6 books for the sports fanatic in your life
<p>It’s undeniable – Australia is a nation of sports lovers. Whether we’re in the middle of a sweltering summer or bitter winter, nothing stops us from decking ourselves out in the colours of our local team or cheering on our favourite player. If you – or someone you love – is absolutely sports mad, these incredible biographies by the country’s best sportspeople will make you even more keen for that upcoming match, race or tournament.</p>
<p><strong>1. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fdennis-lillee-dennis-lillee%2Fprod9781925475210.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dennis Lillee by Dennis Lillee </span></a></strong></p>
<p>His name is almost synonymous with cricket itself, and in this candid autobiography, legendary fast bowler Dennis Lillee looks back on his unbeatable career, difficult childhood, and undying passion for the game. Filled with photos spanning decades and featuring contributions from the likes of Rod Marsh, Ian Chappell, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson, Dennis Lillee is the must-have companion for any cricket fan.</p>
<p><strong>2. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Flife-as-i-know-it-michelle-harms-john-payne%2Fprod9780522870145.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Life as I Know It by Michelle Payne </span></a></strong></p>
<p>In 2015, a young jockey by the name of Michelle Payne raced into the history books, becoming the first female jockey ever to win the Melbourne Cup with her 100-to-1 horse Prince of Penzance. Payne overcame tragedy, injury, sexism, and all the odds to pave the way for other women in the sport, and in Life as I Know It, you’ll see why she quickly became one of Australia’s favourite sportspeople.</p>
<p><strong>3. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-art-of-cycling-cadel-evans%2Fprod9780733334627.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Art of Cycling by Cadel Evans </span></a></strong></p>
<p>Australia has experienced few sporting triumphs more awe-inspiring than Cadel Evans winning the prestigious Tour de France. Despite being 34 years old – relatively old in comparison to his competitors – Evans defied expectations and won the 2011 race, becoming one of the five oldest winners in Tour de France history. In The Art of Cycling, the Aussie legend revisits everything that made him who he is today, and is sure to inspire even the most amateur cycling enthusiast.</p>
<p><strong>4. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fmargaret-court-margaret-court%2Fprod9781743539361.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Margaret Court by Margaret Court </span></a></strong></p>
<p>She’s one of our most successful – and at times controversial – tennis stars, becoming the first woman in the “open era” to win the singles Grand Slam. In her autobiography, tennis pro-turned-minister Margaret Court reflects her troubled upbringing, time at number one, fall into depression after retirement and renewed lease on life. Whether you’re a fan of tennis or simply a fan of inspirational women, this book is for you.</p>
<p><strong>5. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fchanging-the-game-ange-postecoglou%2Fprod9780143797159.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Changing the Game by Ange Postecoglou </span></a></strong></p>
<p>One of the men responsible the currently soaring popularity of football in Australia is former South Melbourne player Ange Postecoglou, who in recent years has turned his talents to training the next generation of Australian soccer legends, coaching the Socceroos to victory in the 2015 Asian Cup. In Changing the Game, Postecoglou reminisces on his own career, while revealing how he’s towards a bright future for the sport.</p>
<p><strong>6. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/%20https:/t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Flayne-beachley-layne-gordon-michael-beachley%2Fprod9781741666779.html">Beneath the Waves by Layne Beachley</a></span></strong></p>
<p>With a name like “Beachley”, Layne was always destined to be a star in the surf. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing – or surfing, rather – for this Aussie icon. Battling chronic fatigue, depression, injuries and family tragedy, Beachley overcame it all to cement herself as one of the biggest names in the predominantly-male sport. In Beneath the Waves, she also opens up about the search for her birth mother and finding love with INXS rocker Kirk Pengilly.</p>
<p>Tell us in the comments below, who’s your favourite Australian sportsperson?</p>
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