Last Man Standing

by Steven Bradbury, Gary Smart

Speed skater Steven Bradbury collected perhaps the most unlikely, unthinkable gold medalin the history of the Olympics. His last-to- first roll to gold at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games captured the imagination of millions of people around the world. In crisp and colourful prose, Smart has captured Bradbury's larrikin life.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

199 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was all that I wanted it to be. I was lucky enough to have the first few chapters read out loud to me by a selection of different readers to fully embrace its glory. “That’s short track” “The Bradbury Push” and the final few lines were memorable. I enjoyed the build up to the big race and the excitement. Excuse me whilst I go and watch reruns of speed skating races.

p.s. Congratz Steve on your recent bravery award.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nerves were always a pretty good barometer as to how I was going to race. Obviously there were many influencing factors but butterflies in the tummy were a good sign. They told me I was edgy, ready to spring into action. When they weren't there, I was worried. It meant that my head wasn't in the right place.

"I had none of these concerns in Salt Lake City on the night of February 13, 2002. As I stood on the starting line for the heat of my pet event, the 1000 metres, I was exceptionally nervy. It was my first skate in my last Olympic Games. I had endured four long, difficult and at times agonising years to get here, and in the back of my mind was the possibility that I could find myself in the zone during these Games and really turn on a show. I was tingling with anticipation." (p. 145, Chapter 17: The Lead-up to Gold)

I really believe the luck and the result came from all those years of having my strength and character tested to decide if I was worthy of such glory. On the outside I have always been humble about my victory. It was not my best performance but was the defining moment of my career. There will always be those that question it but inside I do not, it was reward for effort. (p. 161, Chapter 18: 2002 - Gold!)

[Bustagroovy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without knowing the full backstory it's easy to see Bradbury as just a tinarse who jagged a result on the day. But this book shows how much went into everything that brought him to that moment. I really enjoyed it, well done and congratulations on the gold!

[Andrew Mellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the all time where were you moments in Australian sport. But the story behind Steven Bradbury….. early success, Olympic Bronze in 1994, but also career/life threatening injury & setbacks…. Tells the complete story on why his 2002 Olympic Gold wasn’t a “pure” fluke…. And was reward for his years of dedication….

At the time some American fan yelled at him “Wipe that smile off your face, Bradbury, you don’t deserve shit.”

Booing and turmoil until a voice of reason…..Andrew McNee.

"I'll accept this gold medal. But not for the 90 seconds of the race - I'm going to take it for the 14 years of hard work."

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was riveted the whole way. what a crazy sport! i was so glad to read an athletes story where his parents and family life sound supportive and generally down to earth, where he had to work so so hard and overcome so many obstacles that most people would have given in 20 times over. I was glad to read that he found pride in his gold medal even after having trouble feeling deserving at the beginning. inspirational

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I raced through this biography. Steven Bradbury, the most unexpected gold medal in history. The “Bradbury Principle” popular in the finance industry- ‘hang in there, work hard, show determination to succeed, you will get your reward in the end.’ The race that held the world in awe, watch it again here.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fAADWfJ...

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Message of perseverance and humility.Awesome.

[Tammy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring...just gotta keep trying

[Chris Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, great insight into what lead up to the iconic moment. It might not be the most well-written book, but it’s still engaging enough, and worth a read for anyone interested in the Bradbury story. The best part of the book is probably the part when he embraces the full oral history technique, letting each of his fellow competitors from that final describe their take on the race.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about someone who worked hard and never gave up.