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Books > Biography > Sport
A new edition of the universally acclaimed out-of-print 1997 book
is lightly edited & completely redesigned in colour throughout.
This classic of motor racing celebrates the life and achievements
of Jim Clark (1936-1968), World Champion 1963 and 1965. A royalty
on every copy sold in Britain (price GBP22.50) will be donated to
the Jim Clark Trust. Patrons Sir Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard,
Dario Franchitti and Allan McNish celebrate the new edition, Sir
Jackie describing Clark as "...the best racing driver I ever raced
with and against". Three times Le Mans winner Allan McNish: "A
modern driver winning the British Grand Prix, racing in Formula 2,
then at Indianapolis would be unthinkable." David Coulthard: "There
is no question that Jim's achievements and Jackie Stewart's input
were fundamental to me becoming a professional racing driver." Eric
Dymock details Clark's place in motor racing history and total
command of Formula 1, portraying him as an individual, nail-biting
and insecure, yet the greatest driver in any sort of motor
sport.Celebrating the life and achievements of Jim Clark
(1936-1968), Formula 1 World Champion 1963 and 1965, this book
details his place in motor racing history and his total command at
the wheel. From a Scottish farming family, Clark rewrote the annals
of American racing at Indianapolis, second at his first attempt in
1963, winning in 1965. Seemingly equal to the odds of the most
dangerous eight years at the top of motor racing, Clark died in an
unlikely accident in a minor race at Hockenheim on April 7 1968.
Genius at the wheel was not enough. Rivals' campaigns for safety
thereafter saved countless lives on and off the track.
Mara Yamauchi is a two-time Olympian, Commonwealth Games bronze
medalist, and the UK's second-fastest female marathon runner ever
with a personal best of 2:23:12. But there is much more to Mara
than just running fast. This book of 42.195 insights-the number of
kilometers in a marathon-distills the wealth of wisdom and
experience Mara has gained as a world-class athlete. From planning
training, optimizing nutrition, and preparing effectively for
racing to coping with disappointments and struggles with mental
illness, Mara shares everything she has learned-good and bad-as one
of the world's top marathoners. Still, she does not spoon-feed her
readers with training plans; instead, she encourages them to think
critically to understand how to improve and set their own goals.
This book also takes the reader into the revered world of distance
running in Japan, one of the world's marathon superpowers. It has
something for everyone, from beginner runners to competitive
athletes and those aspiring to the very top. Mara's insights are
also applicable beyond running and are meant for anyone who wants
to realize a dream or achieve a lifetime goal in whatever field is
special to them.
There's more to winning battles than fists and feetFor
world-renowned professional fighter Georges St-Pierre, the greatest
asset is not physical strength or athleticism--it's a sense of
purpose. From his beginnings as a small, mercilessly bullied child
first discovering karate to his years as a struggling garbage
collector who spent all his free time in the gym, his hard-fought
rise in the sport of mixed martial arts, and his long, painful
recovery from a career-threatening injury, Georges never lost sight
of his ambition to become the greatest martial artist of all time.
In The Way of the Fight, Georges for the first time reveals what
propelled him not only to become a champion but to embrace
obstacles as opportunities to build character.Georges's story is
interwoven with fascinating insights from those who know him best:
his mother, who tells of his drive to master new skills, even as a
child. His mentor Kristof Midoux, who describes a young fighter
with an extraordinary sense of discipline. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
teacher John Danaher, who witnessed the development of an
indomitable work ethic. His coach Firas Zahabi, who worked
alongside the champion through a potentially career-ending injury.
And his longtime friend, training partner and manager, Rodolphe
Beaulieu, who may understand this intensely focused athlete more
than anyone.The Way of the Fight is an inspirational look into the
mindset of a master. To Georges, all life is competition, and
there's no more perfect metaphor for competition than the life of a
fighter. He explains the value of discipline, risk and even fear,
with the wisdom of one who knows that nothing is assured--his next
fight could always be his last. Drawing inspiration from fighting
legends, Eastern philosophy and a trusted inner circle, The Way of
the Fight is a powerful, life-changing guide to living with purpose
and finding the way to accomplish your loftiest goals.
