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Unbelievable: From My Childhood Dreams To Winning Olympic Gold
On 4 August 2012 Jessica Ennis kicked off what some described as the greatest night in British sporting history. For her it was the end of a long, winding, and sometimes harrowing road.
Hers is an inspiring tale of following your dreams no matter what life throws at you.
Unbelievable is a refreshingly candid account of her rise to fame in a highly charged world in which body image issues and drug abuses lurk. From the unique pressures facing her, to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the greatest show on earth, and a revealing account of her love-hate relationship with her long-term coach, Jessica reveals the truth behind the smiles for the first time. Unbelievable includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
This is the story of how the girl next door became London's poster girl, and how an ordinary woman used an extraordinary talent to claim the title of the world's greatest all-round female sports star.
Hers is an inspiring tale of following your dreams no matter what life throws at you.
Unbelievable is a refreshingly candid account of her rise to fame in a highly charged world in which body image issues and drug abuses lurk. From the unique pressures facing her, to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the greatest show on earth, and a revealing account of her love-hate relationship with her long-term coach, Jessica reveals the truth behind the smiles for the first time. Unbelievable includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
This is the story of how the girl next door became London's poster girl, and how an ordinary woman used an extraordinary talent to claim the title of the world's greatest all-round female sports star.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 30, 2020
Wow what an amazing book. I began reading this a few years ago but I am so glad that I picked it back up again. What a fantastic story. I’m totally inspired.
February 11, 2023
On 4 August 2012 Jessica Ennis kicked off what some described as the greatest night in British sporting history. For her it was the end of a long, winding, and sometimes harrowing road.
Hers is an inspiring tale of following your dreams no matter what life throws at you.
Unbelievable is a refreshingly candid account of her rise to fame in a highly charged world in which body image issues and drug abuses lurk. From the unique pressures facing her, to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the greatest show on earth, and a revealing account of her love-hate relationship with her long-term coach, Jessica reveals the truth behind the smiles for the first time. Unbelievable includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
This is the story of how the girl next door became London's poster girl, and how an ordinary woman used an extraordinary talent to claim the title of the world's greatest all-round female sports star. My wife and I lucky enough top be at the Olympics in London for eleven days seeing Jessica win.
Jessica Ennis was born in Sheffield in 1986. Jessica attended King Ecgbert Secondary School where she first met her fiancé Andy Hill. In the school holidays Jessica attended local athletics camps, and at the age of thirteen Jessica had her first coaching session with Toni Minichiello. After graduating with a degree in Psychology from the University of Sheffield, Jessica became a professional athlete; her greatest achievement to date has been winning heptathlon gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Jessica was appointed MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2011 and lives in Sheffield with Andy and their chocolate labrador, Myla.
An okay book, a great career, a lot of hard work, but as a book just okay, again written with a ghost writer, sadly a pet hate!
Just lacked personality within the writing of this story.
Hers is an inspiring tale of following your dreams no matter what life throws at you.
Unbelievable is a refreshingly candid account of her rise to fame in a highly charged world in which body image issues and drug abuses lurk. From the unique pressures facing her, to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the greatest show on earth, and a revealing account of her love-hate relationship with her long-term coach, Jessica reveals the truth behind the smiles for the first time. Unbelievable includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
This is the story of how the girl next door became London's poster girl, and how an ordinary woman used an extraordinary talent to claim the title of the world's greatest all-round female sports star. My wife and I lucky enough top be at the Olympics in London for eleven days seeing Jessica win.
Jessica Ennis was born in Sheffield in 1986. Jessica attended King Ecgbert Secondary School where she first met her fiancé Andy Hill. In the school holidays Jessica attended local athletics camps, and at the age of thirteen Jessica had her first coaching session with Toni Minichiello. After graduating with a degree in Psychology from the University of Sheffield, Jessica became a professional athlete; her greatest achievement to date has been winning heptathlon gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Jessica was appointed MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2011 and lives in Sheffield with Andy and their chocolate labrador, Myla.
An okay book, a great career, a lot of hard work, but as a book just okay, again written with a ghost writer, sadly a pet hate!
