Louis Zamperini: From Olympic Track Star to WWII Survivor
Some people live lives so extraordinary that they read like the plot of a Hollywood film. Louis Zamperini was one such person. Born into a world of hardship, he overcame a troubled childhood to become an Olympic athlete. But his most remarkable achievements came not on the track, but in the crucible of war — where he endured unimaginable suffering as a prisoner of war during World War II, and emerged with a story of survival, resilience, and redemption that has inspired millions.
Early Life: A Boy Meant to Run
Louis Silvie Zamperini was born on January 26, 1917, in Olean, New York, to Italian immigrant parents. The family later moved to Torrance, California, where Louis grew up as an adventurous — and often mischievous — boy. His early years were marked by a streak of defiance and an i...