Unexpected: the Autobiography

by Greg Rutherford

Greg Rutherford is one of the most successful British athletes of all time, winning gold at European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic levels, an achievement matched by only four others: Linford Christie, Jonathan Edwards, Sally Gunnell and Daley Thompson. Yet Greg's route to the very top was never smooth. He always believed in himself as an athlete and sportsman, but for many years could not find an outlet that allowed him to truly excel. 
     During his reckless teenage years, he would sometimes sleep rough or indulge in dangerous games such as car surfing, before he found the focus that would help him to get to the very top. But even then, there were still setbacks, as when he fell short in the Beijing Olympics. It served only to spur him on. In London, he became a part of 'Super Saturday' when he joined Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis in winning gold in 45 astonishing minutes of British glory. Condemned by some as a 'lucky' winner, he went on to complete his clean sweep of major titles through sheer determination to succeed. In this long-awaited memoir, he not only reveals the secrets of his remarkable success, but also has plenty to say on the issues that are dominating athletics, such as doping, and much else besides. It is a raw, passionate, entertaining and fascinating read.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography

340 pages, Hardcover

Published November 3, 2016

Reviews

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d wanted to read this book for a while as Greg is local to me in Milton Keynes and athletics is my favourite sport. This was a really interesting read about his childhood, throughout his career and the challenges he faced not only in terms of injuries but also with other athletes and coaches / British athletics. Greg has morals and principles which he doesn’t back down on which is refreshing to read when there must be pressure to comply when you are a top athlete.

[Pamela Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe he could perform so well, when he consumed a lot of alcohol and junk food. A huge typo on page 6, when he said he weighed a whopping 9st 6lb when he was born - his poor mother! Should read 9lb 6oz surely?

[Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, such an honest recount of his childhood, his famous connections and sporting career! Fabulous will recommend

[Gillian Reeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kinda go in and out of liking autobiographies but a good read!

[Samantha (A Dream of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Greg's autobiography. I'm a big fan of his and it's incredible to see what he has achieved when you take into consideration the number of injuries he's had throughout his career. Hopefully he goes on to get that elusive long distance jump he's aiming for.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book it's so good to read someone's story I remember watching Greg win his gold medal at London and I was one of those people who helped him get to over 100 000 followers on Twitter Fabulous book amazing bloke xx