As a world record holder in ballooning, speed sailing and aviation, Steve Fossett is at the pinnacle of extreme sporting achievements. His adventurous spirit has piqued the intrigue of his fellow competitors and sports aficionados, and attracted the curiosity of the world.

As a world record holder in ballooning, speed sailing and aviation, Steve Fossett is at the pinnacle of extreme sporting achievements. His adventurous spirit has piqued the intrigue of his fellow competitors and sports aficionados, and attracted the curiosity of the world. In 2005, Fossett will attempt the first solo, non-stop, non-refuelled circumnavigation of the world at the helm of what has been described as ?a fuel tank with room for one - the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer. But what makes someone like Steve give up a secure, well-paid job in the financial sector for the romantic, yet increasingly dangerous, world of the adventurer? He has achieved the first balloon crossings of the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and South America; the first ocean crossings of the South Atlantic, South Pacific and Indian Oceans; and the first solo balloon flight round the world - a milestone in aviation history. And he doesn?t just take on the air. He is the most-successful speed sailor in the history of sailing, and has completed premier endurance sports events including the Iditarod and Ironman Triathlon. In this dynamic biography, Steve Fossett shares his inspirational stories and candidly recounts the milestones, challenges and victories that have made up his much-heralded career and paved the path to his numerous world records.