Champion's Story: A Great Human Triumph

by Bob Champion, Jonathan Powell

The storyof top jum jockey Bob Champion's fight against cancer and his winning of the Grand National riding Aldaniti.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Biography

388 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 1981

Reviews

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an inspiring story written by the man (Bob Champion - along with Jonathan Powell, a close friend) who lived it. I give the story itself 4 stars, but the writing was a generous 2 star slog. In the hands of an accomplished writer, this could have been stellar. As it was, the ending still is thrilling. But I found most of the book drudgery to get through. Some of this may be because I'm not very familiar with the world of steeplechase racing (as opposed to regular track racing), especially in Britain. There was a bunch of recitation of horses and tracks and dates that didn't seem to add much to the story. The story however was nothing short of miraculous. In 1979, Bob Champion was in his prime as a jockey when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer - a diagnosis that in the late 70s and early 80s was a virtual death sentence. Nearly 90% of the young men diagnosed died - and the chemo that was available was so toxic that kidney and lung function were difficult to recover if you did survive. Bob Champion, however, not only fought and won against cancer but little more than a year later won the most prestigious race in England, the Grand National. I liked this story and it's a testament to his courage and the belief and support of his family and friends.

[Christina Gamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first biography I ever read. I couldn't put it down! With a love of horses and information about a truly inspirational man, it was one of the best books I have ever read.

[Stuart Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was already aware of the story from the 1981 Grand National when I heard about the book it was an absolute no-brainer that I would be reading it.

The book really captures his journey and the emotional roller coaster that he endured, from the discovery of the cancer through his treatment and recovery and on to winning the race.

I would say that his story transcends just being for sports fans simply because of the human element that the cancer recovery gives his story as well as his love for, and bond with, Aldaniti the horse he rode to victory.

[Emma Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational story, man and horse! A great read.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the true story of top jockey Bob Champion who was shocked discovered that he has cancer,and was told his career and possibly his life were over.It follows him through the hellish ordeal of chemotherapy in the late 70's and his fights against infection and surrender to the disease.It is an inspiring story of how he won his fight and in 1981 came back to racing and won the Grand National on Aldaniti.

[Dark-Draco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the biography of top jockey Bob Champion.

When he is diagnosed as having cancer, Bob's love of racing and determination to get back into the saddle, helps him cope with the continuous rounds of chemotherapy. You can't help but be inspired by his struggle and be uplifted by his Grand National win on Aldaniti.

Reasonably well written and with some interesting photos. Well worth reading.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and terrific movie, too!