Whether you’re looking for personal motivation, insights into mental performance, or captivating tales from the lives of sports icons, we share our favourite sports books. We love these reads as they share invaluable lessons from the world of high performance and offer unique insights into perseverance, resilience, and mental toughness.

1. “What Sports Tells Us About Life” by Ed Smith

In What Sports Teaches Us About Life, Ed Smith, a former English cricketer, explores the profound impact sports can have on life beyond the field. Smith argues that sports offer more than just entertainment or competition—they are a mirror for the human experience, offering valuable lessons about character, teamwork, failure, and success. Drawing from his own experiences as an athlete and his deep love for sports, Smith examines how the values learned in sports can be applied to everyday life.

He reflects on the challenges of resilience in the face of failure, the importance of preparation and hard work, and the role of individual responsibility within a team. This book will resonate with anyone interested in how sports teach us important life skills, providing practical wisdom about the struggles, setbacks, and triumphs that define not just athletes but everyone.

2. “The Chimp Paradox” by Dr. Steve Peters

Dr. Steve Peters’ The Chimp Paradox is a groundbreaking book that explains how understanding and controlling your inner “chimp” can dramatically improve your mental well-being and performance. The “chimp” represents the primal, emotional part of our brain that can react impulsively, leading to anxiety, anger, or fear. Peters, a renowned psychiatrist who has worked with Olympic athletes and sports teams, outlines a clear model for managing your chimp and using it to your advantage.

Through this book, Peters teaches readers how to better manage their emotions, reduce stress, and improve their mental resilience. The Chimp Paradox has been praised by athletes and business leaders alike for its practical and insightful advice on achieving peak performance. It’s an essential read for anyone seeking to strengthen their mental game, whether in sports or in life.

3. “Warming Up” by Madeleine Orr

Warming Up by Madeleine Orr is a relatively new but impactful sports book that provides an in-depth look at the intersection of sports, gender, and the environment. This book focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in the world of sports, and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes. Orr dives into the psychological and physical hurdles that women encounter, drawing on research and interviews to present a comprehensive perspective on women’s participation in sports.

4. “Open” by Andre Agassi

One of the most compelling sports autobiographies, Open by tennis legend Andre Agassi, takes readers behind the scenes of one of the sport’s most turbulent careers. Agassi opens up about the mental and emotional battles he faced throughout his tennis journey, offering a raw and honest look at the pressures of being a professional athlete. He discusses his rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and the mental strain that comes with being in the spotlight.

This autobiography is an eye-opening exploration of the cost of success in the world of sports and the toll it can take on one’s mental health. Agassi’s reflections on his career are deeply personal and provide invaluable insights into the mental side of elite athleticism.

5. “The Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence” by Gary Mack and David Casstevens

Written by sports psychologist Gary Mack, this book offers practical exercises and techniques to help readers develop a winning mindset. With advice on focus, visualization, relaxation, and confidence, The Mind Gym helps readers understand the importance of mental training in achieving success, both in sports and in life.

This book is perfect for athletes of all levels who want to strengthen their mental game and build the resilience needed to overcome challenges. Its easily digestible lessons make it a great resource for anyone looking to tap into their full potential.

6. “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” by Tim S. Grover

Tim S. Grover’s Relentless is an incredible read for anyone looking to understand the mindset of an elite athlete. Grover, a renowned trainer who has worked with NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade, shares the secrets behind the mental fortitude and unrelenting drive that separates the greats from the rest.

Grover’s book provides insight into what it takes to be truly “unstoppable” in sports and in life. He emphasizes the importance of developing a relentless attitude and focusing on mental toughness and self-discipline, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.

Get reading

These books are windows into the minds of athletes, coaches, and psychologists who shape the world of sport. We hope they inspire you to not only understand sports better but apply the lessons learned beyond the sidelines – let us know which ones you love.