Just lacked personality within the writing of this story.
January 26, 2019
Unfortunately, not a gold medal performance from the 2012 Olympic champion!
As Ennis comes across on tv as being more articulate than most other sportspeople, I hoped that this book would provide an insight into how she built her highly successful athletics career. However, this effort falls into a fairly typical "hard time at school, found out that I had a talent for sport, trained hard, was successful"
The book is written at a very superficial level and by the end, I didn't feel that I knew any more about her and her approach than I did before. She touches on some of the difficulties and frustrations that she had with her long-term coach, but again, there is no real insight to this. I also found it strange that, as a psychology graduate, Ennis seems to belittle the use of this in sport.
I don't like to be so negative, but this book didn't have much to recommend it. Had it been longer, it might have been possible to gain greater insight, but had there been more to read in this vein, I think that I would have dropped out!
As Ennis comes across on tv as being more articulate than most other sportspeople, I hoped that this book would provide an insight into how she built her highly successful athletics career. However, this effort falls into a fairly typical "hard time at school, found out that I had a talent for sport, trained hard, was successful"
The book is written at a very superficial level and by the end, I didn't feel that I knew any more about her and her approach than I did before. She touches on some of the difficulties and frustrations that she had with her long-term coach, but again, there is no real insight to this. I also found it strange that, as a psychology graduate, Ennis seems to belittle the use of this in sport.
I don't like to be so negative, but this book didn't have much to recommend it. Had it been longer, it might have been possible to gain greater insight, but had there been more to read in this vein, I think that I would have dropped out!
September 4, 2014
Easy to read, a good book for the bath or beach but felt it lacked depth and detail.
March 24, 2025
A glimps of the real Jessica . Honest account of her struggles as well as triumphs her relationships with team Ennis heartwarming read. Very enjoyable she really is just like us
April 24, 2017
It was an easy read. I could feel the hard work put in by Jessica Ennis in trying to achieve her goals - inspiring. However, I felt the writing lacked depth and Jessica was not ready to reveal more about her thoughts. For example, even when she wrote about negative thoughts or feelings toward some people, it was usually worded (a little) carefully or there she added some caveats to her opinions. It would have been more powerful if it were more raw.
August 28, 2024
An easy but an enjoyable read, I followed Jess for many years and am interested in the psychology of competitive sport. My main reason for reading this was a conversation about Tony Minichiello, aka Chell, who was banned from coaching following accusations of emotional abuse. It seems they had a rocky but successful professional relationship and she credits him with her success. I enjoyed his honest commentary when he worked for the BBC. The ending is very moving and reminds me of Super Saturday in 2012. Jess talks about her family, upbringing and various challenges, she obviously has an incredible work ethic. Recommended for all athletics fans. Donated to slh library
August 3, 2015
A must read for anyone into Athletics or interested about Jess Ennis-Hill. I've read this book 3 times now and each time I can't help but love it more and more each time! This book is a chronological account of Jess in her own words starting from being a small kid running around the garden to becoming Olympic heptathlon and one of the most well known and loved athletes of all time! This really gives an insight to a champions life and the dedication and passion you have to put in the be successful. Definetly recommend it to anyone really!
March 18, 2019
I love getting to read the in depth of how Olympians or athletes make their careers and what type of person they are when not on the track or on camera. This book made me idolize Jess more than I already did. She's human. She's real. She's awesone.
October 4, 2022
Nice nostalgic run through Jess's most famous achievements but nothing unexpected to see here
January 14, 2025
A quick read, read in two sittings. It was great to read about her hard work and determination winning her the gold medal. However, you can tell she's not a natural writer, it's written in a chronological order of events and is very much talking about how her events went, her times etc. I felt it lacked detail and depth which became tedious for a while and I ended up speed reading the final few chapters. Not the worst i've read but certainly not the best.
September 10, 2025
A look into the preparations , the hard work and the emotional strength required to win an Olympic Gold medal. Jessica is an amazing woman who certainly has those attributes. Although much of the book covers recollections from track meetings and events , as in most sports books , there is the addition of here relationships with here team - the coaches , the medics and her family and friends which enhances the book.
