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Proud: My Autobiography

By: Gareth Thomas
Narrated by: Matthew Gravelle
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Summary

Gareth Thomas had it all. He was a national hero, a sporting icon. He was a leader of men, captain of Wales and the British Lions. To him, rugby was an expression of cultural identity, a sacred code. It was no mere ball game. It gave him everything, except the freedom to be himself.

This is the story of a man with a secret that was slowly killing him. Something that might devastate not only his own life but the lives of his wife, family, friends and teammates. The only place where he could find any refuge from the pain and guilt of the lie he was living was on the pitch, playing the sport he loved. But all his success didn’t make the strain of hiding who he really was go away. His fear that telling the truth about his sexuality would lose him everything he loved almost sent him over the edge.

The deceit ended when Gareth became the world’s most prominent athlete to come out as a gay man. His gesture has strengthened strangers, and given him a fresh perspective. Gareth’s inspiring and moving story transcends the world of sport to tell a universal truth about feeling like an outsider, and facing up to who you really are.

©2014 Gareth Thomas and Michael Calvin (P)2014 Random House Audiobooks
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+
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What listeners say about Proud: My Autobiography

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic story.

Great story, the raw, honest nature of the account really makes you think. Bravo Mr Thomas, bravo...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A heartening journey of a brave man

Entertaining rugby anecdotes and some heart wrenching personal paths trodden. A brave man living in a, thankfully, more enlightened time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Indeed Strong

Great book. Ir shows that you can never presume anything about anyone. I also appreciate the last few chapters about current people in professional sports who face the same struggles.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

Being a proud English rugby man this book moved me incredibly. As the teams I supported played against Gareth I respected him as player even though he was welsh. The will and determination to share his story of his darkest thoughts and days is incredible and now I admire him as a man. I hope his words reach as many people as possible and change the thoughts of many so we stop describing people being themselves as showing courage and being brave.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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amazing

bloody amazing and couldnt stop talking about it or listening to it. Diolch yn fawr 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thoughtful & Truthfull

Would you listen to Proud: My Autobiography again? Why?

For Gareth to find the courage to tell his story without holding anything back and to find out that he has found happiness is a wonderful thing.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I felt I went through the emotions with him while he told his story!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best biographies I have ever read

I saw the tv documentary some while ago and I was so overcome with emotion I put off ordering the Audible version. I am so glad I changed mind. It was a magnificent account by Gareth of his inner struggle and I could feel his pain. I admire him enormously for his courage , honesty and humility. He is a hero in so many ways.
This book was a masterpiece. so well written , wonderfully narrated and a real revelation for those of us unfamiliar with these situations. Although we empathise we could never understand fully but Gareth has gone the full mile in making us aware an d giving us a greater understanding of the full measure of misery. Well done Gareth!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Phenomenon

Heart struck, powerful, emotional and extremely well written. Read wonderfully well made it a gripping listen. Great for rugby fans and non rugby followers alike.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great insight into Gareth's incredible journey

I enjoyed the honesty and insight into an incredible journey. Amazing courage and work to break down stereotypes.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome account of challenge - proud you should be

Like many, I watched Gareth Thomas playing rugby and had no idea of his hidden story. This is a fabulous, open and thought-provoking account of his life as a gay man in an uber-male environment, his battles to suppress himself and conform with the expected norm. Left me thinking, asking about my own views, and brought up plenty of "OMG" moments. Fascinating and genuine - well done I say

A brilliant audio book - well worth a listen any day of the week

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