Biography: sport Books

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Book SynopsisThe Yellow Jersey Club contains just twenty-six living members. To become one of this exclusive number requires complete dedication, brutal self-sacrifice and the most extraordinary physical attributes. Yet along with the ability to climb mountains, bomb along time trials and survive all the perils of the road, what really makes a Tour de France champion?Edward Pickering set out on a mission to ask them, and gained some astonishing insights into the minds of cycling''s best ever riders of the past forty years, from giants like Greg LeMond and Stephen Roche to more unfamiliar names like Bernard Thévenet and Joop Zootemelk. With his trademark sharp analysis and deft style, Pickering explores the myriad factors that combine to produce success. What does it take to accumulate such great mental strength, skill and endurance? What are the differences as well as the key factors in common? What sets these men apart from the rest of the field? The Yellow Jersey Club giTrade ReviewAn insightful, informative and analytical look at those who have stood on the top step in Paris. * Cycling Weekly *Pickering's narratives are cleverly deceptive; it's surprising just how much the author unravels of each winner's character... compulsive reading. * Washing Machine Post *Throughout The Yellow Jersey Club, Pickering asks plenty of pertinent questions which he leaves up to the reader to resolve, which is something I like. It makes reading the book slower - Pickering's actively engaging you with the text - but ultimately more rewarding. -- Feargal McKay * Podium Cafe *

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Book SynopsisDetails the lives and accomplishments of influential climbers. Aimed at all climbing enthusiasts, this book profiles nine of the world's best young climbers in their own words and through conversations with their peers, to create an intimate portrait, revealing their personalities, drive, passion, openness and intimacy.Table of ContentsThe following is a list of climbers profiled within Vertical World. Foreword by Pete Takeda, Senior Contributing Editor to Rock & Ice Beth Rodden, 25, from Davis, CA: First American woman to establish a 5.14b (The Optimist, Smith Rock, OR). Chris Sharma, 24, from Santa Cruz, CA: first person to climb 5.15a (Realization, Ceuse France). Dave Graham, 24, Portland, Maine: has climbed more 5.14s than anyone else in the world, with 100+ routes under his belt. Dean Potter, 32, Yosemite, CA: first person to free climb both El Cap and Half Dome in a day. Dean also free-soloed the Supercanaleta on Fitz Roy in 6.5 hours and soloed the Compressor route on Cerro Torre in 11 hours. Jason Kehl, 27, from Maryland: unrepeated ascent of Evilution (V11) which stands 55 ft. tall, first ascent of After Midnight (V10/11, 25 ft. high) and The Fly (V13, 25 ft. high). Josh Wharton, 27, Rifle, CO: Bold ascent of The Flame in northeastern Pakistan under great odds and first ascent of the world's longest route called The Great Trango Tower in Pakistan. Lisa Rands, 28, from Bishop, CA: first American woman to climb V11 (Plain High Drifter, Buttermilks, CA). First woman to lead E8 6C (The End of the Affair, Curbar Edge, England).Steph Davis, 31, Moab, UT: Second woman, behind Lynn Hill to free climb a route on El Cap in a day (The Freerider, 5.12d/13a). Steph was also the first woman to have climbed all seven of the major peaks in Patagonia¿s Fitz Roy Range.Tommy Caldwell, 26, from Estes Park, CO: established the world's most difficult big wall free climb (The Dihedral Wall, 5.14a, El Cap, Yosemite, CA). Katie Brown, 24, from Boulder, CO: First woman to onsight both 5.13d and 5.14a (Omaha Beach, Red River Gorge, KY and Hydrophobia, Mont Sant, Spain).