October 3, 2018
Sadly I found this unbelievably dull. There is very little in the way of personal background or emotions, and once it hits Jess' main competing career the book degenerates into little more than statistics "I made 1.86 in the high jump, so and so was 3rd and so and so 6th, and then in the 200m I finished in x with y in 4th" etc, ad infinitim.
July 29, 2020
Shows something of the psychology of an Olympic champion and the highs and lows. In particular we see Ennis' despair at missing the 2008 Beijing Olympics through injury, with the triumph of her come-back to win gold in London in 2012. My only reservation is that I would like to have heard more about her early career.
September 1, 2023
Have always enjoyed watching Jess on her journey to her Gold Medal. As I now also use her app I feel that we want to know her more. I really enjoyed reading this book - such an easy read with lots of powerful photographs. Gave good insights into what goes on, the feelings of those involved and facts on other heptathlete athletes.
March 9, 2020
A brilliant, matter of fact autobiography that illustrates the gruelling training process an Olympic champion undertakes.
Ennis is a very likeable character and the writing flows well. Quick and enjoyable read!
Ennis is a very likeable character and the writing flows well. Quick and enjoyable read!
February 10, 2022
Started it on Monday night and finished it already! It's a decent enough book. Bit too much data and would rather hear more about her story than her long jump figures. Ennis(-Hill) whizzes through her life quickly before culminating in that brilliant night in the summer of 2012.
October 7, 2019
A nice account of the ups and downs of Jessica's career. The best part for me was about Beijing 2008 and how she came back from the injury. Also, who doesn't want to relive London 2012!
November 2, 2019
Excellent
Great insight in to the life of Jess and all the effort required by top athletes to get to the top.
Great insight in to the life of Jess and all the effort required by top athletes to get to the top.
April 17, 2020
Great inspirational read!
September 8, 2020
Inspiring
August 20, 2021
INSPIRATIONAL
January 29, 2022
Not a book I would have chosen, it was a Christmas gift so felt I should read it. Interesting if you are into the heptathlon but not much else to the book.
April 19, 2023
someone told me this book changed their life so I really wanted to enjoy this.
Unfortunately, I was unable to finish it because I really can't get with the writing style. No further comments.
Unfortunately, I was unable to finish it because I really can't get with the writing style. No further comments.
October 23, 2023
I'm not a big sports biographies fan, but I enjoyed this one. Plus, I've admired Jessica Ennis for years.
October 21, 2024
the real women of steel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 9, 2025
heartwarming 💓
December 23, 2012
This poignant, candid biography from ‘rags to riches’ sporting success, has to be one of the most noteworthy books this year!
This wonderful book is such a personal, insightful and deeply thought-provoking account of how Jessica Ennis climbed her way to the top from nothing. This is the story of how the girl next door, who had dreams and big aspirations, ended up as an Olympic star and competiting in the London 2012 Olympic Games for her country. Heartwarming, honest and powerful Jessica’s story is one of hardship, blood, sweat and tears thus proving that to achieve great things one has to work hard. Her commitment and dedication to her sport, and her focus on reaching higher goals whilst always pushing herself to her limits, is a testimony to all sports professionals who dedicate their life to their art. This astonishing and utterly remarkable read also includes never seen before photographs from behind the scenes, as you explore Jessica Ennis’ world from her perspective and viewpoint.
On the 4th August 2012 Jessica Ennis kicked off what some described as the greatest night in British sporting history, and for her it was the end of a long, winding and sometimes harrowing road…
Nobody was under more pressure at the London Olympics than 'the face of the Games'. Yet Jessica delivered the heptathlon gold medal, and the huge outpouring of relief she showed afterwards hinted at the roller-coaster journey she had been on. Behind the smiles and politeness, Jessica has endured much. Bullied at school for being small, she proved to critics and rivals alike that size really didn't matter.
