Beyond Birkie Fever: The Unforgettable Story of Walter Rhein

In the annals of cross-country skiing, few names are as revered as Walter Rhein. A Holocaust survivor who went on to become a world-renowned skier, Rhein's story is an incredible testament to the power of the human spirit.

Beyond Birkie Fever

by Walter Rhein

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1286 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1929, Rhein's childhood was shattered by the outbreak of World War II. In 1942, his family was rounded up and sent to Auschwitz concentration camp. Rhein was just 13 years old.

Over the next three years, Rhein endured unimaginable horrors. He was starved, beaten, and forced to witness the deaths of countless friends and family members. But even in the darkest of times, Rhein never lost hope. He clung to the belief that one day he would be free.

In 1945, Auschwitz was finally liberated by the Soviet army. Rhein was one of the few survivors. He weighed just 65 pounds and was suffering from typhus. But he was alive.

After the war, Rhein immigrated to the United States. He settled in Wisconsin, where he began skiing as a way to stay in shape. In 1953, he entered the American Birkebeiner, a 55-mile cross-country ski race. Rhein finished the race in an impressive 10th place. He had found his calling.

Over the next two decades, Rhein went on to win numerous cross-country ski races. He competed in the Olympics twice and was a member of the United States Ski Team. In 1975, he was inducted into the American Ski Hall of Fame.

Rhein's story is one of incredible courage, resilience, and hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail. Beyond Birkie Fever is an inspiring book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The American Birkebeiner

The American Birkebeiner is a 55-mile cross-country ski race held annually in Hayward, Wisconsin. The race is named after the Birkebeiner, a group of Norwegian soldiers who skied to safety with the infant son of King Haakon IV in 1206.

The American Birkebeiner was first held in 1973. It has since become one of the most popular cross-country ski races in the world. Over 10,000 skiers participate in the race each year.

The American Birkebeiner is a challenging race. The course is mostly uphill, and the weather can be unpredictable. But the race is also an incredibly rewarding experience. Skiers who finish the race are greeted with a sense of accomplishment that is unmatched by any other race.

Walter Rhein's Legacy

Walter Rhein passed away in 2010 at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Inge, and his two children, Peter and Karin. Rhein's legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and the countless skiers who have been inspired by his story.

Rhein was a true pioneer in the sport of cross-country skiing. He helped to popularize the sport in the United States, and he inspired a generation of skiers to achieve their dreams. Rhein's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Beyond Birkie Fever

Beyond Birkie Fever is the incredible true story of Walter Rhein, a Holocaust survivor who went on to become a world-renowned cross-country skier. This inspiring book is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

Beyond Birkie Fever is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats. You can Free Download the book from Our Book Library, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

If you are looking for an inspiring read, then Beyond Birkie Fever is the perfect book for you. This book will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Beyond Birkie Fever

by Walter Rhein

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1286 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE