Gerd Kanter: The story behind my book
He was considered talentless at 21 but Gerd Kanter went on to prove his critics wrong by, among other achievements, winning the Olympic discus title. spikesmag.com speaks to the charismatic Estonian about his new book “15 steps to winning”, which he hopes can inspire hundreds of kids to reach the top...
Why did you decide to write a book?
GK: I remember my childhood, and I remember how important it was to receive simple advice on what to do. To help kids was the main reason I decided to write it. I tested my principles in lots of meetings with kids and they worked, so we decided to give it a go.
Is it the first book you have ever written?
GK: Absolutely! I never thought, that before end of my career I would start to write something, but chief of my team, Raul Rebane, convinced me that it’s not good enough to just be a good sportsmen. He says that first of all you have to be good citizen.
What is the main theme of the book?
GK: The book has two parts. The first is 15 pieces of advice on how to be successful, not only in sports but in life generally. It's not a sports book, it’s a book about the strategy to be successful. The second part is about the idols I admired during my childhood. Everybody has different idols, so this is, in a way, just my story. I know that not everyone has Michael Jordan or Sylvester Stallone as their idols.
Who is the book targeted at?
GK: We wanted to target 10-15 year-olds, but it appears that coaches and parents have found something in the book for them, too.
What is your most important rule in life?
GK: Dream of great results and work hard to achieve your dreams. A combination of these two rules, I believe, is a very powerful vision for life.
You were considered untalented at the age of 21. How much did this inspire you to write this book?
GK: Actually a lot. I had to work and think much more and I had to do it fast with the help of people who believed in me. “Don’t lose hope” is one of the main themes of the book. If you trust your talent, just do it. I really think, that one of my missions is to be a beacon of hope for thousands and thousands of athletes who coaches often consider untalented.
I really wanted to be a top-level basketball player, but I was not accepted to the Tallinn sports school. Later I got several setbacks in athletics from people who said I was too old with no talent. This made me angry. And when my chance came I seized the opportunity – It was seven years in waiting, but it paid off.
***Read more about Gerd Kanter's new book in part two of this feature right here***
Buy the book here.
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