*Hers is an inspiring tale of following your dreams no matter what life throws at you.*
In 2008 Jessica thought her career might be over when she was injured on the eve of the Olympic Games in Beijing. But she overcame this setback to rebuild her career and technique, becoming the world and European champion in successive years. Her biggest test was yet to come, though, when her rivals overhauled her in the build-up to London. Unbelievable is a refreshingly candid account of her rise to fame in a highly charged world in which body image issues and drug abuses lurk. From the unique pressures facing her, to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the greatest show on earth, and a revealing account of her love-hate relationship with her long-term coach, Jessica reveals the truth behind the smiles for the first time. Unbelievable includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
This is the story of how an ordinary woman used an extraordinary talent to claim the title of the world's greatest all-round female sports star.
Emotive, touching and truth-drawing this is a book that affects one profoundly, as the powerful message within speak to the heart and touch the soul. Empowering, inspiring and rousing after reading Jessica’s account you will instantly feel energized and rejuvenated to go and seek out the best in life. I must say that this has to be the most memorable, inspirational sports biography I have read in a long time and which I highly recommend as something to get you motivated in a morning! Just brilliant and intensely gripping you will find it hard pressed not to be touched by Jessica Ennis’ tale, which speaks of such truth and realistic outlook on life in general.
This wonderful book is such a personal, insightful and deeply thought-provoking account of how Jessica Ennis climbed her way to the top from nothing. This is the story of how the girl next door, who had dreams and big aspirations, ended up as an Olympic star and competiting in the London 2012 Olympic Games for her country. Heartwarming, honest and powerful Jessica’s story is one of hardship, blood, sweat and tears thus proving that to achieve great things one has to work hard. Her commitment and dedication to her sport, and her focus on reaching higher goals whilst always pushing herself to her limits, is a testimony to all sports professionals who dedicate their life to their art. This astonishing and utterly remarkable read also includes never seen before photographs from behind the scenes, as you explore Jessica Ennis’ world from her perspective and viewpoint.
On the 4th August 2012 Jessica Ennis kicked off what some described as the greatest night in British sporting history, and for her it was the end of a long, winding and sometimes harrowing road…
Nobody was under more pressure at the London Olympics than 'the face of the Games'. Yet Jessica delivered the heptathlon gold medal, and the huge outpouring of relief she showed afterwards hinted at the roller-coaster journey she had been on. Behind the smiles and politeness, Jessica has endured much. Bullied at school for being small, she proved to critics and rivals alike that size really didn't matter.
*Hers is an inspiring tale of following your dreams no matter what life throws at you.*
In 2008 Jessica thought her career might be over when she was injured on the eve of the Olympic Games in Beijing. But she overcame this setback to rebuild her career and technique, becoming the world and European champion in successive years. Her biggest test was yet to come, though, when her rivals overhauled her in the build-up to London. Unbelievable is a refreshingly candid account of her rise to fame in a highly charged world in which body image issues and drug abuses lurk. From the unique pressures facing her, to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the greatest show on earth, and a revealing account of her love-hate relationship with her long-term coach, Jessica reveals the truth behind the smiles for the first time. Unbelievable includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
This is the story of how an ordinary woman used an extraordinary talent to claim the title of the world's greatest all-round female sports star.
Emotive, touching and truth-drawing this is a book that affects one profoundly, as the powerful message within speak to the heart and touch the soul. Empowering, inspiring and rousing after reading Jessica’s account you will instantly feel energized and rejuvenated to go and seek out the best in life. I must say that this has to be the most memorable, inspirational sports biography I have read in a long time and which I highly recommend as something to get you motivated in a morning! Just brilliant and intensely gripping you will find it hard pressed not to be touched by Jessica Ennis’ tale, which speaks of such truth and realistic outlook on life in general.
May 15, 2014
The book has a simple chronological structure. It recounts the life of a young and successful athlete. It is narrated in a very humble way, so humble that it is easy to relate to Jessica Ennis.
Reading this book was fast and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I like reading athletes biographies to learn about motivation or understand what makes them so successful. In that case, I found the book missing deep introspection. In that respect, I preferred "A Life Without Limits" by Chrissie Wellington, another extremely successful British athlete.