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE PEOPLE''S BOOK PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024SELECTED FOR THE BBC AND READING AGENCY''S BIG SPORTING READ 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2024 WOMEN''S SPORT WRITING AWARDA WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 - SPORT''Incredibly moving and inspiring'' Gabby Logan''It''s brilliant I loved it'' Lorraine Kelly''Brilliant impressive and vividly told'' The Times ---JOIN LOUISE MINCHIN ON 17 EXHILARATING ADVENTURES WITH TRAILBLAZING WOMEN WHO ARE BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS, SMASHING RECORDS AND CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES. ''To get to the heart of who these women are I decided to do it the way that I know best, by taking part, spending time right beside them to experience the things they love.''Driven to bring more attention to female stories of courage and endeavour, Louise Minchin pushes herself to the extreme and embarks on thrilling enduranTrade ReviewIncredibly moving and inspiring... Louise perfectly tells the stories of powerful and intrepid women... a reminder of what women can do and how enormous our untapped potential is. * Gabby Logan *Prepare to be blown away… the most incredible examples of girl power. * Judy Murray OBE *An extraordinary book. * Claudia Winkleman, BBC Radio 2 *Louise is such a positive and uplifting presence. Her fearlessness should inspire us all. * Susanna Reid *Wow – I loved this book. What a wonderful celebration of women’s courage, resilience and endeavour. * Dame Kelly Holmes *Brilliant … impressive and vividly told. * The Times *Fantastic! * Alex Jones, BBC The One Show *Terrific. An inspiring, expansive exploration of adventure seeking. A call to arms for women to chase the best versions of themselves. I loved it... Not only is it a cartography of wonderful women to discover, it's a manifesto for change that will seep into different areas of life. * Irenosen Okojie MBE, writer and Women's Prize for Fiction 2023 judge *A celebration of the strength, power and determination of women. Reading these stories will leave you feeling inspired while dreaming up your own challenge to tackle. Life is for grabbing, and these women do just that. * Giovanna Fletcher *An entertaining rollercoaster... it took me to places emotionally I now long to go physically. … A deep dive into the limitless strength of the female spirit. * Lorraine Candy, Sunday Times bestselling author and journalist *It’s brilliant – I loved it. * Lorraine Kelly *A truly remarkable collection of stories from incredible women... their adventures are an inspiration to us all. * Sir Chris Hoy *Fascinating, beautifully drawn and thoroughly inspiring. * Psychologies *This brilliant book reminds us we are all capable of so much more than we believe. Completely inspiring. * Bryony Gordon *A special book… a beautiful exploration of what it means to be fearless... Fabulous outdoor adventures to inspire us all to get outside and have fun… Keep this book to hand when you need a dose of inspiring female courage and resilience. * Julia Bradbury *I love this book. * Susie Dent *If you were ever looking for inspiration to help you set that goal, then you’ll find it here. * Woman & Home *A moving and powerful read that will help you to connect with your inner bravery. * Woman's Own *This book celebrates the bravery of these women of all backgrounds, religions, ages, shapes and sizes ... Many adventures are terrifying, some are painful, all are exhilarating ... It’ll leave you feeling inspired, thrilled and utterly exhausted. * Woman's Way *Louise takes you on an exhilarating adventure across the globe to tell extraordinary women's stories and to test herself. * Top Sante *Every day working alongside Louise felt like an adventure with an extraordinary woman. She is as amazing and just as inspirational as the women she writes about. * Dan Walker *An inspiring book by an inspiring woman. Fearless will take you on an adventure with a selection of moving and motivational stories. The kind of stories that hold up a mirror to show you who you are and what you might be capable of. A beautiful book. * Alice Feeney, novelist *I was thrilled to read Fearless. Every one of the nineteen women featured in the book (and I’m including Louise herself) is an awe-inspiring role model in her sport (or sports) of choice. Their stories will take your breath away. * Eleanor Oldroyd, sports broadcaster *Wow. What an incredible book... So many remarkable and inspiring stories. Thoroughly engaging and deftly written. * Giles Paley-Phillips, author and podcaster *A perfect antidote to any time you think you can't keep going. Whilst it features incredible feats of determination and tenacity, Louise as the author experiences each of the gruelling challenges alongside the women. As a reader, it means you're transported through each and every challenge, uphill struggle and feat. It's such an inspiring read and sends a message to us all that nothing is impossible. * Nicola Rowley, author and podcaster *Inspiring * Goodhousekeeping.com *Table of ContentsFearless – The Back Story 1. Anaya and Mitali Khanzode – Escape from Alcatraz 2. Christine Grosart – Wild Caving 3. Cath Pendleton – Freediving Under Ice in the Dark 4. Belinda Kirk – Overnight Dartmoor Crossing 5. Zainab (Zee) Alema – Rugby 6. Sophie Storm Roberts – Cycling 7. Mollie Hughes – Mountaineering 8. Caroline Bramwell – Long Course Triathlon 9. Lucy Gossage – Team Hike Bike and Paddle Board 10. Vivienne Rickman – Mountain Swimming 11. Kadeena Cox – Indoor Track Cycling 12. Rhian Mannings – Hiking 13. Mimi Anderson – 1200km Cycle Across Argentina 14. Lizzie Carr – Stand Up Paddleboarding 15. Anoushé Husain – Indoor Climbing 16. Rhiane Fatinikun – Hiking 17. Susie Chan – Ultrarunning And Finally Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisWho is Harry Redknapp? Football genius or football chancer? Master tactician or practical joker? How is it that even when he was facing court proceedings for tax evasion so many people were still seriously tipping him to be the next England manager? How can one man have two such diametrically opposed and incompatible career trajectories? Does the longing to have an English manager in charge of the national side warp people''s thinking?''To Portsmouth fans, Redknapp was the man who walked on water and won them an FA Cup. To Southampton fans, he is still the devil incarnate who had them relegated before jumping ship to their arch rivals. Spurs fans aren''t sure what he is, bit don''t care as long as he keeps the team together and winning. Sometimes he''s the Messiah, at others the clown. Whoever he is, Crace is determined to find out.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive story of the father of modern football, Herbert Chapman.Herbert Chapman, the boss of the all-conquering Arsenal team of the 1930s, was the father of modern football management. A relative journeyman as a player, he moved into the dugout aged 29 with Northampton Town, before building a multiple-title-winning team with Huddersfield in the 1920s. It was at Arsenal, however, where Chapman would leave an indelible mark on the landscape of football. Patrick Barclay''s poignant and detailed biography weaves Chapman''s story into the momentous times through which he lived, including the tragedy of the First World War, the subsequent Depression and the rise of fascism. Deeply influential on Arsenal successors such as George Graham and Arsène Wenger, he also pioneered changes in the game''s scenery and tactical approaches. As Sir Matt Busby later remarked, Herbert Chapman changed the game of football.Trade ReviewBarclay vividly and brilliantly conjures up a forgotten sporting age. -- David Lister * THE INDEPENDENT *Anyone, Gooner or not, who gazes up at his statue standing in slightly paunchy, plus-foured glory in front of the Emirates stadium and desires to learn more about the Yorkshireman who first too Arsenal to the heights need look no further than this, surely definitive, biography. -- Simon Redfern * THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *Barclay's hugely entertaining story is as full of off-ball incidents and punch ups as today's game....(the book is) robust as Herbert Chapman's desk.. -- Robert Fox * LONDON EVENING STANDARD *Barclay's eloquent writing is a fine tribute to the Arsenal legend. With a backdrop of war and accusations of illicit player payments while at Leeds City, there's also plenty for non-Gooners. * FOUR FOUR TWO *Affectionate, insightful and rich in historical context. * CHOICE *

