Triathlon Blogger and 4Performance coached athlete Lucy has rounded up 4 of the best triathlon books to inspire you to get out and train.
Reading inspirational stories of athletes who have overcome adversity never fails to boost my motivation. These books prove that anything is possible and everyone is capable of completing a triathlon, no matter their circumstances.
From Blind Man to Ironman by Haseeb Ahmad
From Blind Man to Ironman is the story of Haseeb Ahmad who overcame his blindness to set the World Record for the fastest Blind Ironman Triathlon. Haseeb began losing his eyesight at 10 years old and by the age of 20, he was completely blind and faced an uncertain future. Remaining positive and resilient, Haseeb faced every challenge head-on and went to university, got married and began a successful career. He discovered a love of triathlon and went on to qualify for the GB Paratriathlon squad, earning medals at national and international competitions before breaking the world Blind Ironman record.
Hollie’s Road to Kona by Hollie Cradduck
Crossing the finish line at Ironman Wales was supposed to be the happiest moment of Hollie’s life, instead, she received the news that her 19-year old niece Rosie had tragically died of an epileptic seizure whilst supporting at the race. Instantly Hollie’s euphoria was replaced with grief and her life was turned upside down. The death devastates the entire family, but Hollie decides to channel her grief into a new challenge- she makes it her mission to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii to honour Rosie’s legacy. Her heartbreaking and brutally honest story involves the breakdown of her relationship, a move to Lanzarote, the loss of another family member and a battle against depression. Hollie delivers on her promise to Rosie and achieves the elusive qualifying slot for Kona- the impossible dream became possible.
Transplant Triathlete by Diccon Driver
Transplant Triathlete tells the story of Diccon Driver after he is diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, a condition where antibodies attack the kidneys. His reaction to his diagnosis is to ensure that he stays as fit as possible and so on a whim, he enters the London Triathlon. Diccon progresses on to complete multiple other triathlons and finds that focusing on his training helps him to cope with his kidney disease. Diccon’s symptoms become progressively worse as his kidneys deteriorate but he is determined not to let his condition get the better of him. Doctors tell him that completing an Ironman triathlon in his condition is impossible, but he proves them wrong by finishing the Outlaw with just 20% kidney function. Shortly after his race, he goes onto dialysis as the disease has caused his kidneys to fail completely. Diccon’s brother steps forward as a donor and the transplant goes ahead, giving Diccon back his quality of life.
The Butterfly Within by Rachel Bown
The Butterfly Within is written in a diary format throughout a year of triathlete Rachels Bown’s life as she battles against a brain tumour. After noticing a change in her eyesight and a series of headaches, Rachel is diagnosed with a brain tumour which is pressing on the nerve which controls her right eye. Following a 6 month wait, she undergoes a complicated 12-hour operation to remove the tumour. Despite initially making a quick recovery, she is soon back in hospital as she has developed a life-threatening infection and needs further surgery. Rachel’s story is written with humour and honesty, throughout the darkest times she remains positive and grateful. Just a year on from her diagnosis, Rachel is back to health and achieves her goal of representing Great Britain at the European Sprint Triathlon Championships.