With sports currently on pause due to the coronavirus outbreak, what better way to re-live our favourite sporting moments through written stories in the athlete's own words.
Despite the lack of female representation on display in bookstores, the abundance of sportswomen autobiographies out there are certainly worth reading. From Serena Williams' story as of one of the greatest tennis players ever to the journey of Great Britain's gold medal-winning women's hockey team - we've chosen our top picks of books to read during this self-isolation period.
Jessica Ennis: Unbelievable
This autobiography takes us through a journey that sees Ennis accomplish her childhood dreams - becoming an Olympic heptathlon champion at the London 2012 Olympics. Ennis insightfully shares moments of her childhood, from dealing with bullying to injury, and ultimately, standing on top of the podium in London.
Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream
Ibtihaj Muhammad's story is one worth reading. In this book, Muhammad recalls growing up in her neighbourhood as the only African American Muslim in school to becoming one of the world's most influential athletes.
Before going on to win a bronze medal at the Rio Olympic Games in fencing, Muhammad became the first Muslim woman in a hijab to compete for the United States.
From the Court to the Boardroom: The Path to Empowerment
WNBA legend, Lisa Leslie, and CEO Bridgitte Chambers combine their experiences in this book to depict the crossover between sport and business.
Leslie unravels her journey as a top basketball player, model, and head coach, showing the multi-faceted side of athletes which encourages women to do it all!
The History Makers: How Team GB Stormed to a First Ever Gold in Women's Hockey
This book tells the compelling story of Great Britain's women's hockey squad that failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympics in Athens to ultimately winning their first-ever gold in Rio 2016.
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance
Simone Biles, one of the best gymnasts in the world, tells her story from her humble beginnings to her Olympic successes. Published in 2016, Biles has since continued to re-write history in an exceptional career that is full of firsts.
Leap: Making the jump to take netball to the top of the world
In this book, England netball star Geva Mentor gives an honest insight into her world as a top-class athlete, from winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal with England Roses in 2018 to playing in the Australian league.
Swimming the Dream
British Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds tells her inspiring story of living with Achondroplasia Dwarfism which did not stop her from excelling in sport. Simmonds went on to win numerous World Championships and Paralympic titles.
Breakaway: Beyond the Goal
With women's football hitting record viewing figures, its impossible to ignore the growth in this sport. In this book, FIFA World Cup champion Alex Morgan tells her story as a young athlete playing with the American Youth Soccer Organisation to being a member of one of the most successful women's football teams in the world.
My Life: Queen of the Court
Tennis legend Serena Williams writes in her own words, the trials and tribulations of being one of the best players in her sport. Published in 2010, Williams explores the entirety of her journey thus far from growing up in Compton, Los Angeles to becoming one of the greatest sportswomen in the world.
Running Life: Mindset, fitness & nutrition for positive wellbeing
Dame Kelly Holmes - Double Olympic Champion and author of this award-winning guide leans on her experience as a world-class athlete to motivate readers to improve their well-being.