You don’t have to be an athlete to draw inspiration from these biographies of some of the greatest athletes of all time. You can learn skills like self-belief and perseverance from these greats. Here are the top 15 athlete memoirs.
15. Maria Sharapova: Unstoppable
In “Unstoppable: My Life So Far” by Maria Sharapova (2017), the former world No. 1 tennis player tells her whole story in her own words. It follows her journey from a small Russian town. It follows her rise from anonymity to five major titles, including her championships debut at age 17 in 2004 and defeating two-time defending champion Serena Williams.
14. Roger Federer: The Master
“The Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer” by Christopher Clarey (2021) is a New York Times bestselling biography that tells the life story of the most iconic men’s tennis player of the modern era. Clarey talks extensively with Federer and those closest to him, including his rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Roddick.
13. Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast
Nadia Comaneci is undoubtedly the “elder” stateswoman in women’s gymnastics. In “Letters to a Young Gymnast” by Nadia Comaneci (2003), the celebrated gymnast tells her own story. It’s inspiring for athletes in any sport, as Nadia explains what it takes to achieve athletic perfection and become the best. It’s filled with Nadia’s memories, anecdotes, and advice.
12. Magic: The Life of Earvin “Magic” Johnson
In “Magic: The Life of Earvin “Magic” Johnson” by Roland Lazenby (2023), the renowned sportswriter has written the definitive biography on the basketball legend. With his exciting playing style, Johnson transformed the game into entertainment during the Lakers’ “Showtime” era. It also chronicles Johnson’s controversies and scandals. It’s filled with hundreds of interviews with teammates, coaches, and rivals.
11. Andre Agassi: Open
“Open: An Autobiography” by Andre Agassi (2009), with a little help from ghostwriter J.R. Moehringer, tells his complete story from childhood to his celebrated tennis career that began at age 16. With a seemingly photographic memory, Agassi recounts his failures, triumphs, and battles on and off the court. As the title suggests, Agassi opens up completely, providing compelling reading.
10. Michael Jordan: The Life
In “Michael Jordan: The Life” (2014) by Roland Lazenby, the renowned sportswriter delivers the definitive biography of the greatest basketball player ever. The book digs deep into Jordan’s psyche to reveal a dual nature, a darker side of his character as a ruthless and merciless competitor not-before-seen. The book tracks Jordan’s career from college kid to NBA superstar.
9. Forward by Abby Wambach
In “Forward: A Memoir” by Abby Wambach (2016), the retired Hall of Fame soccer player and coach tells her own story. Wambach inspired countless girls the world over to believe in themselves. With stunning candor, Wambach reveals how she balanced the separate parts of herself: ferocious competitor, daughter, leader, and wife. It’s a tale of resilience and redemption.
8. Jim Thorpe: Path Lit by Lightning
“Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe” by David Maraniss (2022) is a riveting biography of America’s greatest all-around athlete. The Native American excelled at every sport he played. He won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. Thorpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also played baseball in the MLB.
7. Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Mentality
In “The Mamba Mentality” by Kobe Bryant (2018), Bryant cites an obligation to teach others how to play basketball “the right way.” He takes us inside his mind to learn from his experience. Readers will discover Bryant was one of the most intelligent, analytical, and creative basketball players ever. He details his approach, preparation, and what it takes to excel.
6. Billie Jean King: All In
“All In” by Billie Jean King, Johnette Howard, and Maryanne Vollers provides a self-portrait of the champion. What rings through is King’s work breaking down barriers for women athletes and the struggle for fairness. King openly discusses her sexual identity and coming out at age 51. It chronicles one person’s impact on tennis and a cultural revolution in sports.
5. Tiger Woods
“Tiger Woods” by sportswriters Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian (2018) offers a revealing look into arguably the most famous athlete on the planet. It delves into the double life Woods lived for years, chronicling his rise, scandalous fall, and triumphant return. It draws from interviews with more than 250 people. It’s the definitive read for fans of Woods or golf.
4. Bo Jackson: The Last Folk Hero
In “The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson” by Jeff Perlman (2022), the New York Times best-selling author gives us the definitive biography of the multi-sport superstar. Jackson achieved mythic status. Some wild, urban legend-like tales arose off the field. Drawing on 720 interviews, the book reveals that some of these tales were actually true.
3. Lauren Fleshman: Good for a Girl
In “Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World” by Lauren Fleshman (2023), the elite runner tells her inspiring personal story. One of the most decorated collegiate athletes ever, Fleshman advocates for a radical transformation of sports for young women with compelling evidence. It’s part sports memoir, part manifesto, and must-read inspiration for women athletes.
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2. Ali: A Life
“Ali: A Life” by Jonathan Eig (2017) is an award-winning biography of Mohammed Ali. Eig had unprecedented access to all of the key people in Ali’s life. The sources are massive: more than 500 interviews, thousands of previously unreleased FBI and Justice Department files, and newly discovered audiotaped interviews from the 1960s. It’s a never-before-seen look at the boxing champ.
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1. LeBron
Arguably the greatest basketball player of the 21st century, in “LeBron” by Jeff Benedict (2023), we get the full, layered story of the superstar. The story travels from James’s childhood to becoming the No.1 overall draft pick in the NBA straight out of high school. Off the court, it explores LeBron’s dual identity as a celebrity and social justice activist.
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