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Relentless: Secrets of the Sporting Elite
In his quest to define ‘sporting greatness’, double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee has spent nearly 4 years interviewing and training with some of the greatest minds in sport to discover what it takes to become – and remain – a champion.
Ian Botham • Mark Cavendish • Alastair Cook • Alex Danson • Richard Dunwoody • Donna Fraser • Chris Froome • Anna Hemmings • Denis Irwin • Michael Johnson • Kílian Jornet • Stuart Lancaster • AP McCoy • Ronnie O’Sullivan • Michael Owen • Adam Peaty • Ian Poulter • Paula Radcliffe • Ian Thorpe • Mark Webber • Shane Williams From an early age Alistair Brownlee has been obsessed with being the very best, and not just improving his sporting performance across his three specialist triathlon disciplines of swimming, cycling and running, but also understanding how a winner becomes a dominant champion. Winning gold in consecutive Olympic Games has only strengthened this need and desire. Over the last 4 years Alistair has been on a journey to learn from the best, talking to elite figures across multiple sports as well as leading thinkers and scientists, to understand what enabled these remarkable individuals to rise to the very top, and to push the limits of human capability in their relentless pursuit of perfection. Alistair uses these fascinating interviews, along with extensive research, to explore a range of sports and environments – athletics, cycling, football, rugby, horseracing, hockey, cricket, golf, motor racing, snooker, swimming and ultra-running – to reveal how talent alone is never enough and how hard work, pain, pressure, stress, risk, focus, sacrifice, innovation, reinvention, passion, ruthlessness, luck, failure and even a lockdown can all play a crucial part in honing a winning mentality and achieving sustained success. Alistair Brownlee's book 'Relentless' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 05-07-2021.
Ian Botham • Mark Cavendish • Alastair Cook • Alex Danson • Richard Dunwoody • Donna Fraser • Chris Froome • Anna Hemmings • Denis Irwin • Michael Johnson • Kílian Jornet • Stuart Lancaster • AP McCoy • Ronnie O’Sullivan • Michael Owen • Adam Peaty • Ian Poulter • Paula Radcliffe • Ian Thorpe • Mark Webber • Shane Williams From an early age Alistair Brownlee has been obsessed with being the very best, and not just improving his sporting performance across his three specialist triathlon disciplines of swimming, cycling and running, but also understanding how a winner becomes a dominant champion. Winning gold in consecutive Olympic Games has only strengthened this need and desire. Over the last 4 years Alistair has been on a journey to learn from the best, talking to elite figures across multiple sports as well as leading thinkers and scientists, to understand what enabled these remarkable individuals to rise to the very top, and to push the limits of human capability in their relentless pursuit of perfection. Alistair uses these fascinating interviews, along with extensive research, to explore a range of sports and environments – athletics, cycling, football, rugby, horseracing, hockey, cricket, golf, motor racing, snooker, swimming and ultra-running – to reveal how talent alone is never enough and how hard work, pain, pressure, stress, risk, focus, sacrifice, innovation, reinvention, passion, ruthlessness, luck, failure and even a lockdown can all play a crucial part in honing a winning mentality and achieving sustained success. Alistair Brownlee's book 'Relentless' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 05-07-2021.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published August 31, 2021
94 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 17, 2023
Alistair Brownlee is a legend triathlete with two Olympic gold medals and more accomplishments in triathlon.
He shares his interviews with other legendary athletes from all kinds of different sports in search of how elite athletes continue to dominate and stay on top.
Stories and points made are interesting.
However one star missing piece is the structure. Epilogue at the end does a much better job in terms of structuring the themes from these interviews than the main chapters imho.
He shares his interviews with other legendary athletes from all kinds of different sports in search of how elite athletes continue to dominate and stay on top.
Stories and points made are interesting.
However one star missing piece is the structure. Epilogue at the end does a much better job in terms of structuring the themes from these interviews than the main chapters imho.
July 14, 2022
Was hoping for a more in-depth view into what elite athletes do on a day-to-day that sets them apart. Not much meat in the interactions between Brownlee and the athletes he interviews. I only made it 1/2 through the book.
