Book info

• Title Unbroken
• Author Katarina Johnson-Thompson
• Year 2024
• Genres Memoir, Sports

The inspirational and powerful memoir from double world heptathlon champion and Team GB Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Katarina Johnson-Thompson has never had it easy. Born a child of two worlds - her mum’s working-class Liverpool, and her dad’s idyllic Bahamas - she was never supposed to be a world champion. Her early childhood wasn’t easy. She was raised by a single mother, and at times it was a struggle for her to keep up with other athletes who had more funding around them. But she persevered. Now, in her intimate, heartfelt autobiography, she tells her story as she never has before. She opens up about the pressures of representing Britain at the London Olympics while just sixteen years of age, and about her complex relationship with mentor-turned-rival Jessica Ennis-Hill. Unbroken is a rare insight into the inner workings of a champion's mind: the rigorous discipline, the undying passion for sport, and the unshakable belief in one's self despite the odds.

Thoughts

I love KJT and she’s always been such a private person this book was a great opportunity to get inside the mentality and ride that heptathlon rollercoaster with her. It’s a great read, from the early athletics days to participating in an Olympics so quickly, and that drive to keep pushing and achieve goals. We go through the various Olympics and that horror show that was Tokyo, and it’s really fascinating to read about how you can come back from that. Plus there’s insight into family life and everything that is sacrificed to get that elusive Olympic medal.

Rating: 5 / 5