A really well written, descriptive, emotional rollercoaster revealing the highs and lows of a rowing crew's journey towards, and dramatic winning of, an Olympic gold medal in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Ben Hunt-Davis tells the story of his own feelings ranging from despair to jubilation as the crew fails to live up to their own potential, suffers numerous setbacks, achieves encouraging training and racing results, and ultimately executes their high-risk race strategy to perfection when it really matters - in the Olympic final.
Ben's style of writing puts you in the boat with him, experiencing the concentration and commitment and pain that makes international-standard rowing look so ridiculously easy to the outside observer, but which demands superhuman training, dedication and sacrifices.
The book is written as both a sportsman's autobiography and as a businessman's motivational aid - and works brilliantly on both counts. Rowers will love the tantalizing glimpses into the coaching psychology of Harry Mahon and Martin McElroy, and the fascinating comparisons with other written accounts of international rowing from Redgrave, Pinsent and Foster from the Sydney coxless four. Businesses and anyone looking for 'How to Succeed in Life' tips will simply find the book inspirational.
If you are thinking of buying this book; don't think about it - just do it!