My Double Life
Will be published approx. on 2. July 2026
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-1-3994-2516-2 (ISBN)
Description
'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.
'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.
Reviews / Votes
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 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 153 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
460 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3994-2516-2 (9781399425162)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Mark Foster is an English former competitive swimmer, broadcaster and public speaker. He is a five-time Olympian, six-time World Champion and eight-time World Record holder over a 23-year professional swimming career. Foster trains and inspires the next generation of competitive swimmers through the Mark Foster Swimming Academy and is also a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community, promoting compassion, equality and inclusion. @markfosterswim
Content
Foreword by Clare Balding
1. Beer and chocolate
2. Phwoarrrrr
3. Millfield
4. Fifteen and fast
5. What will the neighbours say?
6. Seoul to Soul
7. The driver
8. Pretty cool
9. Catherine
10. Very amateur, a little professional
11. All I remember is a door closing
12. Branded
13. Thirty something
14. Tainted love
15. Strictly speaking
16. Aunty
17. A chip off the old block
18. Hello, world
19. Fun and games
Acknowledgements
List of images
1. Beer and chocolate
2. Phwoarrrrr
3. Millfield
4. Fifteen and fast
5. What will the neighbours say?
6. Seoul to Soul
7. The driver
8. Pretty cool
9. Catherine
10. Very amateur, a little professional
11. All I remember is a door closing
12. Branded
13. Thirty something
14. Tainted love
15. Strictly speaking
16. Aunty
17. A chip off the old block
18. Hello, world
19. Fun and games
Acknowledgements
List of images