Library: Reading for Pleasure: Sports biographies

Athletics in April

Inside Track: Autobiography of Carl Lewis by Carl Lewis
ISBN: 9781476777917
Publication Date: 2014-01-11
Carl Lewis' Inside Track is one of the most controversial inside accounts of any sport ever written.
Whether it's the truth about college recruiting or the inside story of drug use among athletes, it's all here in Inside Track.
Kelly Holmes: black, white and gold: my autobiography by Kelly Holmes and Fanny Blake
ISBN: 9780753513170
Publication Date: 2008-07-03
Kelly Holmes made history when she brought home double gold in the 2004 Olympics. She won Sports Personality of the Year, was given a Damehood, fully backed London's successful 2012 Olympic bid and became a superstar on the red carpet as well as a much acclaimed and consulted professional in the sporting world.
In this staggeringly honest autobiography, she reveals the times she fought back tears to battle against injury and win gold, plus the emotional decision she made to retire from athletics. Including details of her unsettled childhood, trials in the army and a struggle with self-harm, Kelly's amazing determination carries through to make this inspirational and powerful autobiography a tale of triumph over adversity.
A Kind of Grace by Jackie Joyner-Kersee; Sonja Steptoe
ISBN: 9780446522489
Publication Date: 1997-10-01
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is known throughout the world as one of the best female athlete ever - the winner of six Olympic medals, three of them gold; the one-time world-record holder in the long jump and the heptathlon; and an All-America basketball player. Jackie not only had an innate ability to conquer speed and distance, but possessed an irrepressible personality and a deep, unshakable love of sport. As she harnessed her talents, Jackie began an amazing string of multisport successes. As she reached her profession's peak, she battled life-threatening asthma, unfounded accusations of drug-induced performance enhancement, and recurring injuries. Ultimately, she united her experience and determination to achieve the most meaningful victories of all - those that shape and build lives beyond the field.
Eat and run: my unlikely journey to ultramarathon greatness by Scott Jurek
ISBN: 9781408833407
Publication Date: 2013-04-11
Full of stories of endurance and competition as well as practical advice and some of his original recipes, Eat and Run will motivate people to go the distance, whether that means getting out for a first run, expanding your food horizons, or simply exploring the limits of human potential.
Faster Than Lightning: My Autobiography by Usain Bolt
ISBN: 9780007371426
Publication Date: 2014-06-05
Whether you know athletics or not, and even whether you know sport or not, chances are you know Usain Bolt. The fastest man on the planet, not just now but ever, Usain has won the hearts of people everywhere with his mind-blowing performances and his infectious charisma – uniting supporters around the world.
In this, his full autobiography, Usain tells his story in his own words: from humble beginnings in Jamaica, to international stardom at Beijing and on to the new heights of superstardom he has reached since lighting up London 2012.
Full of the charm and charisma that has made him the most popular sporting figure of our time and a universal celebrity, this is a book that Usain’s millions of fans will love.

April's featured athlete: Scott Jurek

Named one of the greatest runners of all time, Scott Jurek has become a living legend. He has claimed victories in nearly all of ultrarunning’s elite trail and road events and took the running world by storm with his 2015 Appalachian Trail speed record.

More than just a champion, Scott is a true student and ambassador of the sport, known to stay at finish lines cheering until the last runner crosses. When not racing, he donates his time to many non-profit organisations and is an avid volunteer in the areas of environmental conservation, fitness and health.

A passionate advocate for vegetarianism, he follows a 100% plant-based diet, which he credits for his endurance, recovery and consistent twenty-year racing career. Through writing, public speaking, and consulting, Scott takes joy in encouraging people of all fitness levels to take the next step toward vibrant health. Scott resides in Colorado with his wife, Jenny, and daughter, Raven.

Creator: Davy Crockett

Find out more by visiting his website.

Reading for Pleasure: Sports biographies

Sport Biographies

Athletics in April

April's featured athlete: Scott Jurek