Slaying the Dragon Book

Michael Johnson is known as the fastest man in the world. He is famous for accomplishing something that no other runner has ever done: in 1996 he won Olympic gold medals in both the 200m and 400m. This accomplishment is the climax of Johnson's career so far and closes this autobiography. Chronicalling his life as an athlete from his college days at Baylor University, it provides a veritable photo gallery of family and athletics memorabilia. However, Johnson's work bears little further resemblance to other works of this genre. Moreover, the subtitle "How to turn your small steps into great feats" is the real key to his book. In each chapter Johnson outlines the motivation and discipline behind his athletic career.By describing his physical and mental self-discipline towards training, preparation for races and the events themselves, he gives the reader an insight into how he has achieved his successes. He shares his winning techniques and advises that identification of our own fears and goals combined with his "Training tips" can be applied in every aspect of life, whether this be athletics, work or persevering with a diet. Johnson also relies on quotations from William Shakespeare, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Stevie Wonder to affirm his advice. Unlike him, we may not wear a pair of gold Nike running spikes every day, but Johnson is keen to apply his success to both our personal and professional lives. --Alison TaylorRead More