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Book SynopsisA new, fully illustrated gift book commemorating the unparalleled rise, fall, and comeback of golf’s greatest champion Tiger Woods turned pro at age 20 in 1996, rapidly ascending to become the No. 1 ranked player in the world at age 21 and the youngest player ever to achieve the career Grand Slam. Woods’ second decade on the tour was one of reinvention, marked by injuries and personal struggles before a comeback that culminated in Woods first major win in 11 years at the 2019 Masters. In celebration of Woods’ first quarter century on the professional circuit, those moments and memories are collected in Tiger Woods: Celebrating 25 Years on the PGA Tour. Capturing the magic of Woods’ career as only Sports Illustrated™ can, this new volume includes more than 100 full-color photographs, some of which have become nearly as iconic as the man himself—from Woods’ earliest days on the golf course with his father to his play alongside his son, Charlie, in 2020.This commemorative book also features some of the best written coverage of Woods’s career from the pages of Sports Illustrated™, including pieces by Frank Deford, Rick Reilly, Gary Smith, Alan Shipnuck, and more.

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Book SynopsisIn 20 seasons in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform, Kobe Bryant ascended from teenaged rookie to 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion. The superstar known as the Black Mamba left his mark on basketball and popular culture as a fierce competitor who inspired those around him and never settled for less than the best. To commemorate the life and career of the most beloved Laker of his generation, these moments and memories are collected in Kobe Bryant: A Tribute to a Basketball Legend. Featuring more than 100 photographs and written coverage from the pages of Sports Illustrated this new volume provides readers a complete portrait of the international basketball superstar who transcended his sport to become a cultural icon. Relive every moment including Bryant entering the NBA draft directly out of high school, winning consecutive NBA Finals MVP awards in 2009 and 2010, the unforgettable 60-point farewell game, and the poignant tributes that followed his death in 2020.This lavish keepsake also features the best written coverage of Bryant’s career from Sports Illustrated, including pieces by Chris Ballard, Jack McCallum, Lee Jenkins, and more.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the championship glory, Hall of Fame personalities, and passionate fans that make the Boston Celtics one of the most revered teams in basketballSports Illustrated™ celebrates basketball greatness with The Boston Celtics at 75, an extraordinary collection of classic stories and photographs from the pages of SI. This commemorative book salutes hall of famers like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Paul Pierce, and coach Red Auerbach.Fans will unearth countless gems from the Celtics' past on each page of this diamond celebration.