In the early 1970s, the athletes of the German Democratic Republic
started to achieve incredible sports results, winning medals and
setting new world records with astonishing frequency. For many
years, their sporting supremacy was hailed as a triumph of the
socialist government's commitment to scientific research and
innovative training methods. But after the Cold War ended, the
Stasi archives revealed a sinister secret behind the successes: a
perverse doping system imposed by the government itself. Drugs were
administered to young athletes, often without their consent, and
the price their bodies are now paying is very high, both physically
and mentally. Through the athletes' personal stories, Synthetic
Medals reveals the events that led to the discovery of the
state-doping system and the subsequent trial. It also explores the
state's motives for this crime against its own people - people who
were sacrificed on the altar of a distorted ideology, for the
simple purpose of achieving glory on the international chessboard.
The survivor of a difficult childhood and youth, Rubin Carter rose
to become a top contender for the middleweight boxing crown. But
his career crashed to a halt on May 26, 1967, when he and another
man were found guilty of the murder of three white people in a New
Jersey bar. While in prison, Carter chronicled the events that led
him from the ring to three consecutive life sentences and 10 years
in solitary confinement. His story was a cry for help to the
public, an attempt to set the record straight and force a new
trial. Bob Dylan wrote a classic anthem for Carter's struggle; and
Joan Baez, Muhammad Ali, Roberta Flack, and thousands more took up
the cause as well. Originally published in 1974, this account is an
eye-opening examination of growing up black in America, problems in
the United States prison system, and Carter's own battles.
"Through candor and comprehensiveness, Jackson writes a convincing
revisionist take, in which he emerges as an excellent coach . . .
highly readable . . . reflects Jackson's polymathy." -The New York
Times Book Review "Part sports memoir, part New Age spirit quest,
part pseudo-management tract . . . But the primary thing with
Jackson-as with all the old bards, who were also known for
repeating themselves-is the voice." -Sam Anderson, The New York
Times Magazine A New York Times Bestseller The inside story of one
of basketball's most legendary and game-changing figures During his
storied career as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles
Lakers, Phil Jackson won more championships than any coach in the
history of professional sports. Even more important, he succeeded
in never wavering from coaching his way, from a place of deep
values. Jackson was tagged as the "Zen master" half in jest by
sportswriters, but the nickname speaks to an important truth: this
is a coach who inspired, not goaded; who led by awakening and
challenging the better angels of his players' nature, not their
egos, fear, or greed. This is the story of a preacher's kid from
North Dakota who grew up to be one of the most innovative leaders
of our time. In his quest to reinvent himself, Jackson explored
everything from humanistic psychology and Native American
philosophy to Zen meditation. In the process, he developed a new
approach to leadership based on freedom, authenticity, and selfless
teamwork that turned the hypercompetitive world of professional
sports on its head. In Eleven Rings, Jackson candidly describes how
he: * Learned the secrets of mindfulness and team chemistry while
playing for the champion New York Knicks in the 1970s * Managed
Michael Jordan, the greatest player in the world, and got him to
embrace selflessness, even if it meant losing a scoring title *
Forged successful teams out of players of varying abilities by
getting them to trust one another and perform in sync * Inspired
Dennis Rodman and other "uncoachable" personalities to devote
themselves to something larger than themselves * Transformed Kobe
Bryant from a rebellious teenager into a mature leader of a
championship team. Eleven times, Jackson led his teams to the
ultimate goal: the NBA championship-six times with the Chicago
Bulls and five times with the Los Angeles Lakers. We all know the
legendary stars on those teams, or think we do. What Eleven Rings
shows us, however, is that when it comes to the most important
lessons, we don't know very much at all. This book is full of
revelations: about fascinating personalities and their drive to
win; about the wellsprings of motivation and competition at the
highest levels; and about what it takes to bring out the best in
ourselves and others.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR The truth
about being a rugby player from the horsey's mouth. This book is
not just about how a psychiatrist called Humphrey helped me get
back on my horse and clippity-clop all the way to the World Cup
semi-final in Japan. It's the story of how a fat kid who had to
live up to the nickname Psycho grew up to play and party for over a
decade with rugby's greatest pros and live weird and wonderful
moments both in and out of the scrum. That's why I'm letting you
read my diary on my weirdest days. You never know what you're going
to get with me. From being locked in a police cell to singing Adele
on Jonathan Ross (I'll let you decide which is worse), being kissed
by a murderer on the number 51 bus to drug tests where
clipboard-wielding men hover inches away from my naked genitalia,
melting opponents in rucks, winning tackles, and generally losing
blood, sweat and ears in the name of the great sport of rugby. This
is how (not) to be a rugby player.
