I've had this book since 2002 but just got around to reading it. I think I just got tired of it staring at me in the library. If you want to learn about hardship this would be a great read. I distinctly remember the thought that took me out, even more than 25 years later... "I can't do all of this hungry and tired. I need to recover." The mentality of an NCAA division 1 swimmer wasn't enough. Proud of the guys I know who made it. RLTW.