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Book SynopsisJourneyman is a first-person biography of Ojibwe rightwinger Jamie Leach, son of the legendary NHL superstar Reggie Leach. Follow the fascinating hockey trajectory from his childhood years watching his father play for the Philadelphia Flyers, to Jamie’s first goal in the NHL.Journeyman touches on Jamie’s summers on Lake Winnipeg, the World Junior Hockey Championships, his life in the minor leagues, and his eventual draft into the NHL as a Pittsburgh Penguin. Discover how some of hockey’s biggeststars such as Bobby Clarke, Jaromir Jagr, and Mario Lemieux influenced Jamie’s life.Written in close consultation with Jamie and his mother, readers will learn about the struggles Jamie conquered, including his father’s alcoholism and his own crippling self-doubt.A story of determination, heartbreak and perseverance.Trade Review"Recommended for hockey fans and nonfans alike. Kirkus ReviewsThis straightforward, inspiring account goes down easy and should appeal to most kids, especially skaters looking for role models. BooklistJamie is a true journeyman: dedicated and relentless in achieving his goals, and a proud yet humble teammate. Im sure youll enjoy his story, path, and insight. Bryan Trottier, former player for the NHLs Pittsburgh Penguins"

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Book SynopsisReach for the Racquet is the story of a young Sikh man, Meva Dhesi, who overcomes adversity following a horrific car accident and ultimately achieves his dreams of becoming a competitive badminton and Para badminton player. With the help of his amputee and badminton friends, Sikh religion, close family, and surrounding community, Meva found he could recover, rehabilitate, get fit, compete, and most important of all, succeed. His story is brought to life in witty, humorous prose. It will inspire anyone who is facing challenges and struggles to overcome and reach their goals. The sky's the limit!

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Book SynopsisHe's the leader of America's exciting new wave of golfing superstars. Young, fun and gifted, Rickie Fowler has taken the sport to a younger audience in the States - making headlines as much for his wacky dress sense and YouTube spoofs as for his God-given prowess with a golf club. Twenty-six-year-old Fowler, is America's answer to Rory McIlroy, and together they represent the gifted faces of golf for a new era: two young men destined to contest a Trans-Atlantic rivalry for that coveted World No. 1 spot. But it was motocross that was Rickie's first love. He had dreams of making his name as a racer until he broke his foot in three places at the age of fifteen. Then on, he focused purely on golf, winning tournament after tournament in high school, until, in 2007, he was chosen for the US's Walker Cup team and a year later became the first university freshman ever to be awarded the NCAA Player of the Year.Such was his burgeoning talent that in 2010 he also went on to become the first American rookie to be selected for the Ryder Cup and in 2014, he became only the third golfer ever to finish in the Top 5 at all four professional majors in the same season, following in the illustrious footsteps of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. He was moving ever closer to that first major victory as he and McIlroy continued to trade shots and tweets at courses around the world for the ultimate golfing honours. But for all his colourful clothes and joking around with fellow 'brat pack' member Bubba Watson, Rickie has a much more serious, emotional and intellectual side to his character. In this compelling first biography on the figurehead of US golf's young guns, Frank Worrall provides a fascinating portrayal of Rickie Fowler as both a fun-loving yet altruistic human being and a single-minded golfing superstar.

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Book SynopsisFlight to Bogota tells the incredible story of one of the most infamous episodes in English sporting history, when a group of British footballers turned their backs on club and country before the 1950 World Cup for a sporting El Dorado in Colombia. It was a rebellion led by first-choice England centre-half Neil Franklin. The book charts how the players were secretly lured away from Britain, amid Franklin's strident complaints of 'serfdom' in English football, their brief struggles to adapt to Colombian life and the fallout once they humiliatingly returned home to face the wrath of club and country. This escapade was a personal failure for Franklin and left his career in tatters. But the players' vociferous defence of their behaviour enlightened a shocked nation about how clubs mistreated footballers. Ultimately, it led to reforms that would financially benefit future footballing generations, but hopes of vast riches proved nothing more than an illusion for Franklin and his fellow 'football bandits' as they embarked on their 'Flight to Bogota'.

