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My Double Life

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My Double Life

By: Mark Foster, Clare Balding - introduction
Narrated by: Andrew Hollingworth, Mark Foster, Rebecca Adlington
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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 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.©2026 Mark Foster (P)2026 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Gender Studies Olympics & Paralympics Personal Development Social Sciences Sports Water Sports Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

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
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
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
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
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!
An honest, brave and compelling read
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.
A great story
A tell-all book
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.
A fascinating read
With warmth and disarming humour… This is one man's pursuit of both sporting greatness and the freedom to be himself.
Rather than a story of hardship, Mark's perspective remains vibrant, humorous, and forward-looking
All stars
Most relevant
I have known of Mark for most of my swimming life and have swam in local comps alone side him back in the 80’s, see this side is fantastic. Great listen and the Q&A with Becky an amazing bonus. Mark “ Fozzie” Foster niece stop being you.

Lovely read

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Incredible insight into an athlete I have always admired.
You’ve kept me company on journeys to the local pools to teach children. I hope to inspire someone like you to go on and achieve their goals with swimming.
Thank you for being so honest.
Brilliant book. Thank you Foz. Keep being you.

Superb!

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A great book to listen to with a surprise bonus at the end. A beautiful story and very heartfelt.

Very honest

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This is such a genuine book filled with authenticity. Mark Storey is inspirational because he tells the true story rather than a sugar-coated version of the highlights of his life. There are some inspiring moments but tempered by the truth of what it takes to be a success in work and life. It is written with humour and truth. The humour is in the honesty of how he failed in many scenarios and the truth is about what it really takes to win. Hard work, perseverance and the right attitude. This book is a blueprint for anyone who wants to know how to succeed. Highly recommended.

Inspiring

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