'It was Kongur that dominated everything, and was the focus of our
gaze and aspirations.' So thought Chris Bonington upon the Chinese
Mountaineering Association's decision to open many of Tibet and
China's mountains to foreigners in the 1980s. Not only did this
mean that Kongur, China's 7,719-metre peak, was available to climb,
but that those choosing to do so would be among the first to set
foot there. It was an opportunity too good to miss. For the planned
alpine-style ascent of this daunting peak, Bonington assembled a
formidable team, including Peter Boardman, Joe Tasker, Al Rouse and
expedition leader Michael Ward. Their reconnaissance and 1981
expedition brought opportunity for discovery and obstacles in equal
measure: they were able to explore areas that had eluded westerners
since Eric Shipton's role as British Consul General in Kashgar in
the 1940s; but appalling weather, unplanned bivouacs and tensions
characterised their quest for the ever-elusive route to the summit.
Featuring diary extracts and recollections from each team member,
this account not only captures the gripping detail of the ascent
attempts, but also the ebb and flow of the relationships between
the remarkable mountaineers involved. Add to this the pioneering
medical work on high-altitude illnesses conducted by the four-man
medical team, and the result is a book which captures a unique
moment in mountaineering history. Written with the cheer and
eloquence typical of Chris Bonington, Kongur captures the essence
of adventure and exploration that brings readers back to his books
time and time again.
When in 1911 Phillies pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander set the
National League record for wins by a rookie (28), it was a sign of
things to come. Alexander went on to win 373 games over his 20?year
career, the third highest total in major league history, and he
would lead the league in ERA four times, shutouts seven times,
complete games six times, and wins six times. But he also became a
deeply troubled man. After the Shell-Shocked pitcher returned from
World War I, he would battle alcoholism, epilepsy, and personal
demons that damaged his reputation and proved disastrous for his
life outside of baseball. This biography sheds new light on the
pitcher and the man, focusing on Alexander's personal life,
especially his complex relationship with his wife, Aimee, as well
as their marriages and divorces. His Hall of Fame career, wartime
service, and long decline are also documented.
From somewhere out in the vast whiteness of the blizzard we hear a
cry for help. Instinctively the three of us turn and head across
the mountainside. We find two men and a woman, huddled together in
the snow, unable to descend the steep icy slope between them and
safety. The woman asks if we are experienced in conditions like
this. My friends and I have tackled a few winter hills in the Lake
District and bumbled up easy rock climbs, but we have never been in
a full Scottish winter snowstorm. I laugh and assure her that this
is nothing to mountaineers like us. Soon our hills will be empty
and one day the last hillwalker will disappear over the horizon. In
the 21st century we are losing our connection with the wild, a
connection that may never be regained. The Last Hillwalker by
bestselling author John D. Burns is a personal story of falling in
and out of love with the hills. More than that, it is about
rediscovering a deeply felt need in all of us to connect with wild
places.
