The Kiwi Runners' Family Tree: Volume Two 2000 to 2020

Description

Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed The Kiwi Runners' Family Tree: Volume One 1800s to 1999 comes this second volume, showcasing the inspirational Kiwi running stars of our millennium to date. The majority of their stories are based on personal interviews and intertwined with those who have gone before them. There is a robustness to this family tree of coaches and athletes that continues to gain strength, lay down new roots and showcase diversity and inclusion. In this volume readers will hear about our fastest ever middle-distance runner; unstoppable female runners; the rise and rise of Para athlete runners; a new breed of adventure runners; and high-octane 'weekend warriors'. This series of books will appeal to runners, athletes, sports fans, parents, children, educators and those seeking inspiration.

Dreydon Sobanja is children's picture book author who has now moved taken on the challenge of a book of NZ athlete biographies about New Zealand runners. Dreydon has had a love for running since he was four years old, when he saw John Walker win his 1500-metre gold in Montreal and has emulated Sir John by providing inspirational sessions to schools and libraries around the country. Dreydon has previously self-published three New Zealand books to inspire children to dream big, through his organisation Inspired Kids Ltd; Bruce Wants to Go Faster (9780473360627), Ed Climbs a Big Hill (9780473227838) and Jean Dreams of Flying (9780473227845). Fellow Aucklander and urban artist, Murray Dewhurst, has added clever design elements that make this book a Kiwi keepsake. Murray was also the designer of Bruce Wants to Go Faster, which made the Storyline's Notable Books List for 2017.

"The successes and stories of the athletes in volume one set the bar high and shone light on some of our greatest running achievements on the international stage. Like any family bloodline, their humility, dedication and success have influenced and built the foundation for the next generation of kiwi runners. This second volume gives you the opportunity to learn about the current generation of Kiwi runners and will hopefully, in turn, inspire those who follow." - Ruth Croft, Ultra marathon and mountain running champion.