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Book SynopsisIn his own words Dougal Haston covers the years from his childhood in Scotland, where his love of climbing was first sparked, through to his development into perhaps the most formidable climber of his generation; his reputation was forged by his successful ascents of familiar peaks by unfamiliar routes (of which the most famous was the Eiger Direct).Infused throughout with his passion for climbing and his great determination to succeed, In High Places is a compelling and eye-opening portrait of the climber as a young man and a must read for all those with an interest in mountaineering.Trade ReviewA fascinating book both as an insight into one of Britain's most intriguing climbers and also as an account of a particularly rich period of British climbing history. -- Chris BonningtonHaston's prose is fast-paced, economical and wellsuited to a climbing narrative. * * Mountain Magazine * *Haston's style of writing is crisp and laconic . . . There is no superfluous padding but the essentials are there, stark and bold. I very much enjoyed reading this book. * * Alpine Journal * *

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Book SynopsisRobin Smith was one of the most legendary climbers ever to have tackled a mountain. This definitive biography draws on contributions from people who knew this charismatic and complex young man, as well as diary extracts from Smith himself. As Smith was a friend and inspiration to many climbers worldwide, including fellow Scot Dougal Haston, High Endeavours is a fitting and long-overdue tribute to one of Britain's most revered mountaineers, and one of the finest books ever written on the allure of the mountainside.Trade ReviewA gem of a book. -- Alan Jackman * * Rock Climbing Club's Centenary Journal * *Cruickshank has produced a fitting memorial for his friend. * * Climber Magazine * *It succeeds triumphantly in its primary purpose, which is to bring a memorable spirit to life. * * Sunday Telegraph * *Former school friend and early climbing partner Jimmy Cruickshank succeeds in giving a flavour of the anarchic genius of Smith by means of a selection of reminiscences, unpublished correspondence and extensive quotation from Smith's peers. It represents more of an affectionate tribute to a friend. * * Scotland on Sunday * *

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Book SynopsisFred Trueman was so much more than a cricketing legend. ‘ The greatest living Yorkshireman’ according to Prime Minister Harold Wilson, he couldn’ t help excelling at everything he did, whether it was as a hostile fast bowler for Yorkshire and England, and the first man to take 300 Test wickets in a career, or as a fearlessly outspoken radio summariser for Test Match Special. He was famous for regularly spluttering that, ‘ I don’ t know what’ s going off out there,’ as well as for the amount of swearing he managed to incorporate into everyday speech. Beloved of cricket crowds, who filled grounds to witness his belligerent way of playing the game, and nothing but trouble to the cricket authorities, ‘ Fiery Fred’ was the epitome of a full-blooded Englishman. But as Chris Waters reveals in this first full biography, behind the charismatic, exuberant mask lay a far less self-assured man – terrified even that his new dog wouldn’ t like him – and whose bucolic version of his upbringing bore no relation to the gritty and impoverished South Yorkshire mining community where he actually grew up. Drawing on dozens of new interviews with his Yorkshire colleagues, family and friends, this life of Fred Trueman will surprise and even shock, but also confirm the status of an English folk hero.Trade Review'A thorough, carefully researched and most elegantly written account of Trueman's life...a true page turner.'A compelling portait of a sports legend'this wonderful book honours not only Trueman but also cricket, and Yorkshire in particular....the book has an elemental quality''It is a proper tribute to Waters that his book belongs in the finest library in the whole of sport... It may be the finest book yet written about a cricketer. ‘ A brilliant account of a remarkable life. There is a whole load of new information about (Trueman). Waters deserves a lot of credit for this book.’ 'Now (Trueman) has been brought to life in this wonderful new biography by Chris Waters. It is one of the finest sports books of recent years: well-researched, highly readable and packed with anecdotes.’ ‘ Thorough and well-judged biography. This book’ s strength is that, with the heavy assistance of Truemann’ s surviving family, it fleshes out his early life in south Yorkshire.’ ‘ A trenchant portrait of its subject… a thorough and judicious book. Trueman’ s flaws make it an uncomfortable read for devotees but to his credit the author has been as true to his trade as he is to his subject.’ ‘ Chris Waters deserves extremely high marks for his welcome, authentically honest new biography of Fred Trueman’ SPORTS BOOKS OF THE YEAR ‘ Perceptive biography… Waters has done a good job in disentangling the man from the myths, many of which were eagerly promoted by Fiery Fred himself.’ ‘ His multi-coloured life is given sharper focus by the meticulous research and unforgiving anecdotes of Chris Waters. The strengths of the book lie in the breadth of insights from those closest to Trueman, along with Waters’ own sharp conclusions.’ ‘ The book will draw you in, make you chuckle and is not short on poignancy. Waters is balanced in his assessment of Trueman’ s life. Exhaustive research is evident throughout.’ ‘ Trueman's latest biographer does a better job of fleshing out his subject than his more illustrious predecessors (John Arlott and Don Mosey). The result is the fullest picture yet of a great sportsman and all-too-human being.’ ‘ Waters sought to look beyond the brash, Jack-the-lad image that Trueman was once happy to live up to and find the truth. It was something even Arlott, for all his perceptiveness, did not quite manage.’ ‘ It will forever stand as the definitive attempt to set the record straight in relation to which Trueman stories are true, which are less than entirely accurate, and those that are apocryphal. Fred Trueman - The Authorised Biography is a terrific story. It is highly recommended.’ ‘ A fine, fair-minded and well-rounded portrait of great fast bowler. It is Waters’ probing into Fred’ s background and psyche - what made him, and what made him tick - that gives his biography true distinction. A splendid biography, which it is hard to think will ever be bettered’ – Harry Mead ‘ The one which stood out to me was Fred Trueman. Don Mosey wrote a book about him in years gone by, John Arlott as well. Neither of them are anywhere near as good as this one.’ John Rawling - SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR ‘ Honest and erudite portrait of the charismatic England and Yorkshire fast bowler’ - BOOKS OF THE YEAR ‘ One of the many virtues of Chris Waters’ s thoughtful and painstakingly researched biography is that he examines the Trueman myths and dismantles most of them, but leaves a vivid portrait of a complex and contradictory character who was at heart surprisingly insecure.’ ‘ Engrossing and typically well written’ ‘ Separating fact from fiction is difficult, but Waters has done an outstanding job and, to his credit, presents the player warts and all. Of the cricket biographies I have read in the past twelve months, this is the best by some distance. Fred Trueman was one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time and deserved a ‘ proper’ biography. Chris Waters has undoubtedly delivered.’ 'Waters may be in need of a longer mantelpiece' 'this wonderful book honours not only Trueman but also cricket, and Yorkshire in particular....the book has an elemental quality' Superb life of the famous fa