'Wonderfully entertaining' Mail on Sunday; Profoundly important'
Guardian Graeme Fowler - former England cricketer, happy-go-lucky
joker and inspirational coach - was 47 when depression struck.
Suddenly one of the most active men you'd ever meet couldn't even
get up off the sofa to make a cup of tea. In Absolutely Foxed, a
cricket memoir like no other, Fowler takes the reader on a vivid
ride, with riotous stories of life on England tours, partying with
Ian Botham and Elton John, combined with a moving account of his
battle with mental-health issues, Seen by many as a maverick,
happy-go-lucky figure, Fowler became a hugely influential coach,
and is one of the most original thinkers about the game. He's
battled and won against the best spinners in India, and the fastest
bowlers from the West Indies - he's even found himself at the
centre of a tabloid storm. Fowler looks back over his 40 years in
the professional game, spending 16 years on the county circuit with
Lancashire and Durham, and three years as an England international
- a period that was cut short by a life-threatening injury. He
followed that with a spell working on Test Match Special, before
running the Durham Centre of Excellence for 18 years. In his
Foreword, lifelong friend Sir Ian Botham describes Fowler as 'one
of the gutsiest I ever encountered', but also points out how he
'made a dressing room tick'. Those elements of courage, knowledge
and humour are all present in Absolutely Foxed - a truly unmissable
read. 'A very honest, thought-provoking autobiography' David Lloyd,
Daily Mail
In this controversial national bestseller, former NBA star and
author of I May Be Wrong But I Doubt It Charles Barkley takes on
the major issue of our time. Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man is a
series of charged, in-your-face conversations about race with some
of America's most prominent figures, including Bill Clinton, Barack
Obama, Jesse Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Ice Cube,
Marian Wright Edelman, Tiger Woods, Peter Guber, and Robert
Johnson.
WITH A FOREWORD BY TOM BRADY "As a sportscaster and sports
historian, Jim's career genuinely stands the test of time. . . .
This book is sports history about some of the greats by one of the
greats, who was taking it all in on the sidelines, in the stands or
the dugout, by the eighteenth green, courtside, or in the broadcast
booth." --Tom Brady, six-time NFL Super Bowl champion GOAT A
riveting, insightful memoir of never-before-told stories from Jim
Gray, twelve-time Emmy Award-winner, Hall of Fame sports
broadcaster, and renowned interviewer-- that explores the author's
career and the inside stories and memorable moments of the famous
legends he has covered including, Muhammad Ali, Tom Brady, Kobe
Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Mike Tyson. In Talking to
GOATs, award-winning broadcaster Jim Gray looks back at his four
decades of sports reporting from the unparalleled perspective of
one of the world's most respected and skilled interviewers. A
journalist who many iconic athletes have trusted to tell their
stories (of both triumph and disgrace), Jim has had unprecedented
access to the people, places and extraordinary events in the world
of sports. Asking tough but fair questions, he has broken numerous
stories, and landed squarely in the middle of others, from the Ben
Johnson and Barry Bonds steroid scandals, to Michael Jordan's
surprise retirement, to the off-the-court Kobe/Shaq feud which led
to their on-the-court break up, to being part of the live broadcast
for twenty-two Super Bowls. He's climbed into the ring to interview
Mike Tyson after he bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield's ear, and
stood next to Ron Artest when the "Malice at the Palace" melee
erupted, and was on site at the bombing of the Atlanta Olympics.
Anyone who has watched Jim effortlessly engage his subjects at the
precise moment of triumph or tragedy has little idea what it takes
to secure the interview, or what actually happens when the camera
cuts away. These are real, mesmerizing, and previously untold
stories. Talking to GOATs features numerous world-class athletes,
including Muhammad Ali, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James,
Michael Jordan, Floyd Mayweather, Michael Phelps, Mike Tyson and
Tiger Woods, and world leaders George W. Bush, Barack Obama,
Mikhail Gorbachev, and many more. On each page, Jim gives the
reader a coveted all-access pass as he reviews the best interviews,
the best athletes, and the best games in modern sports history.
