Alec Nelson and British Athletics Prior to World War II : A Professional Amongst Gentlemen / Ian Stone.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stone, Ian, 1950- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Athletics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (590 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Newcastle upon Tyne, England : Cambridge Scholars Publishing, [2023]

Summary:

British athletics in the era of Chariots of Fire is explored through the rediscovered life of amateur and professional runner and leading British coach, Alec Nelson. Though necessary for competitive success, professional coaches were kept firmly in their place by the socially elite athletes and administrators of the sport. The contradictions and hypocrisy within athletics, and the class-based antagonism between amateurism and professionalism, are central themes of this book.The relationship between professional trainers and amateur athletes and clubs is examined, and the resistance to change while British Olympic performances increasingly fell behind. The sporting world and its main personalities are brought to life through exploring the clubs Nelson coached (Cambridge University, the Army, the Achilles Club and various Olympic teams), the athletes he trained (Harold Abrahams, Douglas Lowe and Bob Tisdall among them) and the controversies over the methods and role of coaches. The book also brings to light a remarkable partnership which crossed the lines of social class, between Nelson and his mentor, Philip Noel-Baker, a prominent Olympian and politician who attempted to modernise British athletics.

Contents:

Intro

Dedication

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations

List of Tables

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Appendix A

Appendix B

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Print version: Stone, Ian Alec Nelson and British Athletics Prior to World War II

ISBN:

1-5275-1383-1