Rivalry is one of the essential ingredients in sport, the very essence of competition. A good sports rivalry requires a contrast – good v evil, black v white, loud v quiet, aggressive v defensive, popular v unpopular, big v small, etc. Other elements that make for a famous rivalry include different nationalities, longevity and impact on world sport.
Great Sporting Rivals tells fifteen superb stories of rivalries across a range of sports, including athletics, golf, boxing, tennis, figure skating, basketball, motor racing and football. It examines why certain rivalries capture public interest and the lasting effects of those rivalries. The stories include the race to break the four-minute mile between Roger Bannister and John Landy, the classic matches between Margaret Court and Billie Jean King, the famous contests between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, and the century-old rivalry between Celtic and Rangers football clubs.
More than a good read, this book brings to life some of the great sporting moments of history.