Harry Ricketts

New Zealand sportspeople and their exploits regularly hit world headlines. This collection of writings by top authors is packed full of terrific stories of over 30 sports - the triumphs, disasters, magic moments, and the ones that got away. You'll find Ed Hillary's account of being the first person on the summit of Everest, Jack Lovelock's famous 1500-metre victory in the shadow of Hitler at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and Jean Batten's daring first solo flight from England to New Zealand. There are graphic descriptions of the protests, controversy and arrests that surrounded the Springboks' 1981 tour of New Zealand, and the defection 19 years later of top South African netball player Irene van Dyk to play for New Zealand. Richard Boock writes about sexism in sport, Melissa Moon gives a graphic story of mountain-running in Alaska, and Roger Hall reveals why he's known as Jonah. And this is only the beginning. This exciting anthology goes from fly-fishing to motor-racing, cricket to archery. There's literally something for every sports lover.

Books like The Awa Book of New Zealand Sports Writing

Your next favorite book is out there