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.
* Revelatory memoir from the greatest sportsman in the world today. * Fascinating insight into the making of a champion. * First ever look into the life of a charismatic yet intensely private man.
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.
What makes a champion? What does it take to be the best in the world at your sport? Rafael Nadal has the answers. In his memoir, written with award-winning journalist John Carlin, he reveals the secrets of his game and shares the inspiring personal story behind his success. It begins in Mallorca, where the tight-knit Nadal family has lived for generations. Coached by his uncle Toni from the age of four and taught humility and respect by his parents, Nadal has managed the uncommon feat of becoming an acclaimed global celebrity while remaining a gracious, hardworking role model for people in all walks of life. Now he takes us behind the scenes, from winning the Wimbledon 2008 final-described by John McEnroe as "the greatest game of tennis" he had ever seen-to the family problems that brought him low in 2009 and the numerous injuries that have threatened his career. With candor and intelligence, Nadal brings readers on his dramatic and triumphant journey, never losing sight of the prize he values above all others: the unity and love of his family. From RAFA: "During a match, you are in a permanent battle to fight back your everyday vulnerabilities, bottle up your human feelings. The more bottled up they are, the greater your chances of winning, so long as you've trained as hard as you play and the gap in talent is not too wide between you and your rival. The gap in talent with Federer existed, but it was not impossibly wide. It was narrow enough, even on his favorite surface in the tournament he played best, for me to know that if I silenced the doubts and fears, and exaggerated hopes, inside my head better than he did, I could beat him. You have to cage yourself in protective armor, turn yourself into a bloodless warrior. It's a kind of self-hypnosis, a game you play, with deadly seriousness, to disguise your own weaknesses from yourself, as well as from your rival."
