John Bryant (3) (1944–2020)

Written by a journalist who knew Chris Brasher for many years, this is a fascinating and revealing book about a man of unbounded energy. Bryant captures this restlessness and chronicles the many and varied achievements of Brasher. His early days in athletics; his role in the first four-minute mile; his Olympic Gold Medal; his climbing and walking exploits; his media and business careers; his founding of the London Marathon; his horse racing interests; and his love of the countryside.
Bryant does not disguise that Brasher was not the easiest person to get on with. He examines his often controversial and abrasive career including comments from those who thought that Brasher’s methods could be brusque and opaque.
In short, he captures Brasher’s enthusiasm and determination to succeed and overcome any possible obstacles in whatever he did – a portrait of someone who lived life to the full.… (mere)