This biography investigates the career and personal development of Robert de Castella, one of Australia's most prominent marathon runners. The author, Lorraine Wilson, examines de Castella's rise to international prominence, focusing on his training regimens, his psychological approach to endurance sports, and his impact on the landscape of Australian athletics during the 1980s. The text utilizes historical records and biographical data to construct a comprehensive profile of his athletic achievements and his transition into post-competition roles.

Readers often identify this work as a straightforward biographical account suitable for those interested in the history of Australian sports. Experts note that the text serves as a useful record of de Castella's specific contributions to the sport of marathon running.