July 24, 2025
2.5 Stars.
I think for me, this would have made more of an impact on me if the format were as a podcast with the various athletes so that we could hear more of their 'voices'. I enjoyed the concept and how much you really feel Brownlee's respect and admiration for all the other sportspeople.
I think for me, this would have made more of an impact on me if the format were as a podcast with the various athletes so that we could hear more of their 'voices'. I enjoyed the concept and how much you really feel Brownlee's respect and admiration for all the other sportspeople.
December 3, 2021
Superinė Alistair knyga apie sporto pasaulį. Triatlono žvaigždės įžvalgos ir mintys, paremtos pokalbiais su įvairių sporto šakų legendomis.
Knyga, kurią būtina perkaityti kiekvienai sporto sielai.
Knyga, kurią būtina perkaityti kiekvienai sporto sielai.
May 18, 2022
A book written by a Commonwealth/World/Olympic champion, with insight from other sporting greats, had to be worth reading.
Brownlee is trying to define ‘sporting greatness’ and discover what it takes to become a true champion – achieving not just a one off win, but one who comes back again & again. Each chapter focusses on one sport and one or two great sportspeople (from jockeys to racing drivers, cricketers to marathon runners). Ultimately there is nothing really new in this book but Brownlee’s unique access to some of the country’s (and world’s) top athletes make it something a bit different. He is talking to other sporting “greats” at a peer level, understanding the determination and hard work needed to get to the top, and the work needed to stay there & ultimately become a “living legend”. As one athlete speaking to another, he gets honest responses and a different level of insight to that which somebody outside of the sports arena would not get.
There is an eclectic mix of anecdotes, psychology, sports science and Yorkshire humour and you can’t help feel that there were times when Alistair Brownlee (you know, double Olympian …) was in awe of some of *his* heroes!
Recommended for anyone who enjoys sport, or who is seeking inspiration and motivation to stick at something to achieve their dream!
Brownlee is trying to define ‘sporting greatness’ and discover what it takes to become a true champion – achieving not just a one off win, but one who comes back again & again. Each chapter focusses on one sport and one or two great sportspeople (from jockeys to racing drivers, cricketers to marathon runners). Ultimately there is nothing really new in this book but Brownlee’s unique access to some of the country’s (and world’s) top athletes make it something a bit different. He is talking to other sporting “greats” at a peer level, understanding the determination and hard work needed to get to the top, and the work needed to stay there & ultimately become a “living legend”. As one athlete speaking to another, he gets honest responses and a different level of insight to that which somebody outside of the sports arena would not get.
There is an eclectic mix of anecdotes, psychology, sports science and Yorkshire humour and you can’t help feel that there were times when Alistair Brownlee (you know, double Olympian …) was in awe of some of *his* heroes!
Recommended for anyone who enjoys sport, or who is seeking inspiration and motivation to stick at something to achieve their dream!
October 26, 2021
Loved this book from not only a monumentally successfully Olympian but a Yorkshireman no less.
Alistair chews the fat on human performance with his long list of sporting icons he bumps shoulders with.
Ronnie O’ Sullivan, Michael Owen, Mark Webber, Stevie G and plenty of other illustrious sportsmen all give their thoughts on what made them the best in the world at what they do.
There are some unique individual insights however the overarching theme is one anyone familiar with the work of David Noakes and Matt Fitzgerald will have heard. Yep, the importance of mental strength.
Without exception all of the athletes focus on process, get in the flow, get a bit nasty, work harder than anyone else, become obsessive, focus on consistency, move on quickly from bad performances and have unwavering self belief, don’t put their peers on a pedestal, can suffer and endure, do the little extra, talk to themselves positively.
The core theme is hard work beats lazy talent. All athletes mentioned are insistent that they put in more effort and outworked everyone to reach the top and talent is a myth.
The section on Paula Radcliffe was a highlight, anything to do with the marathon which is such a huge pinnacle of speed endurance is cool with me. The conversation centres on Paula’s exceptional pain tolerance.
Alistair has a down to Earth attitude and his interviewees seem to meet him and seem very unguarded and straight to the point. These conversations aren’t carefully composed or censored they are from the heart and it makes the book hugely readable.
