Slaying the Dragon

Michael Johnson is known as the fastest man in the world. He is famous for accomplishing something that no other runner has ever done: in 1996 he won Olympic gold medals in both the 200m and 400m. This accomplishment is the climax of Johnson's career so far and closes this autobiography. Chronicalling his life as an athlete from his college days at Baylor University, it provides a veritable photo gallery of family and athletics memorabilia. However, Johnson's work bears little further resemblance to other works of this genre. Moreover, the subtitle "How to turn your small steps into great feats" is the real key to his book. In each chapter Johnson outlines the motivation and discipline behind his athletic career.By describing his physical and mental self-discipline towards training, preparation for races and the events themselves, he gives the reader an insight into how he has achieved his successes. He shares his winning techniques and advises that identification of our own fears and goals combined with his "Training tips" can be applied in every aspect of life, whether this be athletics, work or persevering with a diet. Johnson also relies on quotations from William Shakespeare, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Stevie Wonder to affirm his advice. Unlike him, we may not wear a pair of gold Nike running spikes every day, but Johnson is keen to apply his success to both our personal and professional lives. --Alison Taylor

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Ideal for all aspiring athletes - Rated
As a coach I find that MJ's book is a great back to basics read. No rubbish to common sense, analysis and sometimes, truths you don't want to hear (like it takes hard work to be your best). I have read the book several times and find that it helps me coach and inspires my own triathlon, cycling and running training to be my best. Read it or fail to learn from one of the 20th Century's greatest athletes.

Need a Role Model? Here's one. - Rated
In this book, Michael Johnson shares his wisdom on Slaying your own Dragon. He takes us through his athletics career in stages, and shows how he applied various things, such as Goal Setting, Positive Thinking to it all. This book is a great insight into how people can achieve anything they want to. The other good point is that Michael, unlike other "Success" teachers, did not NEED or HAVE TO write this book, he is already financially secure. An Insight into a Sports Giant.

One of the best bios I've read in a long time. - Rated
This book was first recommended to me my freshman year in high school by my band director. He used it often for inspiration. It became sort of a joke in the band room when he referred to it. Well I finally read it and I now know why he talked about it so much. It was a great book. The way Michael Johnson referred to little things in life such as asking someone out, studying for a test and facing all the other dragons that are in our way is what I liked about it. I thought it would be only about running so it was a nice surprise the way he enterwove the running and life experiences. So I highly recommend this book because it does inspire you to never let go of your dreams. Even the big ones that seem like only "a ten year old's fantasy". So to all the dreamers out there, read this book and keep dreaming. :0)

This book is one of a kind - Rated
This book not only gives you guidelines for track, it also helps you in the real world. He tells you how to slay your own dragon and how to commit yourself to something. He helps you to deal with distractions and failures(if you come upon any). This book is a must get cause it helps you in life as well as track.

One more thing - Rated
One more thing would like to add, Michael Johnsons book is unlike any other book written by any athlete. He doesn't just talk about his life, he mostly talks about how you can improve. Not just in track or sports, but in life as well!