Anthony~ The Antithesis of Lockdown- Sport

The antithesis of lockdown. That is what I would describe what sport is for me in the last year or so; where people come together, stay healthy and have fun with their families and friends to watch, play and is a release from the stresses of life. We have now have plenty of sport to look forward to this year. With the games, the teams, and the individuals we watch, there is so much more to their stories and if you are interested in a more in-depth discovery of their lives; I have some great recommendations here.

The Mindset

I thought I would start with the Olympics which is happening, fingers crossed, in Japan this year. An exciting new book is Alistair Brownlee’s Relentless: Secrets of the Sporting Elite. After four years of interviewing with some of the sporting greats from various different sports, Michael Johnston, Adam Peaty, Sir Alistair Cook, and many others, in his quest to discover what it takes to become and remain – a champion. Understanding the mindset of an elite sportsperson has always been an interest for me and this one I will definitely be adding to my to-be-read pile.

Discover Courage

Though I do not watch or play Rugby League, one story caught my eye over the last couple of years. It is the story of Rob Burrow, the former Leeds Rhino player who at the age of 37 was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. I saw a BBC news programme about him, I saw the cruelty of the disease and its effects within a year of his last game but also, and more importantly, a man who is courageous, inspirational, and has unbelievable optimism. His memoir, Too Many Reasons to Live will not just appeal to sports fans but anybody interested in what it means to live.

Be inspired

The English summer and Tennis go hand in hand so couldn’t write this and not mention the autobiography, All In by Billy Jean King. She is one of the greats of the game, an iconic sportswoman that has strived for brilliance in her profession, unwavering activism, and continuous commitment to fairness and social justice. I shamefully don’t know enough about her but I feel this book would be a great place to start. I am excited to explore the story behind this great icon.

The Team and The Individual

Cricket is one of my great passions and with the India Test Series, the new competition, The Hundred and the Ashes series, I am really excited. Mike Brearley’s Spirit of Cricket: Reflections on Play and Life would be a great place to start when it comes to cricket. Mike Brearley, to some, is considered one of England’s greatest ever Captains. His book is a fascinating read and insight into cricket and life.

Possibility

And last but not least, the football. The Euro Championship has been a huge success and refreshing. I can recommend Gareth Southgate’s Anything is Possible: Inspirational Lessons by the England Manager. Written for anyone from 12-year-olds and upwards. This is about being brave and that if you put your heart into something then anything is possible as it says on the cover. As that is coming from the Architect of England’s route to their first European final ever it would be a worthwhile read.

There are many wonderful books in our sports section on this website for you to explore from Tour de France to horseracing to the Lions Rugby and many others.

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