The 100 Greatest Track & Field Battles of the 20th Century

I am of two minds when it comes to this book. I really liked a lot of the stories and the fact that the author didn't fall into the problem of many who make such lists by having too much bias toward either more recent events or those from childhood. However, I would have liked more than one page to get a feel for some of the dynamics. The book is a good deal, and it does a great job of focusing on both the famous and the obscure, so if you'd like a quick look, this would be a good book for you.

I readily admit I am a track geek. So much so, that when I first saw this book I immediately turned to my long-patient wife and told her which race is depicted on the cover and the names of the three medalists shown there. Though I echo a previous reviewer who said that a bit more information on each battle and the participants would be good, I consider it a must-have for track and field fans. I am sure I will be buying some more copies as gifts for my fellow geeks (especially those with whom I ran over the years), and I would welcome a Volume II. I'd also welcome a blog/forum site where geeks could comment on each of the battles and nominate additional ones.

Jeff Hollobaugh's "The 100 Greatest Track & Field Battles of the 20th Century" is a gem. You don't have to be a track nut to appreciate each story, but it certainly doesn't hurt to be a huge fan of the sport. Whether you have been to several Olympic Games or several high school track meets, this is an excellent book. Jeff is a talented writer with the ability to take you through the 1900's and share some of the best performances in one of the world's most popular sports. I found myself making a list of my favorites and I can tell you that my number one matches the book cover. This book is an easy read and if you're like me, you'll probably read several times. It also makes a nice reference book.

A nice historic list if the top 100 competitions in Track & Field over virtual he past 100 years incorporating jumps, throws, sprints and distance. These are the authors picks and they are very good choices, the key is the close competition between two or more competior's from Billy Mills to Al Oerter. The descriptions are just a few pages and include typically the top 9 finishers. I only gave it four stars because a little more detail is wanting for the fan and more detail on the post event careers would have been more satisfying. However, a very good effort.

If you are a runner or a track fan, you'll love this book. I read the whole thing in one sitting actually, but it is pretty much a niche book. A non-runner or non track fan would probably be bored out of their minds. It is very well written and picked some truly epic "battles"! If you buy it I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and thanks for taking the time to read my review.

A good compilation of track battles. I was hoping some of the stories could have been more detailed.

Remembered a lot of these when I was growing up. Good reading for a running/track afficianado. The "Duel in the Sun" was a great memory.

Jeff Hollobaugh has compiled a fascinating list of track "battles", some famous, some obscure. This volume is beautifully researched and presented with excellent detail. I am a student of the sport and Mr. Hollobaugh took me places I've never been. This is a must read for all track fans!!!!

Just a bit short and a bit 'U.S. centric' but its clear the author knows his stuff. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. I just want it to be 500 or 1000 Track & Field battles.