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My Double Life

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents My Double Life by Mark Foster, read by Andrew Hollingworth.

*This audiobook features a bonus conversation with the author and Rebecca Adlington*

'As gripping as Mark's greatest races' – Zoe Ball
'Incredibly brave and uplifting' – Rebecca Adlington

The moving story of one of Britain’s best-loved sportsmen, and his thirty-year coming out journey

WITH A FOREWORD BY CLARE BALDING

As a five-time Olympian, six-time World Champion and eight-time World Record holder, if anyone was going to be openly gay at the height of their sporting career it should have been swimmer Mark Foster – a confident, laid-back guy who doesn’t care what anyone thinks. So why did it take him half a lifetime to come out?

From a Southend Jack-the-lad expelled from one of the most prestigious schools in the country to becoming the fastest man through water on the planet and a television favourite, Mark’s journey is extraordinary. With humour and honesty, he takes readers through his unprecedented 20-year career in the pool and shows how he hid his sexuality for so long – and convinced himself he was happy doing so.

Alongside his sporting achievements, Mark recounts his glittering appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, his growing broadcasting career and the other-worldliness of being an Olympian in the public eye. But his experience makes us stop and reassess where we really are in terms of society’s approach to homosexuality and diversity in sport.

Inspiring and moving, My Double Life is the tale of one man’s pursuit of sporting prowess and finding the freedom to live his truth.

Critics Review

Inspirational and life-affirming. The making of a champion, a gentleman and one of our finest sportsmen ... This book is as gripping as Mark’s greatest races – you will hold your breath in places. I loved it
Zoe Ball
An incredibly brave and inspiring story. Mark’s honesty and resilience make My Double Life a truly uplifting and important read. I’m so proud he’s sharing his journey through sport, coming out and, above all, being such an incredible person
Rebecca Adlington
My dear friend Mark takes pride in all he does. His kindness and positivity brings light to all and in equal measures it shines brightly through this inspirational book
Penny Lancaster
An eye-opening account of what it takes to succeed in professional sport, from a man who manages to combine charm with ambition. To know Mark is to know a man who lights up every room and every conversation, but to unpack his story and rise to being one of the world’s best is to hear a tale of resilience and grace
Helen Skelton
An amazing story of success despite the massive amount of energy it takes to keep silent about who you truly are. Mark shows his humanity, resilience and perseverance. Coming out is never easy but it is liberating – well done Mark and congrats on inspiring so many humans around the world!
Martina Navratilova
An honest, brave and compelling read
Trevor Nelson
Mark, from the heights of his success as both a World Champion and World Record holder, had the turmoil of being a closeted athlete. It is uplifting and heartwarming to see my friend live as his authentic self.
Ian Thorpe
A great story
Jeremy Vine
A tell-all book
The Mirror
Mark’s experience, told with humour and honesty, makes us stop and reassess where we really are in terms of society’s approach to homosexuality and diversity in sport.
Inspiring and moving, My Double Life is the tale of one man’s pursuit of sporting prowess and finding the freedom to live his truth.
Out in the City
A fascinating read
Adrian Chiles, BBC Radio 5
Author Mark Foster
Narrator Andrew Hollingworth, Mark Foster, Rebecca Adlington
Duration 9 hours and 42 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781399425131
Format Audiobook
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre Autobiography: sport, Memoirs, Swimming
Availability AU, GB, IE, US

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