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

Author

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 challenge the status quo about how to run.