We have asked some athletes about their favourite books, and the answers stretched across the broad horizon of the imagination: from the magic world of fairytales through the unusual relationships and dynamics of the New York underworld to the scientifically proven facts of regeneration.

Dmytro Pidruchnyi: The Godfather

It took the unforgettable saga of crime and corruption, passion and loyalty in Mario Puzo's classic The Godfather for Dmytro Pidruchnyi, the Pursuit gold-medalist from the BMW IBU World Championships Oestersund 2019, to forget about the competition stress and let his potential get unbound in Hochfilzen ten years ago.

"I really liked the book “Godfather” by Mario Puzo. I read it almost ten years ago, and I remember precisely when: at the World Cup in Hochfilzen in the 2013/2014 season!

This book helped me distract myself from the competition tension, so I was less worried. At that time, I had never reached the Top 40 at the World Cup stages, and I only dreamed about the Top 6 and flower ceremony. Why do I remember that I read it in Hochfilzen in 2013? That was when I got into the flower ceremony for the first time in my career - I became sixth in the Sprint. I shot without mistakes, and it was the first race in my career where I got the points and the flowers. That’s why I remember this book a lot."

A quote that sums The Godfather:

"No matter how poor or powerless the supplicant, Don Corleone would take that man's troubles to his heart. And he would let nothing stand in the way of a solution to that man's woes. His reward? Friendship, the respectful title of Don, and sometimes the more affectionate salutation of Godfather."

Kadri Lehtla: The Hobbit

In Kadri Lehtla's high school times, she always had compulsory literature. There were many books to read, mostly fiction topics. Some were boring, some very hard to follow or understand, and some quite interesting. And then the magic happened.

I remember when I was in 10th or 11th grade and there came up a book called "The Picture Of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. The topic was fantasy, mystery, and horror. It grabbed my attention from the first moment. It was so thrilling and fascinating and somehow very deep. I felt how this book is literally sucking me in. I couldn't put it away. And thanks to this book, I got more into reading.

But when I picked up "The Hobbit" and "Lord Of The Rings"?! I got hooked! I couldn't stop reading it. I was using every single free moment to read. There was no time for after-lunch naps in between workout sessions while I was in summer training camps. I think I even skipped the early morning runs to read! It was just too exciting, and I had such an explicit vision. The moment I started to read, everything opened up around me. I could clearly see all the characters and places like I was there on this journey. Downright fantastic reading!

A quote that perhaps sums up The Hobbit the best:

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.”

Sebastian Samuelsson: Harry Potter, what else?

Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling that chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sebastian Samuelsson loves being in their world.

"Is this even a question - Harry Potter, of course!”

A quote that perhaps sums up Harry Potter the best:

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

Živa Klemenčič: Resting and sleeping matters!

Acclaimed science journalist Christie Aschwanden took Slovenian Živa Klemenčič on an entertaining and enlightening tour through the latest science on sports and fitness recovery. Conclusion? There is no recovery like sleeping!

"Good to go by Christie Aschwanden - this book gave me a lot of information about regeneration. I like it because it has a scientifically researched background and is written by a person who was also an athlete. I learned that above all tools and methods of regeneration, there is resting and sleeping, which can be kind of reassuring in a time when the market offers so much."

A quote that perhaps sums up Good to go the best:

I don’t mind celebrating those impressive people who keep their exercise streaks alive, but maybe we should lionise athletes who’ve mastered the art of resting too.

Annija Sabule: Good Vibes lead to Good Life

Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King - it’s a good reminder to keep doing life simple. Take care of yourself & live life at present, and appreciate what you have.

"This book can help everyone remember to be kind to others & always respect different kinds of thinking and lifestyles. I recommend reading it because, with this book, you can come closer to being a good person every day, not when you need something from others. Simplicity in life, doing big things, and focusing on yourself is the most powerful thing you can accomplish! It teaches us to help others when they ask and never be too arrogant to ask for help from them if you need it ✨ life is about sharing positivity 🙂"

A quote that perhaps sums up Good Vibes, Good Life the best:

“Step out of your comfort zone and face your fears. Growth takes place when you’re challenged, not when you’re comfortable.”