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Book SynopsisFew champions have astonished the world as much as Lance Armstrong. A cancer survivor who went on to win the Tour de France an unprecedented seven times, he is an inspiration to millions. Now the full story can be told. With complete access to Armstrong, and to his inner circle, and drawing on interviews with family members and training partners, coaches and celebrities, team-mates and rivals, friends and foes, sportswriter John Wilcockson tells of those who helped Armstrong along the way - including his mother Linda, his ex-wife Kristin and one-time fiancée Sheryl Crow - and explores the traits of character that made Armstrong unique. The story of Lance Armstrong is one of brutal, painful effort, of natural brilliance, of relentless ambition, of extraordinary glory. His achievement is all the more stunning for its unconventionality: a boy from small-town America who beat the world. Brash and fiercely competitive, Armstrong has never been without close friends or bitter enemies. His achievements have been dogged by accusations of doping, accusations of secrecy, and by questions about how triumph on such a grand scale could be possible - questions that are addressed head on in LANCE ARMSTRONG. Tracing the highs and lows, and bringing alive the drama of the races in which Armstrong smashed expectations time after time, LANCE ARMSTRONG gives the complete story of a matchless champion.Trade Review'The incredible story of the triumph of mind over body. Truly inspiring' * Time Out *Praise for 23 DAYS IN JULY * : *A must-read for all cycling fans. * BBC Sport *Sport is about the assertion of the will and that makes Armstrong the greatest athlete practising his trade * The Times *Captures the thrill of a race persistently immersed in controversy and rumour. * Irish Times *Fascinating ... Wilcockson manages to penetrate the psychological depths of the race's stars. * British Cycling *

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Book SynopsisThis is a biography of Brian Robinson, racing cyclist. Brian Robinson, the first Englishman ever to complete the Tour de France, went on to make a career as a professional cyclist in what is generally regarded as one of the toughest eras in a very tough sport. He adapted to French life, the continental style of racing and the taxing demands of a long season with clear-headed tenacity. For all the British riders who later followed him to Europe - and there have not been many since his days as a lone coureur anglais, still a comparatively rare breed - he was, without dispute, the great pioneer.

