This book evaluates the local impacts and legacies of the Olympics in Rio by comparing Rio2016 with other Olympic experiences and evaluating the ways in which the Games served the city. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games took place in a scenario of enormous economic challenges and persistent inequalities. In contrast to all previous Olympic experiences, Brazil faced its worst economic recession ever recorded during the preparation phase for the Games. In addition to the national crisis, falling oil prices and corruption scandals fuelled the State of Rio's economic downfall. This book specifically assesses the relative social performance of Rio's city population with respect to control groups; covers traditional aspects of the Games' legacy such as tourism, infrastructure and sports practice; includes ordinary day-by-day aspects of the city's life, such as education, employment and housing; and scrutinizes critical areas such as urban mobility, gentrification and Guanabara Bay's pollution. This thorough analysis offers readers further understanding on assessing the impacts and legacies of the Olympic experience. It will be of great interest to upper-level students and academics of tourism, hospitality and events management.

""When I'm focused, there is not one single thing, person, anything that can stand in the way of my doing something. There is not. If I want something bad enough, I feel I'm gonna get there.""

Michael Phelps is one of the greatest competitors the world has ever seen. From teen sensation in Sydney to bona fide phenom in Athens, he is now -- after the Beijing Games -- a living Olympic legend. With an unprecedented eight gold medals and world-record times in seven events, his performance at the 2008 Games set a new standard for success. He ranks among the most elite athletes in the world, and is both an inspiration and a role model to millions. The incredible focus he exhibits in practice and during competition propels him forward to his unrivaled excellence. In "No Limits," Michael Phelps reveals the secrets to his remarkable success, from his training regimen to his mental preparation and, finally, to his performance in the pool.

Behind Phelps's tally of Olympic gold medals lies a consistent approach to competition, a determination to win, and a straightforward passion for his sport. Like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, he has learned to filter out distractions and deliver stellar performance under pressure. The road has not always been easy; from the very beginning, Phelps had to overcome physical setbacks and emotional trials. When he was younger, he was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; other kids bullied him; even a teacher said he would never be successful. Later, he had to work through injuries that jeopardized his career. In this book, Phelps talks for the first time about how he has overcome these and other challenges - about how to develop the mental attitude needed to persevere, not just in athletic competition but in life.

His success is imbued with the perspective of overcoming the obstacles that come your way and believing in yourself no matter the odds.

"No Limits" explores the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice that go into reaching any goal. Whether it is on the starting block during an Olympic swim meet or in the weight room on a typical day, Phelps's dedication has led him to unparalleled excellence. Filled with anecdotes from family members, friends, teammates, and his coach, "No Limits" gives a behind-the-scenes look at the makings of a real champion. One of Phelps's mottos is "Performance Is Reality," and it typifies his attitude toward achieving his goals. It's easy to get bogged down by doubt or to lose focus when a challenge seems out of reach, but Phelps believes that you can accomplish anything if you fully commit yourself to it. Using the eight final swims of the Beijing Olympics as a model, "No Limits" is a step-by-step guide to realizing one's dream.

This Great Symbol is the definitive study of the origins of the modern Olympic Games and of their founder, Pierre de Coubertin, whose ideological stamp the Olympics still bear. Behind this fascinating blend of biography and history lies an impressive framework of cultural, social, and psychological theories skilfully employed to interpret the creation and symbolism of the modern Olympic Games. Hailed as both a classic in sport history and as a paradigmatic study in the anthropology of the past, This Great Symbol helped launch the new collaboration between historians and cultural anthropologists that continues to mark the human sciences worldwide. For this 25th anniversary edition, Professor MacAloon adds a new preface evaluating subsequent scholarship on Coubertin and the Olympic origins and a highly personal afterword describing the impact of This Great Symbol on his own subsequent career as an Olympic anthropologist and cultural performance theory. This book was published as a special issue of the International Journal of the History of Sport.

