Leisel Jones is rightly regarded as one of the greatest breaststrokers ever. At just fifteen, she won two silver medals at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000; she went on to win gold at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. At London 2012, she became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympics.
In London, after yet another Olympic final, Leisel handled herself with great composure when the Australian media claimed she'd been 'too fat' to swim. She also blew the whistle on bullying and dysfunction within the Australian swim team. For the first time, Leisel reveals the constant pressure she was under from coaches, from the media and from herself to be perfect. Despite the highs of her swimming stardom, she suffered depression, and at one time attempted to take her own life. She has emerged from life as an athlete with maturity and good humour, having finally learnt how to be herself and live with confidence. In Body Lengths, Leisel tells the candid story of what it's like to be a young woman thrust into the limelight through early sporting success. Body Lengths is the inspiring story of an Australian sporting hero, told with humour, optimism and style.
Marijke is the Customer Service Supervisor at Boffins and has been a Boffin for over five years, and a bird fanatic for even longer. She reads anything interesting.
Body Lengths is a insider's view of the Australian sporting world, and the pressures that Leisel Jones has faced in her career. This is a fantastic read, especially for anyone interested in the media's impact on young women and their body image, and the bullying that can take place between women. Leisel comes across as both professional and very relatable in her responses to these situations. This book can be read by a range of age groups, and while I found it quick to read, it stayed with me for a long time.
Don't miss our event with Leisel Jones on 27 October 2015, as she launches her long-awaited biography Body Lengths. Click here for more information.