This isn’t a journalist bothering these sports superstars, Alistair gets candid responses and the authentic voice of the athletes. If you want to hear legends of sports chatting about their astonishing careers and pivotal moments and how they dealt with their emotions and rose to the occasion then get this book.
Alistair chews the fat on human performance with his long list of sporting icons he bumps shoulders with.
Ronnie O’ Sullivan, Michael Owen, Mark Webber, Stevie G and plenty of other illustrious sportsmen all give their thoughts on what made them the best in the world at what they do.
There are some unique individual insights however the overarching theme is one anyone familiar with the work of David Noakes and Matt Fitzgerald will have heard. Yep, the importance of mental strength.
Without exception all of the athletes focus on process, get in the flow, get a bit nasty, work harder than anyone else, become obsessive, focus on consistency, move on quickly from bad performances and have unwavering self belief, don’t put their peers on a pedestal, can suffer and endure, do the little extra, talk to themselves positively.
The core theme is hard work beats lazy talent. All athletes mentioned are insistent that they put in more effort and outworked everyone to reach the top and talent is a myth.
The section on Paula Radcliffe was a highlight, anything to do with the marathon which is such a huge pinnacle of speed endurance is cool with me. The conversation centres on Paula’s exceptional pain tolerance.
Alistair has a down to Earth attitude and his interviewees seem to meet him and seem very unguarded and straight to the point. These conversations aren’t carefully composed or censored they are from the heart and it makes the book hugely readable.
This isn’t a journalist bothering these sports superstars, Alistair gets candid responses and the authentic voice of the athletes. If you want to hear legends of sports chatting about their astonishing careers and pivotal moments and how they dealt with their emotions and rose to the occasion then get this book.
February 14, 2022
I was immediately annoyed with this book because it starts off with one of my pet peeves - the overlong word salad page filler intro of the in-this-book-you-will-come-to-learn type.
Not that it's the worst I've ever read, there was once a running book that tried to surf on the wave of the success of ”Born To Run” (fortunatelly for me I have managed to suppress its name) that I had to put down in disbelief around page 80 (sic!) when for the umpteenth time the author promised that I would learn the secrets of the athletic universe if I just kept on reading.
This book and intro isn't THAT bad, but neither does it deliver anything I haven't heard or read already many times. Despite all the prominent interviewees Alistair has talked to there's nothing groundbreaking delivered here. Some parts of the writing even borders on highschool fangirl penning, which is surprising since the author apparently had professional help in that department.
If the blurb of this book appeals to you let me tell you that Matt FitzGerald's ”How Bad Do You Want It” is structured pretty much the same and does the same thing much, much better (and is underpinned with science at every turn, so there you'll get that too). Do yourself a favour and buy that book instead.
Not that it's the worst I've ever read, there was once a running book that tried to surf on the wave of the success of ”Born To Run” (fortunatelly for me I have managed to suppress its name) that I had to put down in disbelief around page 80 (sic!) when for the umpteenth time the author promised that I would learn the secrets of the athletic universe if I just kept on reading.
This book and intro isn't THAT bad, but neither does it deliver anything I haven't heard or read already many times. Despite all the prominent interviewees Alistair has talked to there's nothing groundbreaking delivered here. Some parts of the writing even borders on highschool fangirl penning, which is surprising since the author apparently had professional help in that department.
If the blurb of this book appeals to you let me tell you that Matt FitzGerald's ”How Bad Do You Want It” is structured pretty much the same and does the same thing much, much better (and is underpinned with science at every turn, so there you'll get that too). Do yourself a favour and buy that book instead.
January 27, 2022
Brilliant book, great combination of sports science, interesting anecdotes and a dash of Yorkshire humour all of which made it a book I rarely put down! So many great neames were involved in this book, I loved it!
Alistair was extremely humble in his writing and his admiration of other's achievements thoroughout was so endearing and made me smile as Alistair is one of the greatest British sport's people of all time and perhaps the greatest triathlete of all time!
If you like sport and you like inspiration then this is the book for you!
