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Sevens Heaven
- The Beautiful Chaos of Fiji's Olympic Dream
- Narrated by: Ben Ryan
- Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2018.
The uplifting, feel-good autobiography of Ben Ryan, the coach of the Olympic gold-medal winning Fijian rugby team.
It is late summer 2013. Ben Ryan, a red-haired, 40-something, spectacle-wearing Englishman, is given 20 minutes to decide whether he wants to coach Fiji's rugby sevens team, with the aim of taking them to the nation's first-ever Olympic medal. He has never been to Fiji. There has been no discussion of contracts or salary. But he knows that no one plays rugby like the men from these isolated Pacific islands, just as no one plays football like the kids from the Brazilian favelas, or no one runs as fast as the boys and girls from Jamaica's boondocks. He knows too that no other rugby nation has so little - no money and no resources, only basic equipment and a long, sad history of losing its most gifted players to richer, greedier nations.
Ryan says yes. And with that simple word he sets in motion an extraordinary journey that will encompass witchdoctors and rugby-obsessed prime ministers, sun-smeared dawns and devastating cyclones, intense friendships and bitter rows, phone taps and wild nationwide parties. It will end in Rio with a performance that not only wins Olympic gold but reaches fresh heights for rugby union and makes Ben and his 12 players living legends back home.
What listeners say about Sevens Heaven
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- Anonymous User
- 23-06-2018
amazing story
loved it! finished in a couple days. great uplifting story anyone would enjoy from a mad rugby supporter to an everyday person.
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- Kitione Malugulevu
- 23-05-2022
Excellent Read 👏👏👏👏
Great read and recommended for leaders and coaches. Very informative and interesting on the behind the scene preparations. Vinaka vakalevu Ratu Peni Rayani
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- Steve Lynch
- 17-09-2018
Must read for any coach
Ben Ryan does an excellent job with this book. Not only one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had the pleasure to come across, but also countless lessons for an amateur/school coach like myself.
If everyone moved to Fiji for a few years and channeled their inner islander as Ben did, I believe the world would be a much better place.
Please take the time to read, you won’t regret it
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- Torika
- 09-06-2018
Beautifully written, could not put it down.
As an Australian born Fijian and avid fan of our beloved Fiji 7s team, i couldn't wait to read this. I thought I might get bored in parts, if the rugby talk went to much in detail but Im happy to report that never happened. Brilliantly documented story of the Fiji Olympic journey through the eyes of Ben Ryan and a perfectly painted picture of the Fijian way of life. Could not be prouder. Thank you for living your truth and sharing your story. Vinaka Ben #veilomani
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- Soundbeatpete
- 09-01-2020
Fascinating...
A fascinating brook from cultural, leadership and management perspectives. So much more than a sport book.
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- Anonymous User
- 04-06-2018
Excellent narration and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story
Loved the entire book and took me three days to finish the entire book. I’d recommend the book to everybody who has followed Ben Ryan’s career and how he took the Fiji 7’s team to winning their first ever Olympic medal. Loved it and can’t wait to actually grab a copy of the book and a movie worthy story 🤗😄👍🏽
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- Amazon Customer
- 15-05-2023
Inspiring and uplifting
Remarkable story from the coach, recollection of challenges and uplifting journey of the Fiji Rugby Sevens team to winning Gold at the Olympics in Rio.
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- Anonymous User
- 22-01-2019
Vinaka!
Great read! Vinaka for sharing your amazing story that we followed live every step to Olympic glory! Veilomani Ben!
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- Anonymous User
- 18-06-2018
wonderful
didn't put it down... loved it and appreciated the candor and honest review of the 3 yrs
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- Ant
- 08-06-2018
An inspiring story told with honesty and heart
A great story of an inspiring and important journey for the people of Fiji. A fantastic leadership role model of adaptation to suit individuals yet designed to achieve a common goal. A reminder to also enjoy the moments and to keep things in perspective. Vinaka Ben.
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