It's like a personal introduction to the characters and careers of
these heroes and villains we've known since childhood. He examines
how money, celebrity, the media, and power interact, and how
sports, more than any other institution, has led to momentous
transformations in American society.
Almost unknown when in 1945 he purchased the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway and its famous race, the Indianapolis 500, Tony Hulman
soon became a household name in auto racing circles. He is credited
with not only saving the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - shuttered
during World War II - from becoming a residential housing
development but also with re-invigorating auto racing in the United
States. Until his purchase of the Speedway, Hulman had not been
involved in auto racing; he was the CEO of Hulman & Company, a
wholesale grocer. An astute businessman, Hulman made Clabber Girl
Baking Powder a national brand. With the rise of the chain grocery
stores, such as Kroger, the wholesale grocery industry was slowly
consolidating. Hulman successfully led the reorientation of the
family fortunes to include a range of businesses including a beer
company, a Coca-Cola franchise, a broadcast empire and real estate
and gas companies. The book traces the rise of Hulman & Company
from a small wholesale grocer in Terre Haute to a dominant regional
business, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500
races during Hulman's tenure and his other major investments as
well as his philanthropy, particularly to higher education in Terre
Haute.
Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, seven-time
Ballon d'Or and six-time Golden Shoe winner, Lionel Messi, enjoyed
a record-breaking 17-year career at FC Barcelona during which time
he scored more goals, played more games, won more titles and
provided more assists than any other player in the Catalan club's
history. Adored by Barca fans, Messi reigned supreme until August
2021, when he made a tearful farewell to a stunned global audience.
Messi: The King of Camp Nou is the definitive story of Lionel
Messi's entire Barca career, written by Jason Pettigrove, a
football journalist who worked for FC Barcelona during Messi's
final years in Catalonia. Charting Messi's rise as a hopeful
13-year-old Argentinian boy from Rosario to becoming the best
footballer in the world, Pettigrove's comprehensively researched
book features exclusive interviews with key individuals in Messi's
story - team-mates, opponents, managers, agents and fellow
journalists - including: Joan Laporta, Lionel Scaloni, Victor Font,
Sir Kenny Dalglish, Jamie Carragher, Mike Phelan, Josep Maria
Minguella, Horacio Gaggioli, Tony Watt, Santi Padro and Jorge
Barraza. From being signed by Barca on a napkin to Champions League
glory and becoming FC Barcelona captain, Messi: The King of Camp
Nou reveals the inside story of Leo's remarkable reign at Barca
including breaking Pele's incredible record for most goals scored
at one club, how the longed for Copa America title was won and how
he, season-on-season, mesmerised the football world.
Three days before the 1969 Super Bowl, Joe Namath promised the
nation that he would lead the New York Jets to an 18-point underdog
victory against the seemingly invincible Baltimore Colts. When the
final whistle blew, that promise had been kept. Namath was
instantly heralded as a gridiron god, while his rugged good looks,
progressive views on race, and boyish charm quickly transformed him
- in an era of raucous rebellion, shifting social norms, and
political upheaval - into both a bona fide celebrity and a symbol
of the commercialization of pro sports. By 26, with a championship
title under his belt, he was quite simply the most famous athlete
alive. Although his legacy has long been cemented in the history
books, beneath the eccentric yet charismatic personality was a
player plagued by injury and addiction, both sex and substance.
When failing knees permanently derailed his career, he turned to
Hollywood and endorsements, not to mention a tumultuous marriage
and fleeting bouts of sobriety, to try and find purpose. Now 74,
Namath is ready to open up, brilliantly using the four quarters of
Super Bowl III as the narrative backbone to a life that was
anything but charmed. As much about football and fame as about
addiction, fatherhood, and coming to terms with our own mortality,
All the Way finally reveals the man behind the icon.
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