Podium What Shapes a Sporting Champion?

Paperback (19 Jun 2014)

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Publisher's Synopsis

What does it really take to make the podium? Which of the biological, environmental and psychological factors really shape a champion's route to the top? To answer these questions, Ben Oakley has taken the original step of combining existing research with a study of leading athletes' autobiographies. Looking at the early histories and initial challenges of serial champions in their own words, Podium sheds new light on their commonalities. A similar focus in training, similar influences around them and, above all, similar mental attributes are revealed - and tales of individual brilliance are given a fresh twist. From Ian Thorpe, Usain Bolt and Chrissie Wellington to Victoria Pendleton, Lionel Messi and Roger Federer, all we see is a smooth progression to glory, but each is a rocky path punctuated by critical episodes, and it is the response to these events that can transform talented people into winners. Podium is fascinating reading for anyone interested in the big names at the peak of their respective sports, and essential for coaches or parents of the next budding star. This enthralling read will enrich your interpretation of champions' lives and provide a map of the complex paths through sport to the podium.

Book information

ISBN: 9781472902160
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)
Imprint: Bloomsbury Sport
Pub date:
DEWEY: 796.019
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: vi, 264
Weight: 416g
Height: 155mm
Width: 234mm
Spine width: 21mm