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Book SynopsisAt the age of 20, Dennis Horn won his first English Rose - the emblem of a National track champion. Throughout the 1930s he rapidly graduated from the rough and tumble of makeshift grass track racing at country fairs and gala sports days in provincial towns to assail the heights of British track cycling on the great urban cycling bastions of the time - the hard-surfaced stadiums of London's Herne Hill and Manchester's Fallowfield - and become the star of British track racing. Every year from 1931 to 1938 he was awarded the season-long Meredith Trophy to add to those legendary gold and silver cups he'd won in fiercely contested track battles in front of crowds of tens of thousands. It was a cycling scene entirely unique to Britain in the years before World War II. But this is more than a simple tale of a strapping rural lad who took on and beat the streetwise metropolitan champions of his era. Dennis Horn, son of a Fenland blacksmith, proved himself to be as astute as any of his urban contemporaries at treading the fine line between amateurism and professionalism as defined by the puritanical British cycling establishment of their day.

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Book SynopsisBiography of one of the most colorful, some might say eccentric, people the Canadian West has thrown out who also happens to be a climber. At a time when most men are thinking of retirement from strenuous activities, Don was busy setting records: the first person to climb all the 11,000 foot peaks in the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains and the oldest person to climb Mount Logan, Canada''s highest mountain. Apart from Don''s climbing achievements, for which he received the Banff Mountain Festival''s Summit of Excellence Award in 1990, Don is renowned for his idiosyncrasies which the author and Don''s friends have documented in hilarious detail.

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Book SynopsisSince 1993, Gary Bettman has been the commissioner of the National Hockey League and he has taken the game to new and incredible heights. But despite his many positive accomplishments for the game, when he makes a public appearance, he is mercilessly booed. Heckling and booing this man has almost become a part of the hockey culture. And there''s no love lost on the players'' side either. After three lockouts in his 20 years behind the desk, he has given them a good reason to despise him and what he represents. This book sets out to discover why Gary Bettman has become the most hated man in hockey. Is that hate justified? Or is he just a scapegoat for fan frustration and player dissatisfaction?

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Book SynopsisAs the scorer of the only try in England''s historic World Cup victory in 2003, Jason Robinson''s career has scaled the peaks. Yet while his career has been statistically impressive -- with 37 tries in 102 starts for Sale, 22 tries in his 35 England appearances and a remarkable 11 tries in 10 Lions appearances -- it is perhaps for his character and personal achievements that Jason is best loved. As England''s first black Rugby Union captain. Jason has given what has in the past been regarded as a stuffy, public school game a much wider profile. Away from the pitch, Jason''s conversion from bad lad to religious family man has made him a role model and, while this part of his career has been well-chronicled little is known about the man behind the achievements -- his sense of fun, love of practical jokes and fast food in equal measure. Author Dave Swanton delves behind the public persona of Billy Whizz'', a nickname he acquired at Wigan in his Rugby League days. Swanton first saw Jason Robinson play for Wigan in 1992 while working for Warrington Wolves. When Dave later joined Wigan as PR man in 1998 their careers became inextricably linked. Their paths continued to be intertwined when Jason moved across to Rugby Union with Sale Sharks in 2000, shortly after Swanny became Media and PR Manager. For the last eight years Jason Robinson has called him his right hand man''. Together Swanny and Robbo have fuelled the rise of Sale from suburban Rugby Union club to a Premiership team challenging for European honours. When they joined, Sale were still adjusting to the demands of the newly professionalised game, playing before crowds of 3,000 at the quiet bonhomie of their Heywood Road home. 5 years on, the club groundshare with Stockport County, have seen their average gate rise to nearly 10,000 and regularly challenge for the top European and domestic honours. Jason''s subsequent disappointments with the England and Lions teams are also documented and only serve to throw into sharp relief his previous achievements. Yet Jason remains most famous for the dazzling side-steps that form the basis of his elusive running style. As Neil Squires of the Daily Express discovered when invited to tackle a rampant Robbo in training, One moment a rapidly approaching Jason Robinson is filling my vision, the next he is nowhere to be seen. There is no hole in the ground, no scorched grass, not even a sound as he vanishes. It''s like tackling a gust of wind. Robinson''s step, Rugby''s most watchable magic trick, is even more jaw dropping from the pitch than the stands. The balance and acceleration belong to one of the most highly tuned sports cars, the change of direction to a zigzag''.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a celebration of the life and adventures of Andy Jackson, Scottish kayaking legend. In December 2004 the kayaking community was stunned by the premature death of Andy Jackson. "Tall Stories" collates accounts and photos of the tall man's adventurous life. As we follow him around the world, Andy's gregarious good humour comes across at every turn. From his native Scotland to Nepal, New Zealand and North America on his 'World Tour' and on to Iceland and Chile, Andy made a friend of everyone he met.Every first weekend in September, kayakers from around the world gather at the Wet West Paddlefest to celebrate his life and paddle two of his favourite rivers. Andy will remain an inspiration for generations to come.Ron Cameron first encountered Andy Jackson in Tain, Easter Ross when Andy was 19 and he was 43 and kayaked, skied and climbed with him regularly until the time of his death, suffering no significant injuries as a result. He was stupid/smart enough to rent Andy a house for about six years. Sometimes he thinks he should have stuck to climbing but paddling and skiing with Andy was a life enhancing experience.Table of Contents1 Boy Meets Girl 62 Wild Child 243 World Tour - Nepal 364 World Tour - New Zealand 445 World Tour - North America 546 The House 727 The Home Front 808 The Summer of 96 1029 Iceland 11410 Chile 12211 Flying Fish 12812 The Legacy 136