Still, here are a few sections that I particularly liked:
Jessica Ennis was bullied at school for being small. "- Look at her, she's so small. That definitely fired me up on the inside. I wanted to show them, prove a point and prove myself. " On the eve of the London Olympics, her mum sent her usual text saying: "Don't let those big girls push you around."
During her preparation for the Olympics, Jessica Ennis did not leave the UK to go warm-weather training in the winter. She stayed in her lovely Sheffield and trained six days a week, including Sundays. "I felt good. I had worked like a slave during the winter." She talks about her dreaded hill runs in the cold and on the way back, she explains "We would shiver in the car as we were driven back to the EIS (English Institute of Sports) for a cup of hot chocolate and then a weights session in the gym. That was our Sunday. I would look at the people getting up late and buying the papers for a long, leisurely read and get jealous. The sessions at the EIS were just as bad. The lactic acid filled the muscles and made my legs feel leaden. It was not just my legs either. The acid got into my arms, my bum, my hamstrings. It spread like a black stain until it was constant and then I would feel this crushing pain behind my eyes."
Heptathlon culminates with the dreaded 800m. In August 2009, at the Berlin World Championships, Jessica Ennis started fast and she was leading the race after the first lap. "Then, coming off the last bend, Dobrynska (the Olympic champion from Ukraine) overtook me and I thought: "I am not having that". So I responded. Fight and flight. All those running sessions, all that hurt. I thought: "These few seconds are why you did all that. It's so you can push harder than the rest. if you don't push now, all those sessions are wasted". I came down the inside and won the race and the Gold medal."
At the 2012 London Olympic games, Jessica Ennis failed her first two attempts at 1.83m for the high jump. It was a disappointed performance for somebody who could jump 1.95m. She writes: "Anything less than 1.86m would be a disaster, in my reckoning. Dobrynska bowed out at 1.83m. It was a chance. My last chance. I thought about all the times I had pulled it out on the final attempt. "This is what makes a champion". I told myself"
Reading this book was fast and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I like reading athletes biographies to learn about motivation or understand what makes them so successful. In that case, I found the book missing deep introspection. In that respect, I preferred "A Life Without Limits" by Chrissie Wellington, another extremely successful British athlete.
Still, here are a few sections that I particularly liked:
Jessica Ennis was bullied at school for being small. "- Look at her, she's so small. That definitely fired me up on the inside. I wanted to show them, prove a point and prove myself. " On the eve of the London Olympics, her mum sent her usual text saying: "Don't let those big girls push you around."
During her preparation for the Olympics, Jessica Ennis did not leave the UK to go warm-weather training in the winter. She stayed in her lovely Sheffield and trained six days a week, including Sundays. "I felt good. I had worked like a slave during the winter." She talks about her dreaded hill runs in the cold and on the way back, she explains "We would shiver in the car as we were driven back to the EIS (English Institute of Sports) for a cup of hot chocolate and then a weights session in the gym. That was our Sunday. I would look at the people getting up late and buying the papers for a long, leisurely read and get jealous. The sessions at the EIS were just as bad. The lactic acid filled the muscles and made my legs feel leaden. It was not just my legs either. The acid got into my arms, my bum, my hamstrings. It spread like a black stain until it was constant and then I would feel this crushing pain behind my eyes."
Heptathlon culminates with the dreaded 800m. In August 2009, at the Berlin World Championships, Jessica Ennis started fast and she was leading the race after the first lap. "Then, coming off the last bend, Dobrynska (the Olympic champion from Ukraine) overtook me and I thought: "I am not having that". So I responded. Fight and flight. All those running sessions, all that hurt. I thought: "These few seconds are why you did all that. It's so you can push harder than the rest. if you don't push now, all those sessions are wasted". I came down the inside and won the race and the Gold medal."
At the 2012 London Olympic games, Jessica Ennis failed her first two attempts at 1.83m for the high jump. It was a disappointed performance for somebody who could jump 1.95m. She writes: "Anything less than 1.86m would be a disaster, in my reckoning. Dobrynska bowed out at 1.83m. It was a chance. My last chance. I thought about all the times I had pulled it out on the final attempt. "This is what makes a champion". I told myself"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews