The Tao of Sport: Reflecting on Purpose, Passion, and Growth from a Hotbed of High Performance

Duff Gibson has spent the better part of three decades in a hotbed of Olympic sport. As an athlete, Duff was a provincial champion speed skater, a national champion and national team member in bobsleigh, and then a world and Olympic gold medallist in the sport of skeleton. As a coach he led six different athletes to podium finishes at a world level. Competing against, working with, and learning from numerous world-leading athletes and coaches has provided Duff a breadth and depth of experience few others have had.Despite its mischaracterization in popular culture, the mental side of sport is perhaps the most significant aspect, and what very often makes the difference between success and failure, in particular at the highest level. The Tao of Sport explores the commonality amongst elite performers relating to purpose, passion, and growth, as a means to achieving high performance, or as a means to an end in itself.An inspiring and informative read for athletes and coaches of any level, as well as parents, teachers, and anyone helping others to become the best version of themselves.The Tao of Sport will forever change your perspective on what it really takes to win."When I started Classroom Champions, it was because I wanted to have an impact and because I believe in the Olympic ideals. That came from my experiences as an athlete. Duff and I were both immersed in sport at a time and place that I think we’ll look back on as being very special. There was and is tremendous value in what we lived and learned. The Tao of Sport encapsulates that time and a value system that elevates everyone involved. It’s as much about character and personal growth as it is about high achievement and I loved reading every page."—Steve Mesler, OLYOlympic gold medallist, bobsleighFounder, Classroom ChampionsBoard of Directors, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee"I just loved this book. Told from the unique platform of one who has lived sport on all levels—participant, Olympic Champion, coach and parent—Duff’s views and perspectives are invaluable and ring true on so many levels. Weaving in personal stories and experiences with lessons learned from teammates, friends and those around him (famous or not), the message and the teachings about values, priorities and defining success in sport are critically important, particularly today. I'm grateful for a book such as this, and truly hope it gets in to the hands of as many athletes, coaches and parents as possible!"—Beckie Scott, O.C., OLY2 x Olympic medallistFormer Chair, WADA Athlete CommitteeFormer member IOC Athletes’ Commission“Duff Gibson looks at sport from many different perspectives. That's what makes The Tao of Sport such a great and educational read whether you are an athlete, a coach, a parent, all (or none) of the above. I’ve enjoyed this book very much.”—Dan Jansen, OLYOlympic gold medallist, speed skatingNBC AnalystU.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Read more