I start early and I stay late, day after day, year after year… It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success. -Lionel Messi
What we see as an overnight success is actually the up-all-night success, which takes countless sacrifices and depressing nights. Which we usually miss out on.
Therefore, to take you deeper into the lives of sportsmen, I have shortlisted the 15 best sports books of all time which inspires us to give our best in our respective fields.
SHOE DOG by Phil Knight:
From the creator of the most prestigious sports brand Nike, this book has everything you need to know about Phil Knight, and how Knight went on to sell his Nike shoes from the back of his car to be the brand that revolutionized the sports we see today.
THE MAMBA MENTALITY by Kobe Bryant:
Whether you are a die-hard fan of basketball or not, this book will teach you “The Mamba Mentality” or the mindset behind the greatest of all time Kobe Bryant. Kobe explains his role in the game and how he approaches it with this robust mindset.
TIGER WOODS by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian:
It’s the untold story of one of the greatest golfers that ever lived, Tiger Woods. Take a deep dive into the life of a boy who despite having all odds against him, defied to succumb and went on to become the greatest American golfer.
BORN TO RUN by Christopher McDougall:
On his quest to find an answer for why his foot was hurting, McDougall discovered an entirely new way of running from the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico’s Copper Canyon. For all the passionate runners out there, this is a must-read.
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE by Lance Armstrong:
Lance Armstrong, one of the most controversial athletes in American history, through this book tries to tell every bit of his life. This book has the scandal, cancer, cycling battles, early racing career, and everything else you want to know about Lance.
ALI: A LIFE by Jonathan Eig:
Jonathan Eig, one of the greatest American storytellers, pens down an amazing biography of the most iconic figure of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali. This book will portray a whole new picture of Ali like never before.
OPEN by Andre Agassi:
It’s an autobiography of a tennis player who stayed at the top of all charts for almost 15 years. Andre Agassi’s life was full of ups and downs, which he sailed fantastically through determination and passion for the game.
LEADING by Alex Ferguson:
Teams often play at their best when they are backed by great coaches and leaders. Sir Alex Ferguson was one of the most revered coaches and leaders in the world of sports. This book will give you leadership lessons most pragmatically and unconventionally.
BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE by Aron Ralston:
Trapped under the canyons of Utah, a climber had to cut off his arm when it got stuck under a rock. Yes! It’s the true story of Aron Ralston and the basis of the film 127 hours. A book to understand what we are capable of when we are in extreme conditions.
PLAYING IT MY WAY by Sachin Tendulkar:
This book depicts how in a country where cricket is a religion, a boy from a middle-class family, with his hard work and passion went on to become the god of cricket. It's none other than Sachin Tendulkar, the most successful and humble cricket player the country ever had.
THE CHAMPIONS MIND by Jim Affremow:
Ever thought why even among the top athletes, some stand out and outshine the rest of them? Well, it's their mindset and not just raw talent. It’s the mental game that matters most. This is being explained by Jim, a psychologist and mental trainer of many great sportspersons.
THE JORDAN RULES by Sam Smith:
We all have heard about “the” Michael Jordan. But this time Sam Smith tries to provide a candid picture of the most turbulent season in Michael’s life. The season where his legacy was being questioned. When the other side of Michael’s life was revealed.
UNDISPUTED TRUTH by Mike Tyson:
Mike Tyson is a legend, who has tasted both the highs and lows with the same sincerity, brazen manner. With this memoir Mike has covered every aspect of his life from the streets of Brooklyn to worldwide fame to infamy, this book has it all.
MONEYBALL by Michael Lewis:
It’s a story of Billy Beane, a baseball coach, who used unconventional methods to pick his playing 11. These methods gave his team, Oakland Athletics a 20 game long winning streak. This book inspired front offices across the MLB and beyond to rethink their approach to assembling their teams.
MICHAEL PHELPS: BENEATH THE SURFACE by Michael Phelps:
Michael Phelps is the man who does not need an introduction. Eight Olympic medals, including six gold and two bronze. Despite his fame in the pool, his story is not a swimming diary but a story of confronting fears and rising above your limits.