If you’re looking for some sporting inspiration over the Christmas holidays, or even a gift idea for that sporty friend, our PE Department have come to the rescue with a fantastic list of their own favourite sports books. Maybe one or two of these will make it into your own Christmas wish lists!

Miss Nicholas

‘Legacy’ by James Kerr. This book explores the workings of the world’s most successful sporting team, the legendary All Blacks of New Zealand, to reveal 15 powerful and practical lessons for leadership, sport and business. A great read and any athlete, no matter your sport or level, can take something from it! 

Miss Newman

’21 Yaks and a Speedo: How to Achieve Your Impossible’ by Lewis Pugh. The journey in extreme marathon open water swimming and making the world aware of climate change, this book is one about how sometimes things don’t always go according to plan but perseverance and sticking to what you want to achieve is effective. Not only a book for swimmers, but for those who are facing adversities in life. 

Miss Munro-Hall

‘The Hard Way: Adapt, Survive and Win’ by Mark Billingham. This book is for anyone who seeks to better themselves, in all aspects of their life. The skills he has learned through his military career can be adapted to sport and your mindset towards your goals. I would recommend Sixth Form and older to read this, as there is some mature content.

Miss Dunkley

‘Netball Heroes’ by Liz Ellis. A great book that looks at 30 of the greatest netballers, their lives, the hardships they went through and the inside stories of how they achieved greatness. I would recommend this to any netballer – a good read and some inspiring stories.

Miss Greenslade

‘Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still’ by Karlin Gray. About a young girl who made history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments. It is an inspirational story of determination and overcoming adversity. This is a must-read book. 

Miss Newman

‘Harry’s Artic Heroes: Walking with the Wounded on the Expedition of a Lifetime’ by Mark McCum. In April 2011, four soldiers – each a veteran of recent conflicts, who suffered devastating injuries in the line of duty – set out on an extraordinary challenge: a two-hundred mile trek, unsupported, to the North Pole. They returned with a story that proves that the strength of the mind can be every bit as powerful as the strength of your body. It is a truly inspirational story. 

Miss Douglas-White

 ‘Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina’ by Misty Copeland. Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history. I have found her story so interesting especially as ballet dancing is such a difficult dance form to get into professionally. 

Miss Newman

‘Bounce: The myth of talent and the power of practice’ by Matthew Syed. This fascinating book looks at the latest in neuroscience and psychology to uncover the secrets of our top athletes, tries to explain whether talent is more important than practice, and discusses drugs in sport (and life). I would recommend this to any athlete.

Happy reading!