Brutal: My Autobiography

by Iwan Thomas

'A gripping read ... Iwan runs and runs and runs, and arrives at himself'
Jeremy Vine

'An amazing read … I loved it'
Kriss Akabusi

Running has been Iwan Thomas's life. He put everything into becoming and remaining an elite athlete – so much so that it took a brutal toll.

In his first book, Thomas reveals not only the highs, but also the hard graft and his battles with the dark side of running – the loneliness, the doubts, the hurt and, ultimately, the serious mental health issues. A deeply reflective, compelling and sensationally open book, Brutal reveals the truth about a sportsman's life.

After a youthful stint as a world-class BMX rider, Thomas dedicated himself to running. Between 1996 and 1998, he established himself as one of the world's fastest men, taking gold in both the 400m and the 4x400m at the European Championships, silver at the Olympics and gold at the Worlds. His British 400m record of 44.36s stood for nearly 25 years, yet even in his prime niggling injuries were already beginning to limit his ability to compete with the best.

His response to setbacks had always been to train even harder, but increasingly that was no longer an option. Without the structure of training, the motivation of competition and the buzz of race day, Thomas struggled, suffering an extended period of anxiety and depression before eventually coming to terms with his life as a former athlete.

Always writing from the heart, Thomas provides an absorbing, sometimes uncomfortable, but totally memorable read.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Karim Khalil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why only 3*? It’s not a work of literary art so can’t be compared to the many that are … but that’s not the test for this book. It is a genuine and moving reflection on an athletic career that made it to the top before injury brought it to the bottom … and the strength and agony of mental turmoil that followed. Highly readable and unusually candid it is worthy of reading for all who have ambitions or struggles of their own.

[Kim_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting insight into an Olympic athlete. It was an emotional rollercoaster. The highs and lows of competitions, plus the laughs and tears of life away from running. I’m not familiar with the ins and outs of athletic running so the middle dragged a little. But the last chapters made up for the long chapters about timings and competitors names. Iwan opens up about his mental health and other topics. I found out a lot that I didn’t know about him. I like that there are some recognisable locations especially around Southampton. It’s definitely worth picking this up.

[Christine Busuttil · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiography will be about exposure and disclosure, some written in humour, some in vengeance, this reads as a confessional.
As an athlete at the highest level Iwan Thomas reveals the mind set of a track assassin, including that part of yourself that you assassinate in the process of reaching the top - brutal.
His presenting and journalistic experience carry the pages with excitement and speed. This is not a highlight of his trophy cabinet, it is an honest, humble account of him maturing as a human being. An inspirational read that goes beyond sporting achievements.

[Nicey Nice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful trip down memory lane for an athletics fan who remembers the glory days of 400m running and the dream relay team. I loved reliving races I saw either in the stadium or from my armchair from Iwan’s perspective.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you want to read about Iwan's career this is the book for you, if you want to read about him as a man too then you won't glean that much tbh. Despite his Instagram sharing much of his life, he doesn't share that much in this book. Bit disappointed with it as a result

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Inke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't do motivational or self-help books. I draw my motivation more from biographies of sports(wo)men and musicians. For me, that's far more relatable.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and interesting read.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and very honest account by one of Britains best athletes.