Compton open, and he gets __________.
What was Louie's track nickname?
What was Louie's track nickname?
Where are the Olympic trials located?
Where are the Olympic trials located?
At the Olympic trials in New York, the radio announces that Louie ________, but they are __________.
At the Olympic trials in New York, the radio announces that Louie ________, but they are __________.
Louie is the ______ distance runner to make the Olympics.
Louie is the ______ distance runner to make the Olympics.
How does Louie get to the Olympics?
How does Louie get to the Olympics?
Where are the Olympics located?
Where are the Olympics located?
On the ship, Louie gains _______ pounds.
On the ship, Louie gains _______ pounds.
Who does Louie room with in Olympic Village?
Who does Louie room with in Olympic Village?
What does Louie deal with during the Olympics?
What does Louie deal with during the Olympics?
What place does Louie come in at the Olympics?
What place does Louie come in at the Olympics?
Louie breaks a final-lap record at the Olympics by running his last lap in ________.
Louie breaks a final-lap record at the Olympics by running his last lap in ________.
What does Louie get for breaking a final-lap record at the Olympics?
What does Louie get for breaking a final-lap record at the Olympics?
Where are the 1940 Games supposed to be scheduled?
Where are the 1940 Games supposed to be scheduled?
At the University of _________ ____________, Louie makes a new friend, ___________________.
At the University of _________ ____________, Louie makes a new friend, ___________________.
Louie sets an NCAA record by running the mile in 4:08.3 even with ________ and an ___________.
Louie sets an NCAA record by running the mile in 4:08.3 even with ________ and an ___________.
Why do the Olympics get canceled?
Why do the Olympics get canceled?
Louie joins the __________, but he drops out because of _________.
Louie joins the __________, but he drops out because of _________.
After dropping out of the Army Air Corps, Louie becomes an _______.
After dropping out of the Army Air Corps, Louie becomes an _______.
What is Louie's job in WWII?
What is Louie's job in WWII?
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.
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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.
