Autobiographies from top-class sportspeople give us a great insight into what it is like experiencing the highs and lows of professional sport.
Some of the best stars from around the whole have excelled under extreme pressure, while others have suffered unimaginable torment.
If you are looking for a book to read right now, here are three sportspeople who have had great careers with some fantastic tales to tell.
Frankie: The Autobiography of Frankie Dettori
Flat jockey Frankie Dettori is a household name in the UK. The flamboyant rider appeared in the 11th series of Big Brother which helped us to see what the Italian is like outside of horse racing.
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Dettori has had great success in the saddle since moving to the UK in 1985. The two-time Derby-winning jockey is widely considered to be one of the best horsemen of his generation.
This autobiography looks at how daunting it was for Dettori leaving his family behind to move to the UK at the age of 14.
Dettori once rode seven winners in one day at Ascot on British Champions Day. He discusses in some great detail how the afternoon, which changed his life, transpired.
Behind The Mask: Tyson Fury
Tyson Fury has spoken very candidly about his mental health struggles since he won the championship in 2015, beating Wladimir Klitschko in Germany.
His latest autobiography documents how he overcame that depression to return to the sport and give others hope inside and outside of boxing.
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Fury has since gone on to become a world champion for a second time in his career. He is set to meet Deontay Wilder for a rematch later in 2020 where he is 2/7 in the betting to win that fight.
The boxer, who is nicknamed the ‘Gypsy King’, reveals how he got into boxing, how he knew he would be champion of the world from a very young age and how family is important to him.
This book has struck a chord with so many people so prepare to be inspired to take up exercising once you have read it.
KP: The Autobiography
Kevin Pietersen was part of a golden generation for English cricket as he helped England claim the Ashes against their rivals Australia in 2005.
KP is arguably the most gifted batsman to ever play for England. Unfortunately for Pietersen, and many supporters of the national team, it all ended on bad terms as he was ousted from the team due to disciplinary problems.
In his autobiography, KP gives his side of the story. He explains where the divisions were in the England side and why he did not get on with certain players.
Pietersen had a fantastic career at domestic and international level. He documents his path from growing up in South Africa to playing on the biggest stage of them all in the sport.
If you’re looking for insight into the lives of some of the most influential sportspeople around, these three autobiographies are certainly a great place to start.