Reds and Rams: A Story of the East Midlands Derby is the tale of one of the most fiercely fought football rivalries in the world. Hewed from the Victorian industrial revolution, Nottingham Forest and Derby County have contested league games for 130 years. Ever since the 1898 FA Cup Final, the rivalry has ebbed and flowed, with each club enjoying both periods of sustained success and existential threat. The reasons for this deep-rooted antipathy are numerous, yet ultimately it boils down to two football clubs similar in stature, size, history and geography existing cheek by jowl. In essence, they are like two teenage siblings bickering about anything and everything. Throughout, they have traded managers and players, producing deep and lasting enmity. Derby is renowned for its railways, Nottingham for Robin Hood. Each city has its own proud identity and history. The only thing they have ever agreed on is the genius of Brian Clough.

The collection starts from the premise that Olympism and the Olympic Games make sense only when they are placed within the broader national, colonial and post colonial contexts and argues that sport not only influences politics and vice-versa, but that the two are inseparable. Sport is not only political; it is politics. It is also culture and art. This collaboration is a first in global publishing, a mine of information for scholars, students and analysts. It demonstrates that Olympism and the Olympic movement in the modern context has been, and continues to be, socially relevant and politically important. Studies focus on national encounters with Olympism and the Olympic movement, with equal attention paid to document the growing nexus between sports and the media; sports reportage; as well as women and sports. Olympism asserts that the Olympic movement was, and is, of central importance to twentieth and twenty-first century societies. Finally, the collection demonstrates that the essence of Olympism and the Olympic movement is important only in so far as it affects societies surrounding it. This book was published as a special issue of the International Journal of the History of Sport.

Please Don't Take Me Home is the emotional tale of Italian immigrant Simone Abitante's 20-year love affair with Fulham Football Club. After leaving his native country, Simone falls in love with London and its oldest club, embarking on a personal mission to spread the word and get Fulham recognised beyond Britain by as many people as possible. Following the Cottagers through the most successful spell in their modern history, Simone takes his nephews to Craven Cottage where - together with new friends and Whites addicts Jeff, Mark and Ben - they experience unforgettable wins, exhilarating highs and devastating lows, amid rivers of beer, true friendship and an unquenchable passion for the beautiful game. Even after leaving London for Mallorca, Simone keeps following his beloved Fulham, with that famous white jersey serving as a second skin. Played out against a backdrop of heartbreaks, departures and life-changing decisions, Please Don't Take Me Home is a footballing story every fan can relate to.

Since its emergence in Italy in 1968, one model of football fandom has become the most dominant in the world: the ultras. Producing choreography, chants, banners and pyrotechnics, ultras represent a highly organised style of fandom that has an increasing global reach and visibility. Over the last fifty years, ultras fandom has spread from Southern Europe across North Africa to Northern and Eastern Europe, South East Asia and North America. Their collective performance not only distinguishes ultras from other football fans, but from many other forms of group behaviour. Focusing on their common form of expression, this book shows how members build an emotional attachment to their club that valorises the insignia of that team while mobilising members against opponents. As a collective with a shared, coherent sense of identity based on an act of consumption, ultras represent an important site of enquiry into masculinity and nationalism in contemporary society. -- .

The Little Book of Man City is bursting with wit and wisdom of the great characters associated with the club. From managers, such as Malcolm Allison, Kevin Keegan, Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola, via garrulous fans such as Radio 1's Mark and Lard and the Gallagher brothers to voluble players such as Francis Lee, Dennis Tueart, Rodney Marsh, Kun Aguero and Vincent Kompany, here are more than 165 funny and biting quotes for the avid fan of 'the only club in Manchester'. As their chaplain once said, 'Imagine where City would be if I hadn't been praying for them all these years'.

Builds on the growing Talent Development literature through application and consideration with the Paralympic context. Provides important translational support to help academics and practitioners bridge the theory to practice divide. Establishes a truly international view through engagement with academic across the globe Provides a holistic consideration of Talent Development - cultural, organisational, physical, psychological, coaching, decision-making It presents a comprehensive scope. Covering courses such as Human Movement, Sports Science, Sports Coaching, Physical Education, Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Adapted Sports); and covering disciplines such as Sport Psychology, Sport Engineering, Skill Acquisition, Adapted Sport, Motor Learning, and Motor Behaviour. Practical contributions as the chapters will focus on providing practical information to coaches, parents, athletes, students, trainers, and applied sport scientists

A richly illustrated book on the career, on and off the track, of sprinting superstar Usain Bolt, from schoolboy prodigy to World and triple Olympic Champion and world record holder for 100 and 200 metres. Endorsed by the sports star's management, this exciting new biography features an exclusive farewell message penned by Bolt himself. It also contains archival photos not previously published, extensive quotes from Bolt, coaches and competitors, and 'Did You Know?' sections with little known facts about Bolt. A must-have for every fan.

