GEOFF HUEGILL'S "BE YOUR BEST"- BOOK REVIEW

I saw my local book shop advertise this as a Christmas gift idea. It was near the end of November - a pretty horrible month for me - and it sort of spoke to me. The next day I picked it up in Target for $13 less (sorry, local bookstore but a saving is a saving) and have really enjoyed reading it.

Its an easy read with lots of pictures and higlighted quotes. Its written in the first person in a casual, conversational style and tells his story from learning to swim at 3 years of age through to the present day. His swimming highlights, his swimming low lights and his personal struggles.

This chapter in particular was a great read. I didnt know Geoff's story at all other than "great swimmer and then he left swimming and got really fat." This chapter is raw and honest. If you've had a bad day, or a bad patch it can make you feel less alone knowing that even the greatest can hit rock bottom - and not just for a day or a week. Depression can suck the life out of you and it certainly did for Geoff. The road to recovery is not always as easy as a bit of positive self talk and 20 minutes of exercise. It can and does take a long time to see positive changes after taking positive action.

 

I'm still reading this final section because I want to really savour it, absorb it. Although its somewhat on the light side it stays in sync with the rest of the book. The messages are clear and simple, yet again an easy read. Plus its split into 3 facets: Champion Spirit, Champion Mindset and Champion Health. They meld together beautifully into what became a winning formula for Geoff's comeback.

There are lots of great athletes around and there's no denying the blood, sweat and tears they put into their training to achieve elite status. However, to have all that and then lose it so badly (From Hero to Zero) and then regain it is no mean feat. No wonder he can confidently espouse the virtues of his "Champion" approach to life now.

Cheers all

M