Deek: The Making of Australia's World Marathon Champion by Robert de Castella with Mike Jenkinson

Book Description

Secondhand. Good condition. Wear to book corners and edges. A faint mark on light foxing to top foredge. Dust jacket has wear to edges and fading at spine. Dust jacket is now enclosed in a glossy protective cover. Interior and binding are also very good.

Deek the book, like Rod de Castella the runner, should be an inspiration to all those willing to work to achieve a goal in sport, study, a career or any other facet of life. It tells the story of a boy who was less obviously talented than many of his contemporaries but who worked consistently at long-distance running until, years later, he dominated the world. It is a story of the battler making good, and it will strike a chord with all those batters who are not afraid to act upon a dream.

Rob began to run as an awkward 14-year-old with an ungainly style. He was physically strong, possessed untapped mental qualities and was guided by wise parents who told him 'Run for enjoyment. When you stop enjoying it, give it away.'

Fate took him to Xavier College. Melbourne, where his history master and athletics coach was former top-line runner Pat Clohessy. Deek tells briskly and entertainingly of the more famous triumphs that followed: Olympic selection; the second fastest marathon in history at Fukuoka; a gold medal at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games, and more... (book flap)