This fascinating volume takes a look at aspects of Manchester's history in the centuries before its industrial heyday, a much overlooked yet crucial period in its development.

The Wolves Annual for 2023 as always looks back on what has gone before but also focuses on the future and the anticipation of what lies ahead for all of a gold and black persuasion. We have a selection of exclusive special features, pictures of all the new signings and so much more... There is a look back on Wolves Women's season, tips from the Wolves Academy, not to mention fantastic photography both from matches and behind the scenes, and all the usual quizzes, puzzles and information to entertain fans of all ages.

Sole focus on naming rights sponsorship in sport Accessible and concise language to attract undergraduate and practitioner audiences Translates key academic research and principles into 'need to know', practitioner-oriented content International focus through examples and case studies from a range of markets (not just USA) Coverage of naming rights sponsorship in professional and amateur sports settings

This book explores issues related to the abuse of referees and match officials in sport. Drawing on original empirical research in football, rugby union, rugby league and cricket, it provides an insight into the complexities involved in the recruitment, retention and development processes of match officials from across the global sports industry. Using an evidence-based approach, the book examines why abuse occurs, the operational environments in which match officials operate, and underlying issues and trends that cut across sports and therefore can be linked to wider societal trends. It challenges global sport policy and discusses the development of an inclusive, cohesive and facilitative environment for match officials, players, coaches and spectators to ensure the future provision of global sport. Referees, Match Officials and Abuse is an invaluable resource for all students, scholars and national governing bodies of sport with an interest in match officials, sports governance, sport policy, sport management and the sociology of sport.

'A mesmerising, unforgettable journey around world rugby. ' – Donald McRae – Twice Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year ‘Magnificent … a hugely intelligent and entertaining interweaving series of tales that gets into the “how” of rugby.’ - Stuart Barnes, Sunday Times and Times columnist, former Bath and England fly half --- Contrasting characters, colliding cultures, the same oval-shaped ball. A journey to find the game’s most remarkable people, teams and places, and unearth the true meaning of rugby greatness. What makes rugby special? Which individuals and teams have defined the modern game? Ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Around the World in 80 Minutes charts the ‘golden era’ of global rugby union between 1973 and 2023 and goes in search of the sport’s most influential trailblazers. Robert Kitson, the Guardian’s long-time rugby union correspondent, assesses the game’s current health, tracks down the battered gladiators of yesteryear and asks some pertinent questions. Does rugby retain its old rugged charm? What does its future look like? And what, ultimately, constitutes rugby ‘greatness’? Observant, amusing and thought-provoking, the journey takes in some of the game's more prominent names – including David Campese, Brian O’Driscoll, Maggie Alphonsi, Sean Fitzpatrick, Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward – to reflect on rugby’s intangible shared joy. Millions of fans continue to find rugby maddeningly irresistible and endlessly compelling. This book is for them, and for anyone else wondering where the appeal lies.

The first book to examine and define the geopolitical economy of sport Addresses one of the biggest issues in contemporary sport: the intersection of power, money and politics Includes contemporary international cases from five continents

Low back pain affects most of us at some time, and exercise is key to both its prevention and treatment. Critically appraising work from several approaches to produce an integrated, practical approach suitable for day-to-day clinicians and personal trainers, this essential guide looks at the science and practice of designing and teaching the best exercise programmes for this common condition. Learn: vital client assessment skills, which exercises to use and why, the most effective teaching methods, how to structure and progress a full backpain management programme. Aimed at student therapists and clinical exercise teachers, as well as trainers planning exercise programmes for subjects recovering from low back pain, Back Rehabilitation is essential reading for Therapists and Exercise academics and professionals of all types.

