Books That Show the Heart of a Champion: Must-Reads for Athletes

7 July 2025

Success in sports isn’t just about talent or hard work—it’s about mindset. Champions aren’t born; they’re made through discipline, resilience, and mental toughness. And what better way to fuel that winning mindset than by diving into books that capture the true spirit of a champion?

Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or just someone who loves sports, these books can light a fire in you. They share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. So, if you’re ready to think bigger, train harder, and push past your limits, here are the must-reads for every athlete.

1. "Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" by Tim S. Grover

Tim Grover has trained some of the most elite athletes, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade. In Relentless, he breaks down what makes champions different from everyone else.

Why It’s a Must-Read:

- Grover introduces the concept of "Cleaners"—those who refuse to settle for anything less than greatness.
- He teaches how to develop an unshakable mindset and thrive under pressure.
- Filled with real-life stories from top athletes, this book is raw, unapologetic, and incredibly motivating.

If you're the kind of person who wants to dominate, not just compete, this book will push you to that next level.

2. "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" by David Goggins

David Goggins is a former Navy SEAL, an ultramarathon runner, and basically a human machine. His life story is unreal—he went from an overweight, struggling young man to one of the toughest endurance athletes in the world.

What You’ll Learn:

- The power of embracing discomfort and pushing beyond your mental and physical limits.
- How to rewrite the story you tell yourself about your limitations.
- The "40% Rule," which suggests that when you think you’re done, you’ve only used 40% of your potential.

Goggins doesn't sugarcoat anything. If you're looking for a no-excuses approach to conquering challenges, this book is for you.

3. "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play" by Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant wasn’t just one of the greatest basketball players of all time—his mindset separated him from the rest. The Mamba Mentality gives an inside look at his relentless work ethic and his approach to the game.

Key Takeaways:

- Insights into Kobe’s training, preparation, and dedication to excellence.
- Lessons on discipline, focus, and what it takes to outwork the competition.
- A deeper understanding of what it really means to have a championship mindset.

If you admired Kobe’s killer instinct, this book will take you right into his world and inspire you to develop that same mindset.

4. "Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence" by Gary Mack

If you’ve ever heard the phrase, "Sports are 90% mental and 10% physical," this book is the embodiment of that idea. Gary Mack, a sports psychology consultant, breaks down the psychology behind peak performance in athletics.

Why It’s Essential:

- Learn how to build confidence, focus, and mental toughness.
- Real-world applications for improving performance under pressure.
- Tips on overcoming mental blocks and staying strong through setbacks.

For athletes who struggle with self-doubt, nerves, or staying in the zone, Mind Gym is like a playbook for mental mastery.

5. "The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive" by Jim Afremow

Every athlete wants to perform at their best when it matters most. But how do you train your mind for peak performance? That’s where The Champion’s Mind comes in.

What Makes It Inspiring:

- It breaks down the mental habits of elite athletes.
- Provides strategies to handle pressure, setbacks, and competition.
- Covers visualization techniques and goal-setting that prime you for success.

If you’ve ever felt like nerves or mental blocks are holding you back, this book teaches you how to think like a champion.

6. "Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike" by Phil Knight

This one isn’t just about sports; it’s about the relentless pursuit of a dream. Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog tells the incredible journey of how Nike became a global powerhouse.

Why Athletes Should Read It:

- Packed with lessons on perseverance, innovation, and leadership.
- Shows the behind-the-scenes struggles of building a brand from nothing.
- Proves that setbacks and failures are just stepping stones to success.

Even if you're not into business, this book is a testament to the champion’s mindset in action.

7. "Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness" by Tim S. Grover

If you liked Relentless, then Winning is your next must-read. Grover dives even deeper into the mindset of winners and what separates them from the rest.

What You’ll Gain from It:

- A no-nonsense breakdown of the sacrifices required to be the best.
- Mindset shifts that prepare you for competition and adversity.
- An inside look at the mentality of champions like Jordan and Bryant.

This book isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s for those willing to do what it takes to win.

8. "The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill in Sports, Art, and Music" by Daniel Coyle

Ever wondered if talent is something you’re born with or something you develop? The Talent Code answers that question by showing how world-class performers—from athletes to musicians—build their skills.

Why This Book Stands Out:

- Breaks down the science behind elite performance.
- Explains how deep practice and coaching can lead to mastery.
- Shows that greatness isn’t about natural talent—it’s about consistent effort.

If you want to get better at your sport, this book will teach you how to do it.

9. "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear

Success in sports (and life) often comes down to habits. Atomic Habits is all about creating systems that make success inevitable.

What You’ll Take Away:

- How to build small, powerful habits that lead to massive improvements.
- The psychology behind breaking bad habits.
- Strategies for staying consistent and making progress every day.

If you struggle with discipline or staying motivated, this book will help you lock in the right habits to succeed.

Final Thoughts

Champions aren’t just built in the gym or on the field—they’re built in the mind, too. These books aren’t just about sports; they’re about mindset, discipline, and determination. They’ll challenge you, inspire you, and push you to be the best version of yourself.

So, if you're serious about leveling up—whether in sports or life—start with these books. They might just change the way you think, train, and compete.