Jean E. Van Lente’s Newly Released "9.8 Meters Per Second Per Second" is an Inspiring Biography Celebrating Perseverance, Faith, and Championship Spirit

Kalamazoo, MI, September 04, 2026 --(PR.com)-- “9.8 Meters Per Second Per Second”: an uplifting and reflective biography chronicling the life and athletic journey of Olympic doubles luger Mark Grimmette. Mark R. Grimmette participated as a doubles luger for the United States Luge Association in five winter Olympics, in addition to his many other honors during a twenty-six year career as a doubles luger nationally. Medals were among the first for U.S. Luge. Mark is the most decorated slider in the history of the United States Luge Association. Thank you, Jesus.

“9.8 Meters Per Second Per Second” is the creation of published author, Jean E. Van Lente, mother of Mark Richard Grimmette, who holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Eastern Michigan University and a master of social work from Western Michigan University. She has served in various roles in community mental health and social work, including case management, placement coordinator, placement supervisory, and hospital liaison positions in Michigan and Florida. Active in Lutheran church communities throughout her life, she now resides in West Michigan and brings a background in education, advocacy, and service to her work.

Van Lente shares, “A quarter century as a doubles slider, I dedicated myself to the “fastest sport on ice”: United States luge. This biography covers my life and the dramatic career I enjoyed in the sport. In utter humility, as my record bears witness, I became the most decorated slider in the history of the United States Luge Association. Enjoy the ride.
—Mark R. Grimmette

Are ice and a sled and a helmet all there are to luge?
Not quite. What kind of a person would ever try the sport of doubles luge? What kind of a parent would ever let their son or daughter do it?
This biography is the story of how the boy, Mark Grimmette, grew to become the most decorated slider in the history of the United States Luge Association.
You are invited to peruse the penetrating and provocative questions in appendix D at the back of the book. Stimulate a group discussion on such topics as sportsmanship, championship, child growth and development, and spiritual character building.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Jean E. Van Lente’s new book offers an engaging look at the life behind the medals, presenting a story of dedication, family support, and spiritual grounding that shaped an extraordinary athletic career.

Consumers can purchase “9.8 Meters Per Second Per Second” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “9.8 Meters Per Second Per Second”, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.