“You’re booked” is a series of recommended sporting reads by international sports commentator, Ashley Morrison. An avid book reader and sports lover, these reads are curated from his personal collection of over 1500 sports books.
Emil Zatopek is without doubt one of the all time great long distance runners. The title of this book comes from the words he apparently said to his fellow competitors on the start line of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics Marathon. Zatopeck was not only a great athlete, but even at the height of his fame was generous, never lost his sense of humour or his human touch. Regrettably he did become embroiled in the politics of his country and this is dealt with sensitively by the author.
“He didn’t really have a choice. He had made a public vow: ‘I will focus my training and performance for the Olympic Games in Helsinki to win two gold medals for our People’s Democratic Republic.’ Such undertakings were not to be made lightly. It was part of Stalinist philosophy of of sport that underachievers should face dire consequences. ”
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