Twin Ambitions - My Autobiography
The story of Team GB's double Olympic champion
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Twin Ambitions - My Autobiography
Buy Now for £14.35
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Narrated by:
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Arinze Kene
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By:
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Mo Farah
About this listen
4 August, 2012. Super Saturday. On the most electric night in the history of British sport, Mo Farah braved the pain and punishment to seize Olympic gold in the 10,000m - and in the process went from being a talented athlete to a national treasure. Seven days later, Mo seized his second gold at the 5000m to go where no British distance runner has gone before.
Records have tumbled before him: European track records at 1500m, 5000m indoors, and 10,000m; British track records at 5000m, 3000m indoors and 10k on the road have all fallen to Mohamed 'Mo' Farah: the boy from Somalia who came to Britain at the age of eight, leaving behind his twin brother, and with just a few words of English, and a natural talent for running.
His secondary school PE teacher Alan Watkinson spotted his potential and began easing this human gazelle towards the racetrack. In 2001 Mo showed his promise by winning the 5000m at the European Junior Championships. Soon he was smashing a string of British and European records. He began living with a group of elite Kenyan runners, following their strict regime of run, sleep, eat and rest. Mo was determined to leave no stone uncovered in his bid for distance-running glory.
After a disappointing Olympics in Beijing Mo took the bold decision to relocate to Portland, Oregon to work under legendary coach Alberto Salazar. The results were emphatic as Mo took silver at the 10,000m and then raced to gold in the 5000m at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu. Even better would soon follow at London 2012.
TWIN AMBITIONS is much more than an autobiography by a great Olympic champion. It's a moving human story of a man who grew up in difficult circumstances, separated from his family at an early age, who struggled to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and realise his dream.
(P)2013 Hodder & Stoughton©2013 Mo Farah
Critic reviews
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, especially if they like running and/or are a fan of Mo.What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
The book ended nicely. There where two things I felt at the end, firstly how amazing that through his hard work, and determination he achieved all of his sporting triumphs. Secondly I think Mo is a very positive example of someone from another country who comes to this country, and works hard and gives a great deal to the UK.Have you listened to any of Arinze Kene’s other performances? How does this one compare?
I have not, but I found his narration clear and the book was well read by him.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I did actually find this strangely addictive. I did want to see what happens next even though all that usually happened next was he won another race or he lost one.Any additional comments?
I did feel a bit bored in places, as he does name drop quite a lot regarding fellow athletes, who is who at a race meeting and what times they clocked. That isn't Mo's fault, it is mine, I'm just not as passionate about running as him. Overall though, this is a good book about a great athlete. I was also very happy to hear that he likes listening to K'Naan, a Somalian rapper who I am also a fan of. I'd have liked perhaps a few more personal touches to the book such as this, I think it would have made it more interesting. Also I think the PE teacher who spotted his talent, and supported him at the beginning deserves a gold medal!Shows what you can achieve if you work hard
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If you could sum up Twin Ambitions - My Autobiography in three words, what would they be?
Engaging, inspiring, motivatingWhat other book might you compare Twin Ambitions - My Autobiography to, and why?
Eat and Run by Scott Jurek. Both are autobiographies about great sportsmen. Both not only give an insight into what it's like to be training and performing as a top athlete, but also cover the personal side and background behind the success.Which character – as performed by Arinze Kene – was your favourite?
MoWas this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, I had difficulty stopping it. But as I listen mainly when I am driving, that's not always possible. It did make me want to take a detour every now and then.Any additional comments?
This is a great listen and very well read. I enjoyed listening to it and as a runner myself, found it very inspirational and motivating.Engaging and inspiring
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Excellent story about Mo Farah
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Great real life story
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Such an interesting read from a humble, kind and hardworking man. What a journey he has made and every win well deserved. I really enjoyed listening to this!
Legend
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