March 30th, 2026 with see the release of the Czech language version of James Stafford’s book: Unbelievable Underdogs and Rebellious Role Models: Sporting Heroes Who Defied the Odds and Shocked the World.
Published by C-Press (part of the famous Czech publishing house of Albatros Media), the new edition includes extra chapters featuring incredible stories from the history of Czech sports.
This will be Stafford’s third Czech release after Truchlivý amoret pražský (Argo, 2017) and Ragby (Labyrint, 2023).
The book’s Czech title is České a světové sportovní legendy: konické příběhy podceňovaných šampionů and features the 1998 Czech ice hockey team that won Olympic gold in 1998, Olympic snowboard and ski champion Ester Ledecká and running legend Emil Zátopek.
The original version of the book hit the UK, US and Australia markets in late 2024.
Unbelievable Underdogs has received warm praise from parents and educators for its accessibility and appeal to young male readers in particular – an age group that are often reluctant readers.
In January 2026, Stafford appeared on the Tony Livesey show on BBC Radio 5 to discuss underdogs and why people love them.
In České a světové sportovní legendy, 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 everything from poverty, racism, injury, disability and even shark attacks to reach the top against all odds.
Stories are taken from the world of football, basketball, baseball, surfing, athletics, running, rugby, ice hockey, American football, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, wheelchair racing, cricket, tennis, speed skating and boxing.
Once again, the book is packed with stunning illustrations by Tuan Nguyen that bring these epic stories and moments to life.
In addition to the Czech heroes mentioned above, the book details the stunning achievements of Leicester City (football), Jackie Robinson (baseball), Kurt Warner (American football), Tatyana McFadden (wheelchair track and field), Siya Kolisi (rugby), Caron Butler (basketball), Emma Raducanu (tennis), Steve Bradbury (speed skating), Wilma Rudolph (athletics), Japan (rugby), Muggsy Bogues (basketball), Kathrine Switzer and Bobbi Gibb (marathon running), Bhagwat Chandrasekhar (cricket), Team USA (ice hockey), Bethany Hamilton (surfer), James J. Braddock (boxing), Jack Fleck (golf) and many more.
The book is available for preorder now and will be available from all good online and physical booksellers across the Czech Republic.
For media requests or to invite the author to speak at your school/event, please get in touch using the form on the bottom of this page.