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Book SynopsisAs a homegrown player with a taste for spectacular goals, Clayton Blackmore was a fan favourite for Manchester United long before he secured cult status with his tremendous form in the club''s famous 1990/91 season. His clearance off the line in the Cup Winners'' Cup Final against Barcelona being just as crucial as his long-range efforts which helped to get United there. After becoming one of the few remaining players from the entertaining sides of the 80s to get his hands on a League winner''s medal, Clayton''s career was interrupted at its peak by injury before he left with Bryan Robson to lead a revolution up at Middlesbrough, in a controversial spell at the Riverside which included Brazilian superstars and Premier League points deductions. A true legend of Welsh football, Clayton Blackmore''s is a unique story of one of the most famous rebuilding periods in football history, packed with anecdotes. Ghost writer Wayne Barton has worked with numerous Manchester United legends and was described by the Independent in 2015 as ''the leading writer'' on the club.

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Book SynopsisOn the eve of the 2016 Olympic Games, the biggest moment of her life, Lizzie Armitstead's career was thrown into turmoil. After being cleared to ride the Games at the final hour following a successful court appeal to overturn an alleged missed drugs test, the ensuing leak and backlash threatened to engulf her. Now, for the first time, she tells her story, and reveals how she went from World Champion and darling of Team GB road cycling, to one of the most scrutinised athletes in British sport - how it happened, why it happened, and how Lizzie cleared her name and came out fighting. In Steadfast Lizzie Armitstead takes the reader to the heart of the most demanding of endurance sports and the challenges faced by one of its most gifted competitors: from sexism and the fight for equality, to doping and the incredible sacrifices required to self-coach herself to world titles.From the rolling hills of Yorkshire through to the treacherous climbs of the Vista Circuit in Rio de Janeiro - through setbacks, life lessons and ups and downs of a professional life in cycling - Steadfast is an intense and inspiring story of sporting triumph.

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Book SynopsisKnown as Australias tennis bad boy, Nick Kyrgios is a staple name in the world of tennis. With his unconventional playing style, constant battles with authority and a knack for showing off his boorish behaviour and uncontrollable temper mid-game, Nick is a the poster boy that continues to make headlines in sport whether hes winning, losing or anything in-between. Kyrgios - The Smash Hits celebrates Australias ultimate tennis headliner featuring yarns, quotes, interviews and stats on the small-town boy discovering his natural talents at a sport he initially didnt like.

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Book SynopsisThis meticulously researched biography gives readers a thrilling insight into the brutal world of professional cycling and an intimate portrait of an extraordinary Australian.

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Book SynopsisIt took India to the Davis Cup finals for the first time in 1966.â

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Book SynopsisNo Indian player has captured the imagination of cricket-lovers in the way that Yuvraj Singh has over the past decade. Fiery batsman, deceptive bowler, brilliant fielder, Yuvraj has been in the news for his remarkable skills with bat and ball, his glamoro

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Book SynopsisBorn into a family of cricket enthusiasts, Rohit Sharma had dreamt of playing for the country for as long as he could remember. By the time he was eight years old, cricket had become an obsession. Many years of hard work, tears and sweat later, today, he is a batting powerhouse and the only cricketer to have scored three double hundreds in One-Day Internationals. None of this came easy. Rohit''s is a riveting story of overcoming difficult Odds to become one of the greatest Batsmen in the history of ODIs.

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