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Endurance
Paperback
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- Book Synopsis
- SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR The story of the greatest long-distance athlete in history - a tale of running, redemption and political exile. In the summer of 1952 Emil Zátopek became the king of the running world with an unprecedented distance treble at the Olympic Games in Helsinki. Together with his wife Dana, who won another gold medal in the javelin, they were the embodiment of sporting romance. Born on the same day, they were champions on the same day too. Yet in 1968 this affable but eccentric Czech soldier was betrayed by his Communist paymasters and cast out into wilderness. Hidden from world view, monitored by the secret police and forced to live in a caravan in mining country, he became the invisible hero. Endurance is the first biography to document the remarkable rise, fall and rehabilitation of a man voted the 'greatest runner of all time' by Runner's World. It is also the story of a golden age of sport played out against a backdrop of Cold War politics and paranoia. From the London Olympics of 1948 to Czech concentration camps, this is an uplifting and harrowing story of survival. As Emil rises to global fame, his old coach is locked up and tortured by StB henchmen. Their diverging paths expose the fickleness of popularity and eventually cross again when Zátopek's world is torn asunder. All both men can do is endure. Due to extensive access to those involved, including Dana herself, Broadbent has written a vivid history involving blood and guns and a love that survived the cruellest twists of fate. From heady nights at White City to the brave resistance during the Prague Spring, this is a book that plants the son of a carpenter at the very centre of a revolution. Whether talking to his rivals on the track or Red Army troops as tanks roll into Prague, Zátopek's humanity shines through and carries all.
- About The Author
- Rick Broadbent is an award-winning journalist and author. He has worked at The Times for 10 years and has written nine books. His previous titles on motorcycle racing include That Near-Death Thing, winner at the British Sports Book Awards 2013 and shortlisted for the William Hill prize, and Ring of Fire, also shortlisted for the William Hill Prize. He was shortlisted for the William Hill prize for third time in 2016 for Endurance: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Emil Zátopek
- Product Details
-
- ISBN
- 9781472920232
- Format
- Paperback
- Publisher
- Wisden, (20 April 2017)
- Number of Pages
- 320
- Weight
- 288 grams
- Language
- English
- Dimensions
- 196 x 130 x 22 mm
- Series:
- See all books in this series
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