Featuring contributions from Olympic medallists Ronnie Delany, Michael Carruth, John Treacy, Sonia O'Sullivan, Stephen Martin and Steve Redgrave, there are also in-depth interviews with leading Irish athletes and international experts across a wide range of sports - from Derval O'Rourke and David Gillick (athletics) to Kenny Egan (boxing), Gearoid Towey (rowing), Derek Burnett (shooting), Tim Goodbody (sailing) and Eoin Rheinisch (canoeing). Who is this book for? It's for the sports fan and the weekend warrior, the ambitious, the curious, parents, coaches, managers and athletes who strive to understand the workings of body and mind, seeking answers to questions such as: o How has the sporting system in Ireland helped - or hindered - our athletes? o How can the GAA help develop the next generation of Olympians? o Why has no white man ever run under 10 seconds in the 100 m? o What's the easiest gold medal to win? o Why are most of Ireland's top athletes living and training overseas? o What sports should a young child be playing and what is the best age to start? o How does immigration help Irish sport? o Why do so few promising juniors go on to senior success?
And why does Ireland miss so many late developers? o Can the length of toes and fingers or date of birth influence a child's ability in sport? o How do great athletes override mind and body and push themselves to the limit?