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Books > Biography > Sport
Despite his consistency, his achievements and more-so, his visibility, he has never written an autobiography and a biography has never been written about him. He remains an enigmatic figure. We barely know how his teammates really feel about him and we do not know what he thinks of them. We do not really know about the world around him: how the events of the past decade in Egypt have impacted on his own life. We barely know what really motivates him. And we also know very little about where he is heading: whether a deal to join the exodus of high level European-based footballers in Saudi Arabia really interests him. This biography seeks to answer those questions by attempting to speak to the people who know him best through a mixture of on-record and off-record interviews. A definitive biography to remember.
Leading cycling writer William Fotheringham presents the biography
of the greatest cyclist in history, Eddy Merckx--the extraordinary
man who is to cycling what Muhammad Ali is to boxing. This
definitive history chronicles his life, examining both the ups and
the downs. Throughout his professional career Merckx amassed an
astonishing 445 victories and exhibited a remorseless sense of
domination that created his legend. But his triumphs only tell half
of a story that includes horrific injury, a doping controversy, and
tragedy. To discover the background of the Belgian cyclist's former
invincibility, the author spoke with those who were there at the
time and those who knew Merckx best. This is the singular tale of a
man whose fear of failure would drive him to reach the highest
pinnacles before ultimately destroying himself.
As a follow-up to his hugely popular 2016 autobiography Trail Blazer,
Ryan Sandes’ new book explores the gripping and often life-threatening
adventures this extraordinary ultra-trail runner has experienced around
the globe since then. Not only have these projects tested the very edge
of human endurance, but on several occasions, Ryan literally had to run
for his life.
Along with a 1 500-kilometre Himalayan adventure, read about his
attempt at completing the first 700-kilometre solo run up Namibia’s
legendary Skeleton Coast – only to stumble upon some very angry
Namibian soldiers conducting illegal and, possibly,
government-sponsored seal clubbing. And, with his running partner Ryno
Griessel, becoming the first people to run the entire circumference of
Lesotho, during which they find themselves fighting off an attack from
local herdsman armed with rocks and clubs.
In between these adventures, Ryan battles to balance a challenging
career with a dedicated commitment to his young family. Risk. Run.
Reward. is packed with adventure, humour and some fascinating insights
into the psyche of an ultra-endurance athlete. Trust me, these people
are not like you and me …
It is so statistically unlikely as to be almost unbelievable.
Somehow, the Gronkowski family has produced three sons who play in
the NFL (Rob, Chris, and Dan), one who was drafted into Major
League Baseball (Gordie, Jr.), and another who is the starting
fullback for Kansas State (Goose). Their father, Gordy, even played
college football for Syracuse.
How did it happen? From an early age, Gordy realized the
potential his sons had and worked with them to make the most of it.
Beyond their monstrous size, physicality, and raw talent, he
instilled in them a commitment to fitness, health, drive, and
determination that would give his boys a leg up in ways other
families simply couldn't match. And the boys' motivation certainly
wasn't something solely triggered by a driven father. They were
like a pack of adolescent wolves readying themselves for the
recruiting hunt. Still, all were honor roll students; the three
oldest earned college degrees. Each was motivated and inspired by
his brothers. Competition and bragging rights were -- and continue
to be -- a big part of what makes the Gronkowskis tick. "Growing Up
Gronk "reveals the secrets to the Gronkowski's astonishing
collective success while opening the door to a lively,
entertaining, one-of-a-kind household.
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