Inspired by the Olympics
Date Added: 05/08/2021
Whether the Olympics inspires you to exercise more, or to take up a new sport, or if the background to other people's achievements interests you, we have the book for you!
Click on any title, to link to our catalogue. Reserve the title (no charge) with your library card number and pin, to collect at the library of your choice.
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2021 Toyko stars
Inevitably, it takes the publishing world a while to catch up with sports personalities suddenly raised in the public awareness. However, there are biographies / autobiographies of some of the established Tokyo competitors.
Charlotte DuJardin - The autobiography of this 6 times Olympic medal holder - the latest being 2 x bronze in the team dressage and individual dressage in Tokyo - tells her story from childhood, together with that of her now retired horse, Valegro.
Laura and Jason Kenny - This is the story of velodrome cyclists Laura and Jason Kenny and their journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Geraint Thomas - Whilst Tokyo was not to be a medal-winning Olympics for road cyclist Geraint Thomas, this is a great read about some of his favourite climbs and experiences.
Ben Ryan - Read the story of the Rio gold winning - and now Tokyo gold winning - rugby sevens team from Fiji, as told by coach Ben Ryan from 2013-16. This won the Telegraph sports book of the year in 2019.
Judy Murray's book tells the story of Olympic sons Andy and Jamie, as well as her own experiences, as the first woman to pass the Lawn Tennis Association's Performance Coach award and as captain of the Great Britain Federation Cup.
Yusra Mardini escaped from civil war in Syria in 2015 and within a year, competed as a swimmer in the first IOC Refugee Olympic Team at Rio 2016. Yusra is one of 29 refugee athletes selected to compete at the Tokyo games and a film based on her life and that of her sister called The Swimmers is due out on Netflix in 2022.
And the publishing world has obviously been betting on a few medals to spike interest in new titles for the Autumn. Watch out for Tom Daley's Coming up for Air: what I learnt from Sport, Fame and Fatherhood and for Adam Peaty's Gladiator Mindset.
Inspired to take up a sport?
The triathlon of swimming, cycling and running has been an Olympic sport since 2000 and has gained in popularity, with events in Bedfordshire and throughout the UK. This book is by Olympic coach James Beckinsale.
And this is one person's triathlon story - the BBC Breakfast presenter, Louise Minchin.
This 'how to' guide on Kayaking, Canoeing and Swimming, covers techniques, equipment and locations is among books - stories of experiences and instructional guides - on water sports and swimming.
Inspired to exercise?
The Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock is a great inspiration for us all to get fit, with his book of workouts and recipes.
We have many books on exercise and fitness, with some targeted on specific types of exercise, for men or women, or targeted at specific groups, such as older people or for during pregnancy. Amongst these are books by Olympians Kelly Holmes and Tom Daley.
E-magazines
Our E-Magazines Service - Libby has magazines on many Olympic sports.
Hate won't win
Why We Kneel, How We Rise - Amidst enjoying the Olympics, this book provides a reminder of the ongoing racism in sport. The author is a Jamaican born cricketer and Sky Sports commentator who has spear-headed a campaign against racism. This book tells of his experiences as well as those of sports legends including Usain Bolt. He explores racism through the prism of sport.