Dreams Do Come True

by Katherine Grainger

The inspirational story of one of Britain's golden girls from London 2012 Olympics Great Britain's finest woman rower had one final career target to achieve and, on August 3, 2012, on the water at Eton Dorney, she and Anna Watkins beat three other pairs, and London 2012 Olympic Games women's Double Sculls gold medals were theirs. Three times a silver medallist in the Olympic Games, Kath Grainger's career was complete and, at the age of 36, she could retire an Olympic champion—she was already a six-time world champion and winner of eight World Cup gold medals. Kath's story is a remarkable one—proof that nice people can be winners. and dedication and hard work pay off. Incredibly bright, Grainger combined her athletic career with her education and she has degrees in subjects as diverse as law, philosophy, and homicide. Now much in demand as a media celebrity and motivational speaker, Katherine Grainger has packed an awful lot into her 37 years and in this autobiography she tells her life story, the highs and lows, and her ultimate moment of glory in front of thousands of home fans.

Genres: Autobiography, Nonfiction, Biography

293 pages, Hardcover

First published August 3, 2013

Reviews

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very articulate autobiography which provides a lot of insight into the dedication and pure hard work of an elite athlete. A long rowing career with 3 Olympic silvers culminates in the gold medal in London.

[Lucy-Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Grainger was one of the “golden girls” of London 2012 and this is her own story of how she finally achieved her dream: winning an Olympic gold medal. Following a somewhat unexpected decision to try again in Rio, Katherine became the first British woman to win five medals at five successive games.

The book was written by Katherine herself, unlike so many similar biographies that use a ghost writer. It might have delayed publication away from the “Olympic high” but the difference is huge. Of course Katherine is uniquely qualified to tell her own story, but she has added insight from team mates, coaches etc along the way to give a rounded picture of what is involved in the higher levels of sports, from World championships to the Olympic process.
The book is well structured and takes the reader on a journey, through highs and lows from the beginner rower who was devastated that she wasn’t picked for the first team, second team or even the lowly fourth team to represent her university, through her winter mornings spend trudging up & down a bleak section of canal in Edinburgh, to the delight at being chosen as one of the GB team and moving at very short notice to train at Marlow. There were some sections that really explored the intensity, determination & sacrifices needed to continue in the pursuit of your dream, and the lessons that can be learnt from a setback, disappointment or loss. By late 2008, three Olympic Silver medals (Sydney, Athens & Beijing), six world championship titles and many other achievements were not enough for Katherine. She dusted herself off, ramped up the training, and subjected herself to yet another gruelling training regime to finally achieve her dream in front of a home crowd at London 2012. The excitement surrounding London 2012 is very well conveyed.

Throughout the book, Katherine also comes across as genuinely nice, funny & intelligent – I was both surprised & heartened to discover that she’d completed a law degree, masters & PhD alongside her training – yet another proof, if one was needed, that hard work & determination will help you achieve whatever you put your mind to.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author and this helped to bring it to life. We were hearing Katherine’s words in her own voice. It flowed well, and the length of chapters worked well for an audiobook

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it both insightful and inspirational. It’s a book that celebrates success as a result of sheer hard graft, and you can feel the passion for what she does on every page. There is enough technicality to make the book interesting/informative but it has been cleverly and articulately written to make it accessible to the lay person too – even if you’ve never sat in a boat or picked up a blade (oar/paddle), you will find something to connect with here.

Katherine is a private person, and whilst you can feel the depth of her friendships with her crew mates, and the dynamics between members of the team (coaches, physios, rowers etc), her relationships/private life are not included.
The book will have a wide appeal – of course, people who enjoy rowing or who follow the GB Olympic Team will enjoy it, but it will also speak deeply to anyone who need inspiration/encouragement when things get tough, that dreams really do come true!

[Peter Dray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of Olympic autobiographies and this was one of the better ones. Moving, poignant, an encouragement not to let the knocks of life knock you out entirely.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 Olympics with gold in 2012, excellent sports autobiography, written without a ghost writer.

[Zoe Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been recommended this book by friends and can see why. Katherine Grainger's story was only really known to most as the summer of 2012 finally delivered that elusive gold Olympic medal at the 4th time of asking. The training and events are relentless and the inside joy of rowing and sport she has is nicely written.
My favourite line however:
"Sometimes life just puts good people in your path and your world is then greatly enhanced"

How utterly true. Nice one Katherine!!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like it had been hurriedly written - it probability was. The style and type of language is a little inconsistent through the book and could have used some deeper editorial. But, an enjoyable read It was interesting to learn what involved in the Olympic process and there were some nice sections that were very evocative of the training and intensity. It felt a little strained in places as the writer struggles to keep her private life of the pages.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating account of Katherine Grainger's rowing career, culminating in winning gold at London 2012. Sometimes (in my experience) sports biographies become a bit mind-numbing in their in-depth descriptions but this was very interesting and easy to read.

[Kayla Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspirational story, written by a truly amazing lady, Katherine Grainger talks about her rowing career, which is inspirational to hear her perspective of the sport which we both share a love for

[Paul Narloch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I no longer have dreams. I have nightmares.

[Piers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written and inspirational account. Katherine has delivered a Gold Medal writing performance at the first time of asking, and not a ghost in sight. Truly impressive.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book insightful and inspirational, but most importantly, it's a fantastic read. You can sense the passion for what she does on every page.

[Ross Whamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful insight to the years of training,dedication and support needed to perform at the high test level.

It can only inspire you.