Jonny: My Autobiography

by Jonny Wilkinson

"Jonny Wilkinson's career has crossed three decades and four World Cups. He has accumulated phenomenal achievements, world points records, an impressive list of broken body parts, and a drop goal that will be remembered forever.

But the peculiar calmness with which he played the game masked a very different reality.

In Jonny, he reveals the extraordinary psychology that he had to tame in order to be able to dominate his sport. For most of his life, he was driven by a quest for perfection and an obsession to be the best player in the world; here he shows how these two facets of his competitive mind took such a hold of him that they sent him to the top of the world, then swept him up and dragged him down in a spiral of despair.

Jonny's career has spanned the far reaches: amazing high and iconic moments, then a fight against injury that culminated in a battle with depression.

Here he tells of the physical toll he knew his body was taking from rugby, even from his youth; he tells of how he never wanted to be a kicking fly-half but learnt to adapt his natural game to play the style that Clive Woodward believed necessary to win a World Cup, and how he nearly walked out on Martin Johnson's England team 13 years later.

Jonny is the unrelenting, brutally honest account of one of the most revered, successful and complex athletes ever to play rugby for England."

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Sports, Biography Memoir

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Former rugby union player for England, British & Irish Lions, Newcastle Falcons and Rugby Club Toulonnais.

Reviews

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilkinson is An absolute legend of the game. His biography tells a different story than most rugby books I have read. His insight on how he saw the game, and his thrive to deliver the best performance was very interesting.

[Jonny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a very, very casual rugby fan (in that I enjoy watching international games) but still enjoyed this a lot. It’s by far the most honest, self-aware description of what a drive for excellence at all costs involves that I’ve read, and is unsparing in describing when it crosses the line into mental illness. Jonny Wilkinson clearly never really figured out how to ‘manage’ his inner feelings and the costs that they had. The most interesting conclusion from this is probably how the final 2% which made him the best player of his type (at his peak) couldn’t have happened without that level of imbalance.

[Craig Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insight into near mental illness level of perfectionism

[Martin Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating window into the mind of an extremely driven sportsman.

From the opening chapters about his childhood the pain of failure is almost unbearable. It seems that Wilkinson was driven to succeed but was more driven by the fear of failure. What is clear is that Wilkinson never really managed to live in the movement. He was either dreading the match that was to come or regretfully scrutinising the match just gone. The old place he seemed to be able to find contentment was on the pitch when he was playing well. At one point in the book he even admits to making his warm-down last as long as possible so that he could make that match-moment last longer.

The career peak of winning the Rugby World Cup was followed by three years of injury, in which time his actual playing time could be measured by just a few hours. It seemed that Wilkinson's drivenness caused him to push himself so hard to get back to his former fitness that he kept pushing his body too far, too early.

This autobiography finishes with his retirement from international rugby. I would be interesting to know how the next phases of his life play out and to get his perspective on things from a later place in life.

[Stefano · Rating 3 out of 5]

More 3,5/5 really, but it doesn't hit the mark completely for me.
You can definitely tell this one is not ghostwritten and I'm afraid I mean it in a bad way: firstly, it's way too long with plenty of wordy anecdotes that become honestly weary (I'd say almost all chapters could have easily cut in half or so, avoiding passages that surely mean a lot in Jonny's mind, but not much in the reader's); secondly, the style is pretty poor and sometimes almost hard to follow. I found the lack of quotation marks particularly disturbing, especially for the amount of (mostly unnecessary) dialogue the book contains.
I was looking forward to learn more about a rugby legend and I definitely did, but I can't say I enjoyed the reading too much.

[Alan Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read from a clearly intelligent and self aware legend of the game. I did find the lengthy passages describing his inactivity after the 2003 World Cup wearing, purely in terms of the relentless sequence of injuries and extended periods of rehab. His obsession for perfection left you with the impression of someone with an introverted character (as also indicated by his pathological mistrust of the media). Ultimately however this helped him become arguably the best English player of his generation.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strikingly honest account. Well written. Eye opening. Jonny could not have told his story in any other way. As a rugby fan I loved it. As a kid going through a hard time whilst I was reading this, I could not have asked for a more understanding and empathetic read.

Loved.

[Gail Debono]

A great personal account. I'm astonished by how he remembers individual plays in individual games and recounts them. I had trouble remembering the end score of games he was describing in play by play at times! I gave it 4 stars and not 5 as all autobiographies must be given, because it was so frustrating for me to read that the man who is the greatest sporting figure of my time, has so much difficulty accepting that. Still, it made him who he is!

[Rosalie Lepage-Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

C’était le livre qu’il me fallait ! Étant atteinte d’une blessure qui m’a empêché de me préparer comme je l’envisageais en vue de ma saison de rugby, en plus de rater les premiers matchs de championnat, j’avais besoin d’un petit boost pour relativiser sur ma situation et voir positivement les choses. Mon kiné m’a prêté ce roman, et je suis extrêmement reconnaissante d’avoir pu découvrir l’histoire de Jonny.

Je connaissais le grand joueur qu’est Wilkinson, je savais que c’était également un des joueurs les plus travaillants du monde, mais je n’avais pas imaginé qu’il avait aussi pu douter et être parfois incertain concernant sa place en équipe d’Angleterre. Son côté très humain, sa résilience et sa vision du sport m’ont beaucoup inspiré.

Voici un extrait qui est très parlant :

«  Les gens se trompent en pensant que passer et plaquer sont les gestes fondamentaux du rugby. La vérité est que tout commence avec le désir de se livrer totalement, sans relâche. Cela fait longtemps que je sais que l’une de mes principales qualités n’a rien à voir avec plaquer ou taper, passer ou courir. C’est mon refus absolu d’abandonner. Il ne faut jamais arrêter de se battre pour la cause. »
Jonny Wilkinson

Je recommande ce livre pour tous les fans de rugby qui veulent connaître les coulisses de ce rugbyman hors normes, ou pour tous ceux qui aspirent à quelque chose de grand. Son éthique de travail est vraiment remarquable

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember exactly where I was when I heard England had won the 2003 World Cup; listening via radio and announcing/screaming the good news from my high school boarding room window to all who would hear! Ever since I've been an England rugby fan, and still have the shirt from the 2003 campaign to prove it. I've also over the years been a huge admirer of Jonny Wilkinson from afar. Jonny is legendary for his perfectionism and achievements on the pitch but unfortunately, equally legendary for the injuries he picked up after 2003. Seeing his ups and downs in his own words has only increased my appreciation for his drive for excellence as well as a new appreciation for what professional rugby players go through in times of injury and intense scrutiny.
The book also confirmed to me that Jonny and I do have the same personality and seeing how he tackled challenges was very helpful and insightful even though we are very different in nearly all other respects. It was also clear how much he achieved was a consequence of having a solid support system from a very early age and how aware he is of that. No man is an island and the book really is a testament to that old adage in these days of the 'self made man'
Reading this autobiography was such a treat and a highlight for my year.

[Jenwei Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A compelling insight into one of the most extraordinary sportsmen - extraordinary not just for his kicking or tackling but because of his obsessive drive. This book, better than any other I've read, shows us what goes on in a mind like his. Right from the start, through Wilkinson's childhood, you are already confronted with that need to be the best, and you're able to see the success it brings as well as the crippling disappointment that accompanies it. The only disappointment was that it stops at the end of the 2011 World Cup, and we aren't able to read about some of Wilkinson's best years, namely his success with Toulon. It would've been a fitting end to see him reflect on those happier years at the end of what was an incredibly tumultuous career. That however is no criticism on the book in any way - I can't fault when it was written! Ultimately a great book that I was sad to have finished.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much a book of two halves. A fantastic opening, with some great insight into a young Jonny, and the drive and support needed to make it as a professional athlete. However, post 'that drop goal', it really descends solely into a repetitive and depressing account of all of his injuries and subsequent rehab. Obviously this is his lived experience and reflects reality, but better editing would've really tightened up the whole thing - the writing started to feel very amateurish, and it also became impossible to track which season or 6N he was talking about.

I did also roll my eyes at the contrast of his indignant moral superiority when it came to the England team wrestling training (he came last) and his unshakeable belief in the validity of the team fitness tests (he came first) in the same breath. Long may his journey of self-awareness continue...

Worth a read, even 14 years post- publication.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this guy even more now. Knew he was a perfectionist but had no idea to what extreme. Amazing that he bounced back from so many potential career-threatening injuries. Really love his approach to the game and the amount he was prepared to get stuck in. An incredible role model. His modesty also struck me - he concentrates more on his mistakes and bad games than he does on his achievements, but I guess that is also the perfectionist coming through. That said, if you based your perception of him solely on his own prose, the stats at the end are not consistent at all with the impression he leaves! Also a good book for understanding the negative role the press can have on sports men and women.

[Günter Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd always known what a great athlete and team player Jonny Wilkonson was, but this book just provides so much more insight into how amazing the man is. One of the cover notes says "searingly honest" and it is. From his pre-game nerves to the pressure he put on himself to perform. In addition, it is a chronicle of rugby in the 1990s and 2000s, the highs of the 2003 World Cup and the lows of the 2007 World Cup. A fantastic read!

[Paul Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, notwithstanding that it is about rugby. Not quite as good as Agassi's "Open", but similar for being open and an insight into the level of single-minded obsession required for sporting excellence. Always finishes practice with ten conversions from the sideline in a row. If he misses the ninth, he starts over.

[Barry Beaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best rugby bio I've read

Given my that this is the third of the World Cup winners bio's I've read this is by far the best read. Not a bad rugby book it is better as a real story of obsession and desire.
The difference between this and the All Blacks story is that this is an individual quest for perfection. Would thoroughly recommend for all those who believe they have OCD...

[Enda Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent insight into one of the greats. It is a pity the media seemed hell vent on destroying his career but I guess thats what sells papers. However Jonny always was and will be loved by all rugby. I think an updated version of this book should be realeased to cover his success at Toulon which is probably one of his greatest achievments.

[Chloe Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Could not put it down! Very interesting and insightful look into one of the world's best players as well as how the sport and concept of competition can affect people in both positive and negative ways. Jonny is an absolute legend and I hold nothing but respect and admiration for him! What a talent and what a man.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.
Great surprising read.
Not just a great kicker, also very engaging, interesting , captivating at times.
Wont forget that famous kick in the WC final!
Inspirational leader leading by example.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible insight into the life of a world class athlete.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Nick Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, even if Jonny's paranoia and self-doubt are both surprising and wearing in their relentlessness.

[David Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of England’s greatest players but this honest autobiography doesn’t capture much joy in the life of a rugby player. Obsessive training, major injuries and more lows than highs.

[Izobelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

[Henri Dequenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

incroyable. le mec est fou mais fabuleux

[Pat Younge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real insight into one of the truly remarkable sportsmen this country has produced.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, but as with other reviewers Jonny is one of my favorite Rugby players, ever, so my review may also be a bit askew. The book is terribly honest which goes both ways, it goes from quite hilarious to really sad, over and over again, in no particular order. I both languished with his falls, and his many injuries, and yet rose with the many triumphs, from World cup glory 2003, (to which I also own a copy of the World Cup dvd, which is glorious indeed and well worth watching or even owning) to his very joyous satisfaction and success with Toulon.

I particularly like the way that it ended, not the 2011 world cup loss which I languished over as it happened, but that Jonny finally seemed to be happy with his life and to have accomplished enough to simply enjoy what he does. Then to end with a lot of pictures with little tidbits of stories of all the people you have been reading about, I thought was a wonderful addition to make it a bit more personal after so much struggle to simply enjoy life for what it is and what it brings. It is an uplifting ending for what seems a genuinely good bloke to use a good English, (that is British) colloquial phrase.

This will not be a book for everyone, but if you are a Rugby fan and wish to read about some of the back ground stuff to the sport, and one of the greatest fly half's ever, then I think it is certainly worth a read, and you may even find a few laughs along the way.

Thank you Jonny for your life on record to read and learn from, as much as you may from such a book, I do truly appreciate it.

[Steve Horsfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to get an insight into one of England's greatest ever sport stars. This is a journey from the school playing fields to international icon, mirrored by the style of writing in recalling the defining moments that moulded Jonny as a talented teenager to a rapid ascent to the England squad and then to the ultimate glory of winning the Rugby World Cup. The shy dedicated kid thrown into the spotlight and out of his comfort zone. The story is very much about Rugby and how Jonny viewed those around him and how he dealt with the injuries. Unlike other Rugby Biogs, there's no `Baggage' with Jonny and so this is one for the Rugby purist - any anecdotes come from other players & the best ones from Austin Healey ribbing a young Jonny when he joined the England squad - jokes about homework & winning a competition to be with the England squad for a day. I enjoyed the book as a Jonny fan, eternally grateful for that moment of magic at Sydney's Telstra Stadium on November 22nd 2003.

[Thomas Foster Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of these best sporting autobiographies I've read.

Raw and honest, his pursuit of perfection and the mental and physical demands it placed on him are candidly given.

The physical cost of rugby at this level and the way he copes and battles with injury is incredible, but it's probably the mental battles which are most revelatory.

From his boyhood goal to be the best rugby player in the world to the final testimonies of world class players giving him exactly that accolade. Incredible.