"The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" (novel by Alan Sillitoe)

"The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" by Alan Sillitoe is a story about a young man named Colin who, while in a juvenile detention center, develops a talent for long-distance running. His athletic ability becomes a form of rebellion and self-expression against societal and authority figures. The novel explores themes of individualism, class struggle, and personal integrity. Ultimately, Colin makes a conscious choice to intentionally lose a race in a way that defies the expectations of those in power, highlighting his rejection of their control and his desire to maintain his independence.