After surviving a near-fatal scalding aged three, David Miller's life incentives emerged through involvement and achievement in a range of sports, nearing amateur international level in football and athletics. But then, needing employment, he retired at 22 to enter sports journalism. Having written on 30 sports from 120 countries for four national newspapers, Miller is perfectly placed to analyse and explain what drives those who excel in sport. This anthology of 50 epic performers provides a mirror of the emotions and commitment that drive the imagination of the many and the ambitions of the elite. From the unself-conscious self-discipline of Jesse Owens, Stanley Matthews, Jahangir Khan, Torvill and Dean and Steve Redgrave, to the fundamental loneliness and insecurity that galvanises spontaneous exhibitionists such as Jack Johnson, George Best and Alex Higgins, Miller uncovers what makes these great athletes and sports stars tick.

A Fleet Street doyen, David Miller was chief sports correspondent for the Daily Express and then The Times. He has attended 24 Olympic Games, 14 FIFA World Cups, 63 FA Cup finals, 53 Wimbledons and numerous boxing, rowing, golf, rugby, snooker, skiing, cricket and athletics championships. He has penned biographies of Matt Busby, Stanley Matthews, Sebastian Coe and Juan Antonio Samaranch, plus the official history of the Olympic Games and the IOC.