This book takes a close look at how the sport industry has been impacted by the global Coronavirus pandemic, as entire seasons have been cut short, events have been cancelled, athletes have been infected, and sport studies programs have moved online. Crucially, the book also asks how the industry might move forward. With contributions from sport studies researchers across the world, the book offers commentaries, cases, and informed analysis across a wide range of topics and practical areas within sport business and management, from crisis communication and marketing to event management and finance. While Covid-19 will inevitably cast a long shadow over sport for years to come, and although the situation is fast-evolving and the future is uncertain, this book offers some important early perspectives and reflections that will inform debate and influence policy and practice. A timely addition to the body of knowledge regarding the pandemic, this is an important resource for researchers, students, practitioners, the media, policy-makers, and anybody who cares about the future of sport.

* This is the first book to examine the topic of sport fans and fandom from a multi-disciplinary perspective * Fans are central to sport, and therefore central to understanding and studying sport * Other books have presented particular cases of fans in particular sports, but this book brings together fan studies from around the world and across a wide range of different sports * Includes perspectives from sociology, cultural studies, communication studies, management, psychology, history and media studies

League One Leeds is the story of Leeds United's three seasons spent in the third tier of English football. An illustrious club who had never fallen so low, their journey through League One would become the most chaotic period in Leeds's history and the drama started before a ball was kicked. An unprecedented 15-point deduction that plunged the Whites from promotion favourites to relegation fodder set the tone, as the club's fortunes undulated wildly over the course of three bizarre seasons. Record-breaking winning runs, long barren spells, FA Cup defeats at Histon and Hereford, victory at Old Trafford - this is a football story that twists and turns all the way through to a hair-raising finale. The book is written through the eyes of the author and features exclusive insight from Simon Grayson, Jermaine Beckford, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson, David Prutton, Casper Ankergren and Luciano Becchio, whose first-hand experiences are interwoven with his own. The result: a riveting account of a fascinating period in Leeds United's history.

This is the story of Manchester City's return to the top of English football as well as their journey to their first ever Champions League final as Pep Guardiola's team battle to secure their place in history. Throughout this historic season of breath-taking football, they were followed by their equivalent from the world of sports writing: a team of elite talents, assembled by The Athletic to leave all competition trailing in their wake. The result is an alchemical blend of inside access and expert analysis; great ideas and beautiful writing. City's triumph is relived in real time, in 360 degrees. Articles include profiles of each of City's title winners by their former youth team coaches; on-the-road features from the hometowns of some of their international superstars, brilliant tactics board breakdowns of key moments in the season; and exclusive interviews with players, coaches and backroom staff.

This book explores football culture, organisation and development in the five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. These countries represent an important case study in sport culture, policy and management, being shaped by unique traditions in their civil society and in social welfare and public policy. The first part of the book explores the development path of football in each country, looking at how football arrived in Scandinavia and how it has been transformed from a voluntary civic activity into a professional sport while becoming closely attached to the global football system. The second part highlights key issues - including historical, contemporary and critical aspects - across three themes: professionalisation and changing practices; equality and gender; and supporters, audiences and culture. Written by a team of authors with a blend of experience as academics and practitioners in football, the book traces the contours of the distinctive Nordic model that occupies a prominent position in the global football system. Shining fascinating new light on the relationship between football and wider society, this is invaluable reading for students and researchers interested in football, sport management, sport policy, or the history, culture or sociology of sport and for anyone involved in the game.

Longlisted for Autobiography of the Year, Sports Book Awards 2022 The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller 'Honest and moving - everything a memoir should be' The Sun 'An illuminating look at what it takes to be an Olympian ... in this story, passion reigns supreme' Cosmopolitan A deeply personal and inspiring memoir from one of the most celebrated and influential names in British sport. Tom Daley captured the hearts of the nation with his unforgettable medal-winning performance in the London 2012 Olympics. At this year's Games in Tokyo, he triumphed to win gold and became the most decorated British diver of all time. In this deeply personal book, Tom explores the experiences that have shaped him and the qualities to which he owes his contentment and success; from the resilience he developed competing at world-class level, to the courage he discovered while reclaiming the narrative around his sexuality, and the perspective that family life has brought him. Candid and perceptive, Coming Up for Air offers a unique insight into the life and mindset of one our greatest and most-loved athletes.