Alistair was extremely humble in his writing and his admiration of other's achievements thoroughout was so endearing and made me smile as Alistair is one of the greatest British sport's people of all time and perhaps the greatest triathlete of all time!
If you like sport and you like inspiration then this is the book for you!
August 29, 2021
If you are looking for inspiration or to understand how champions think and view the world, this is a goldmine. The thoughts and perspectives of sporting hero’s and elites, how they win, how they lose and exactly how much work it takes to dominate the field.
I would have loved to read a bit more of Alistair’s own thoughts and journey, but hopefully there’s another book for that!
I couldn’t have read it at a better time.
I would have loved to read a bit more of Alistair’s own thoughts and journey, but hopefully there’s another book for that!
I couldn’t have read it at a better time.
September 22, 2021
Good book and interesting read. I would have liked more of the back and forth of the interviews with the varying sporting stars but overall a really good insight into the factors why they are just so good.
September 24, 2023
This book was an unexpected yet pleasant surprise - I very nearly gave it 5*
Brought it based on the front cover because I love pretty much all sport. I'm glued to the Olympics and watch every event I can including the triathlon start to finish. So I assumed it was the autobiography of a Brownlee brother.
Alas not... It was a book made up of interviews with dozens of elite sports men and women, and all about what makes them tick! It spanned recent sporting giants such as Adam Peaty and Alistair Cook to much older legends like Ian Botham and Michael Johnson. It took us from tennis to cricket, rugby to athletics, jockeys to cyclists & swimmers, it had it all!
Broken up into neat chapters, he connected the sports and interwove everything beautifully. The chapters about the pain barrier was particularly interesting, and the psychology and unapologetic "selfishness" needed to succeed at the highest levels.
I found myself nodding along as I recognised various things Brownlee described in his interviews which I've read in autobiographies such as that by Ronnie O'Sullivan .
A great book on so many levels. If you want to learn more about what it takes to make it in elite sport, or to get a bite size insight into some individual sports men and women. It also looks at the brain and physiological elements of sports.
Brought it based on the front cover because I love pretty much all sport. I'm glued to the Olympics and watch every event I can including the triathlon start to finish. So I assumed it was the autobiography of a Brownlee brother.
Alas not... It was a book made up of interviews with dozens of elite sports men and women, and all about what makes them tick! It spanned recent sporting giants such as Adam Peaty and Alistair Cook to much older legends like Ian Botham and Michael Johnson. It took us from tennis to cricket, rugby to athletics, jockeys to cyclists & swimmers, it had it all!
Broken up into neat chapters, he connected the sports and interwove everything beautifully. The chapters about the pain barrier was particularly interesting, and the psychology and unapologetic "selfishness" needed to succeed at the highest levels.
I found myself nodding along as I recognised various things Brownlee described in his interviews which I've read in autobiographies such as that by Ronnie O'Sullivan .
A great book on so many levels. If you want to learn more about what it takes to make it in elite sport, or to get a bite size insight into some individual sports men and women. It also looks at the brain and physiological elements of sports.
September 21, 2021
If you are interested in any kind of sport on a competitive amateur level, or even just like to improve at any hobby then I think this book offers you an insight and interest into how those at the top of their games apply themselves and manage to identify personal character strengths to dominate the competition in their chosen arena. While some are saying there is no real insight I would argue that the insight is that each individual has to identify for themselves what is needed, and what works in them to be the best. Ultimately there is no magic bullet, no short cut and no quick fix. Get your head down, and get comfortable being uncomfortable. You know you will suffer so be the one that controls that and makes it work for yourself, however that needs to be done.
One thing that really did disappoint was the lack of female interviews - especially at a time where female runners are dominating long distance ultra events, smashing records and achieving new feats. He could also have picked women from the marathon / ice swimming arena quite easily where they also excel. Picking Killian seemed a bit of a cop out, he's just the runner everyone might have just about have heard of, in the way if you say Triathlon everyone says 'Brownlee'.
