Why read Why Die? The Extraordinary Percy Cerutty 'Maker of Champions'?

Book cover of Why Die? The Extraordinary Percy Cerutty 'Maker of Champions'

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This is the definitive biography of Australia's most enigmatic, pioneering and controversial athletics coach - best remembered as coach of John Landy in his quest to break the four-minute mile, and of Herb Elliot in preparation for the 1960 Rome Olympics.

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Why read it?

1 author picked Why Die? The Extraordinary Percy Cerutty 'Maker of Champions' as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Sam Murphy

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The title of this biography about the Australian maverick running coach (one Cerutty had originally planned for a book he never wrote) speaks volumes.

After decades of ill health, Cerutty defied medical expectations by transforming himself into a remarkable physical specimen in his mid-40s through diet and exercise. He applied his unorthodox ideas about running (heavy weights, galloping, sand dune running, spear-carrying, and a mainly vegetarian wholegrain diet) to those he coached – leading Herb Elliot to Olympic gold in the 1960 1500 metres.

Cerutty was a colourful, controversial character and Sims’ book is a gripping read. But what I…

From Sam's list on The best books that challenge the status quo about how to run.