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25/11/2008
Olympic medallist picks his 'inspirational read'
Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries has joined a host of athletes currently promoting the National Year Of Reading, picking their most inspirational reads as part of a campaign to promote the enjoyment of books and literacy in the UK.
The Sunderland light heavyweight's choice, a poem by Barbara Laing - 'Olympic Dreams'- has lasting memories for him, specifically due to the person that sent it to him and when. "It was sent to me by my late coach's brother whilst I was preparing to box for a medal in Beijing", says Tony.
From the professional boxing ranks, both Kevin Mitchell and Junior Witter find inspiration from past boxers. Kevin explains his choice: "I read 'Hands of Stone - The life and legend of Roberto Duran' on a flight to one of my most important fights. It helped my stay calm, relaxed and focused", whereas Junior chose 'Hard Road to Glory' by Johnny Nelson.
Tony is part of a number of leading British sports stars who have chosen the words that have inspired them in the run-up to an event. MotoGP motorcycle racer James Toseland picked boxer Joe Calzaghe's autobiography 'No Ordinary Joe' for the 2008 National Year Of Reading's Personal Best sports campaign, while Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy picked the autobiography of fellow pedaller Grame Obree, 'The Flying Scotsman'. Whilst the musings of legend Mohammed Ali continue to encourage sportsmen of today, as Bradford Bulls' player Wayne Godwin confirms, with his choice of a quote from the boxing legend.
The 2008 National Year Of Reading has been designed to encourage everyone to read more, promoting reading as an enjoyable activity, as well as the key life skill, which is essential for success in life, whatever you do. The NYR is encouraging all forms of reading, not just books, with a message of 'read more of what you love'.
To view all the sportsmen and women that have contributed to the Personal Best campaign, visit www.yearofreading.org.uk/personalbest. To find out more about the Year of Reading, visit: http://www.yearofreading.org.uk