World Record Breakers in Track & Field Athletics (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The history of track and field has had three distinct phases..." (more)
Key Phrases: very last throw, first official world record, world record three times, United States, East Germany, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

World Record Breakers in Track & Field Athletics is a complete account of the sport’s all-time fastest, highest, and strongest performances. But the book is much more than a listing of dates and statistics; it’s a captivating look at the men and women who had the talent, training, skills, and will to make their marks in the sport.

Bannister’s mile, Beamon’s long jump, and Joyner-Kersee’s heptathlon are but a few of the outstanding performers and performances captured so vividly through stories and hundreds of accompanying photographs. The book also selects and highlights its "Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists," the three best athletes ever to compete in each event.

Athletes, coaches, and fans will treasure World Record Breakers in Track & Field Athletics—a book that sets a new standard in capturing sports history and replaying it for you to enjoy.

From the Publisher

"A cornucopia of information about track and field’s superstars. Interesting reading and a useful reference for any fan."

Ed Fox Publisher Track & Field News

"For all fans of track & field, this book will be a "must have" item for their sports library. Whether the interest be in one event, a group of similar events or all of track & field, there are hours of interesting reading to be had. I can see it being the source of endless debates on the question of who is the greatest ever in track and field."

Ollan C. Cassell Former Executive Director USA Track & Field

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 466 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers; illustrated edition edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088011679X
• ISBN-13: 978-0880116794
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,312,587 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on Track and Field World Record books, October 29, 1999

By A Customer

This book is one of the best books on Track and Field athletics and World Record breakers that I have ever read and I must say that I have read quite a few books since I became a Track and Field statician in 1978. I myself have been very interested in Track since I was young and read about the amazing feats of Bob Hayes in the Tokyo olympics in 1964.I would have to say that this book is very well written compared to the other books that I have read. If you are mildy or very interested in Track and Field Record breakers I would have to suggest this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is unparrelled in its information., September 11, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this book a couple of months ago and I found it so interesting that I read it in 2 days. If you want to know all the world record improvements for each event buy this book. Each world record has been officially approved by the IAAF so you know it's genuine.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Text, January 18, 2004

By	Conan the Librarian (Incognito CA) - See all my reviews

'World Record Breakers in Track & Field Athletics' is an excellent record of prominent athletes and their training routines. Gerald Lawson's text is confident and unadorned, and the athletes he cites are significant achievers. Colourful illustrations serve to enliven the prose. So, too, does the Introduction, tightly written by Anna Bolic, the coach of the Hungarian Women's Track Team. An excerpt is worth quoting;

'Gerald Lawson's book is inspiration to our womens of the field and truck. I use this words when I'm coaching the girls and they love Mr Lawson and his prominent testimonials. Mr Lawson warns about steroids and I say to my girls that they should listen as steroids are bad, especially when they promote facial hair and aggressive gesturings. I know they have followed because the team's razor bill is now down to only $800 a week. Mr Lawson also teaches that smoking before an event is harming to the lunks and chesticals, so now they only light up after a run. My girls want to be just like Mr Lawson, without having to wait months for the operation in a pubic hospital.'

'World Record Breakers in Track & Field Athletics' is essential reading for all athletes and coaches.