The story chronicles the rise and fall of Oscar Pistorius, the groundbreaking amputee runner who made history at the 2012 Olympics. His heroic status was shattered on Valentine's Day 2013 when he shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The subsequent murder trial captivated a global audience, culminating in his conviction for culpable homicide after a seven-month legal battle. The book explores themes of fame, tragedy, and the complexities of justice in the public eye.
Carlin pens this thrilling, inspiring account of one of the greatest charm offensives in history--Nelson Mandela's decade-long campaign to unite his country, beginning in his jail cell and ending with a rugby tournament.
This tribute offers an intimate look at Nelson Mandela through the eyes of a seasoned South African correspondent who has covered his life since the 1990s. The author, known for the bestseller Playing the Enemy, shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting Mandela's impact and legacy as an iconic figure. This work not only celebrates Mandela's achievements but also reflects on the broader themes of resilience and reconciliation in South Africa's history.
Documents the anti-apartheid advocate's ten-year effort to unite his country, during which he worked with proponents of apartheid from his jail cell, won the presidency, and helped South Africa's national rugby team host the World Cup as part of a unifying campaign.
What makes a champion? Rafael Nadal has the answers in his memoir, co-written with journalist John Carlin. He shares the secrets of his game and the inspiring story behind his success, starting in Mallorca, where his family has deep roots. Coached by his uncle Toni since age four and instilled with humility by his parents, Nadal has achieved global celebrity while remaining a gracious role model. He takes readers behind the scenes, recounting moments from his career, including the 2008 Wimbledon final, hailed by John McEnroe as "the greatest game of tennis" he had ever seen, alongside the personal struggles he faced in 2009 and the injuries that threatened his journey. With candor, Nadal narrates his dramatic and triumphant path, emphasizing the importance of family unity and love. He reflects on the mental battles during matches, where controlling vulnerabilities can lead to victory. Despite the talent gap with rivals like Federer, Nadal believed that silencing doubts and fears could tilt the odds in his favor. He describes the need to don protective armor, becoming a "bloodless warrior," engaging in a serious game of self-hypnosis to mask weaknesses from himself and his opponents.
En 1985, cuando Nelson Mandela llevaba veintitrés años en prisión, se propuso conquistar a sus enemigos, los más fervientes defensores del apartheid. Así obtuvo su libertad y consiguió convertirse en presidente. Pero la inestabilidad de un país dividido por cincuenta años de odio racial cristalizó en la amenaza de una guerra civil. Mandela comprendió que tenía que conseguir la unión de blancos y negros de forma espontánea y emocional, y vio con claridad que el deporte era una estrategia extraordinaria para lograrlo. John Carlin ha descubierto el factor humano que hizo posible un milagro: la capacidad innata de Mandela para seducir al oponente y su tenaz deliberación de utilizar el mundial de rugby de 1995 para sellar la paz y cambiar el curso de la Historia. La final de aquel mundial culminó con la victoria sudafricana en el último minuto, y fundió en un abrazo a negros y blancos en el ejemplo más inspirador que ha visto la humanidad. Carlin, cuya labor como corresponsal en Sudáfrica ha sido calificada por Mandela como «absolutamente magnífica », ofrece un apasionante relato en la voz de un grupo de personajes que vivieron esta gran historia que la Warner Bros no ha dudado en llevar al cine bajo la dirección de Clint Eastwood, y la interpretación de Morgan Freeman y Matt Damon. «En sus manos, existe la posibilidad de que la película haga justicia a la historia, pero no esperéis a la película», The New York Times.
Nach dem Tennis-Olymp erobert er jetzt auch die Bestsellerlisten Rafael Nadal ist der ungekrönte König des Sandplatztennis und einer der wenigen Tennisspieler, die alle vier Grand-Slam-Turniere gewannen. In seiner Autobiografie enthüllt der bedeutendste Tennisspieler seiner Generation, was ihn zum Champion werden ließ. Von seiner Kindheit auf Mallorca über die Zeit als vielversprechendes Nachwuchstalent bis zum denkwürdigen Wimbledon-Sieg 2008, den John McEnroe als »das größte Tennismatch, das je gespielt wurde« bezeichnete. Dieses Buch liefert Einblicke in das Innenleben einer faszinierenden Sportlerpersönlichkeit und einen Blick hinter die Kulissen des internationalen Tenniszirkus.
