Sport has always delivered thrilling victories and gut-wrenching defeats, but moments of good sportsmanship are increasingly rare. It’s Not the Winning that Counts celebrates, among others, the football team who kicked their penalties wide because they refused to believe their opponents would foul them, the round-the-world yachtsman who turned back to rescue a rival; the tennis player (Jimmy Connors!) who deliberately double faulted in a Grand Slam final to cancel out line calls that had gone against his opponent.
In the era of the dive, the head butt and the professional foul, Max Davidson takes a roll call of the white knights of sport, from David Beckham to Freddie Flintoff, Jesse Owens to Mohammed Ali.
In the era of the dive, the head butt and the professional foul, Max Davidson takes a roll call of the white knights of sport, from David Beckham to Freddie Flintoff, Jesse Owens to Mohammed Ali.
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Reviews
** 'Almost impossible to read this book without wiping away a manly tear. A joy - a simple but brilliant idea executed with great skill and judgement
** 'Sports fans will be delighted . . . elegant and erudite, strikes a blow for the idea that sport can elevate human character
** 'A splendid narrative. Take along Max Davidson's charming book next time you go to a sporting event. I guarantee it will warm you on the wettest day and in the chilliest stadium