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My Double Life
- Author
- Mark Foster
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Publish Date
- 2 July 2026
- Run Time
- 9 hours 42 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Swimming, Autobiography: sport, Memoirs
What to expect
*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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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An honest, brave and compelling read
Trevor Nelson
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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
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A great story
Jeremy Vine
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A tell-all book
The Mirror
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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
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A fascinating read
Adrian Chiles, BBC Radio 5
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With warmth and disarming humour… This is one man's pursuit of both sporting greatness and the freedom to be himself.
This England
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Rather than a story of hardship, Mark's perspective remains vibrant, humorous, and forward-looking
Yorkshire Evening Post
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Mark Foster
- Narrator
- Andrew Hollingworth, Mark Foster, Rebecca Adlington
- Duration
- 9 hours 42 minutes
- Release Date
- 2 July 2026
- ISBN
- 9781399425131
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Genre
- Swimming, Autobiography: sport, Memoirs
Synopsis
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 journeyWITH A FOREWORD BY CLARE BALDINGAs 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.
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