One thing that really did disappoint was the lack of female interviews - especially at a time where female runners are dominating long distance ultra events, smashing records and achieving new feats. He could also have picked women from the marathon / ice swimming arena quite easily where they also excel. Picking Killian seemed a bit of a cop out, he's just the runner everyone might have just about have heard of, in the way if you say Triathlon everyone says 'Brownlee'.
June 5, 2022
not as expected
The premise of this book is drilling down to the bottom of motivation, performance, pressure and to a certain extent, success, through informal interviews with elite athletes. The author warns of science but really there isn’t much in there that is hugely scientific. The interviews are entertaining and you get to know some of the personalities behind their drive. It seems a little disjointed though and overall a little disappointing. If you expect a book with a series of interviews of various athletes, then you will be less disappointed.
The premise of this book is drilling down to the bottom of motivation, performance, pressure and to a certain extent, success, through informal interviews with elite athletes. The author warns of science but really there isn’t much in there that is hugely scientific. The interviews are entertaining and you get to know some of the personalities behind their drive. It seems a little disjointed though and overall a little disappointing. If you expect a book with a series of interviews of various athletes, then you will be less disappointed.
October 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Not only is it filled with great and startling anecdotes, such as that of cyclist Beryl Burton’s competitive nature where she wouldn’t even give her own daughter (Denise Richards) a lift to their competing event; but it showed what makes the greats great. I like this quote from the books, which really applies to life in general, “High performers are not defined by what they do in those rare big moments, but by what they do in the day in day out…”.
November 29, 2022
Interesting reflections on a series of interviews by Alistair Brownlee with elite athletes from various sports. (He's got a very impressive address book, it seems!). Interesting to find out what athletes think and what motivates them to keep winning, or trying to. One minor criticism, verbatim quotes from sport stars sometimes lack lucidity and you have to read some of them a couple of times to work out what they meant!
August 11, 2022
Good food for thought, although some of the sports and people in the book I know very little of, so it was difficult for me to care much about them. That is probably my fault and not the author's, but I'm just saying this book was not a great match for me. I would have liked if it was more about him or athletics, which for me were the most interesting parts of the book.
January 11, 2023
Great insights into the top of the top athletes. Alistair asks them some unconventional questions and gets some in depth, under the hood answers which will inspire you to push you that little bit further on your next workout
June 15, 2023
While Brownlee himself is incredibly interesting, people he talked to aren't necessarily so. If I wanted to read a book about horseback riders or cricket players I would do exactly that. Oh, and also, perseverance and grit are important to become an elite athlete. Great.
July 3, 2024
It was an interesting read on what drives athletes to excel in their sport and the hard work it requires. It takes a while to sync with his excitement, a triathlete, which helps to relate. I’m just an endurance cyclist; I don’t race.
August 5, 2021
Interesting insights into the varying mindsets of the sporting elite
August 25, 2021
Best book I’ve read in sport psychology. Enough said.
September 16, 2021
It was like reading the best bits of the best sportsmen, all in one book, really well written!
January 3, 2022
Listened to this book whilst away with other half in car, really super interesting insight and enjoyable book but sadly Alistair’s narration wasn’t well suited to ‘easy listening’.
January 24, 2022
found it a bit of a chore to read , each chapter could be read separate from another
not as good as his previous book , still not bad though
not as good as his previous book , still not bad though
February 6, 2022
Simply loved it. Inspirational, applicable to everyone and not only sporting elite.
March 22, 2022
Amazing insight into the lives of some of the worlds sporting greats, expecting coordinated by Alistair Brownlee
August 11, 2022
4.5 * Really interesting to hear the many sporting greats and their thoughts around success
February 9, 2023
Fantastic to hear from many world class sportspeople from different backgrounds and how they got and stay where they are.
October 29, 2023
The premise is quite interesting, but I'm not sure I really enjoyed "the secrets". Also a bit hard to follow all the famous personalities if you're not Brittish. All in all, it was just alright.
November 22, 2023
Fantastic Read
If you’re a sportsman, coach or even just a sports fan it’s an amazingly insightful book. Very well written too I was pleasantly surprised.
If you’re a sportsman, coach or even just a sports fan it’s an amazingly insightful book. Very well written too I was pleasantly surprised.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews