26.2

by John Bryant

This is the thrilling account of the heroism, ambition, and scandal of three remarkable men whose actions at the 1908 Olympics overshadowed the first London Games. Diminutive Italian Dorando Pietri fell five times, and was practically carried across the finish line. Scottish sprinter Wyndham Halswelle and American competitor Johnny Hayes were drawn into a dispute between the United States and the British Empire about sporting superiority, which spilled over into politics, lifestyle, and ethics, with allegations regarding cheating, drug-taking, and professionalism. John Bryant delves into the lives of these three extraordinary men in a tale that stretches from rural Italy to the battlefields of the Boer War and beyond to explore the foundations of the modern sporting and marathon movement.

332 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Reviews

[Chalky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just started reading this.

Getting me in the mood for taking 2014 marathons a bit more seriously, I hope, than this year.

2 weeks to go to hear about my entry into the Tokyo Marathon ( via lottery) and about the same time for the 2013 Maui Marathon to be run by folks other than me. These are my two "dream marathons" of 2014.

This fortnight s goal ... Finish the book around the Tokyo announcement.

The book? So far, well researched, well written and very strong on personal interest.

Worth reading for runners.