A CELEBRATED biographical and non-fiction author from the Vale has released his new book honouring the achievements of underdogs in the sporting world.
James Stafford was raised in Barry but now is based in Prague, has recently released his newest book, Unbelievable Underdogs and Rebellious Role Models, to celebrate the achievements by people in sport that shocked the world.
In Unbelievable Underdogs and Rebellious Role Models, James Stafford takes readers on an emotional roller coaster through some of the greatest upsets and shocks in the history of world sport.
It features incredible true tales of athletes who have overcome poverty, racism, injury, disability and even shark attacks to reach the top against all odds. Sports featured include football, basketball, baseball, surfing, athletics, rugby, ice hockey, American football, wheelchair racing, cricket, tennis, speed skating and boxing.
Teams and athletes include Leicester City (football), Jackie Robinson (baseball), Kurt Warner (American football), Tatyana McFadden (wheelchair track and field), Siya Kolisi (rugby), Caron Butler (basketball), Emil Zatopek (running), Emma Raducanu (tennis), Steve Bradbury (speed skating), Wilma Rudolph (athletics), Japan (rugby), Penarth legend Kathleen Thomas (Channel swimming) and many more.
Packed with stunning illustrations by Tuan Nguyen that bring these epic stories and moments to life, this book will inspire, educate and entertain young readers and reveal the remarkable ability of humankind to prevail over seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges.
This is James's seventh book, after he released his first in 2017, The Sorrowful Putto of Prague, an anthology of his previous comic book work which was praised with widespread acclaim across Czech media, and even drew praise from Hollywood star Samuel L Jackson.
Commissioned by Czech publishers Labyrint, the book was nominated for multiple national design, art and publishing awards. It was shortlisted at the
Magnesia Litera awards, the most prestigious book awards in the Czech Republic.
In 2025 James will publish Wonderful Welsh Sporting Heroes with Y Lolfa. Written for younger readers, the book will celebrate famous and not-so-famous sporting heroes from Wales from sports as diverse as ice swimming, rugby and wheelchair racing.
If you would like to keep updated with or find out more about James's work, you can visit his website or follow him on social media @jpstafford.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here