"""Men will go on breaking records as long as they run. To the geat thrust of human spirit, there is no limit,"" wrote Dr. Roger Bannister, who, in 1956 became the first man to cross the four-minute-mile barrier. Since then Dr. Bannister's record has been broken numerous times but his words are relevant to this day.
It was this indomitable human spirit which fired Australian Dennis Lillee to combat stress fracture of the spine, come back to test cricket and end up as its leading wicket taker.
But sports is not just breaking records. It cuts across caste, communal, national and political barriers. It inspires the participants, enthralls the spectators, establishing a strong, invisible link between them. Millions cheered Jesse Owens, son of a negro cottonpicker, who won four Olympic gold medals proved how brittle are the barriers of race and culture. The tied cricket test between West Indies and Australia at Brisbane splashed the bright colour of joy across the sometimes drab tapestry of everyday life.
A Lord's test match, Centre court finals at Wimbledon, the Oxford-Cambridge boat race, the Olympics -- these are rich traditions which have survived the stresses and strains of modern life. Without these, the world would be a poorer place to live in.
Sports has always been a favourite subject in the Reader's Digest, and over the years numerous outstanding sports articles have appeared in the magazine. This book contains a choice selection of such articles -- on exciting matches, unforgettable personalities and intriguing challenges.
Few of us can be great athletes; but all of us can be physically fit. To keep you in good shape we have reproduced articles by experts on how to keep fit while you sit, how to flatten your stomach and how to stay slender for life. But keeping in shape is not entirely a solemn affair; so you have ""My Physical Unfitness Programme"" and ""Yoga Bared"". And for those who want to exercise their brains, we have a piece on crosswords too.
We have enjoyed preparing this book for you. And we are sure you'd enjoy reading it."