Outside the Lanes: A Pro Swimmer's Story of Resilience, Reinvention, and Redefining Success

by Becca Mann, Blue Star Press (producer)

Genres: Biography, Memoir, Nonfiction, Sports

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

Becca Mann is a writer and athlete. A 7x USA Swimming National Team member, Becca is a 2x USA National Champion and was the youngest person ever to place in the Top 10 in 4 events at a single Olympic Trials. She has represented Team USA at 4 World Championships and is also the only person to have consecutively swum the triangle between the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Becca graduated with a BFA in Writing for Screen and Television at the University of Southern California, and you can now find her in Los Angeles skateboarding down The Strand or hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Reviews

[Madeline Koning · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ex-swimmer this book resonated deeply. Loving a sport so much that it hurts is relatable and real. This book is well written and thoughtful

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspirational memoir, written by record-breaking swimmer Becca Mann, follows her incredible journey as a talented and driven athlete who secretly battled obsessive compulsive disorder and extreme burnout for many years. She recounts what it was like after years of grueling hard work and sacrifices, only to just miss making the Olympic team. Ironically, it wasn’t the deep, dark water that scared her, but rather the thought of being held prisoner in her own mind. Through hard work, determination, new perspectives, and her unwavering support system, Becca learned how to redefine what success and true happiness looked like in order to break free…and ended up breaking a world record in the process.

What a powerful and incredibly moving story Becca Mann has written in “Outside the Lanes: A Pro Swimmer’s Story of Resilience, Reinvention, and Redefining Success!” Ms Mann illustrates to the reader what her everyday life was like physically, mentally, and emotionally. She details exactly what went on in her mind, along with her physically demanding training schedule and how she perceived and interacted with those around her. I could picture each setting and person in my mind clearly, and felt like I was right there in the story. She did a great job describing everyone’s emotions, personalities, and opinions. She truly engages the reader and has them wanting more.

I am very impressed by her authenticity and transparency while detailing her emotional and physical struggles. For instance, she did a thorough job describing the way her intrusive thoughts crept in and latched on to her (and that the more you try to suppress them, the stronger they become). I could relate to her struggle with OCD in many ways, especially due to the fact that she struggled with mostly obsessions instead of compulsions (which is also very helpful for the reader who may be unfamiliar with the complexities of the disorder).

Becca Mann teaches us many valuable life lessons she learned along her journey. She learned how to believe in herself and trust her own decisions. She stopped trying to constantly please and prove herself to others. She accepted the fact that her maturing body needed rest and time to heal after years of strenuous overtraining. Perhaps best of all, she found a life outside of swimming; a life full of friendship, adventure, passionate writing, family time, and just plain fun. I truly believe that everyone, not just athletes, can benefit from this way of thinking.

I highly recommend this soul-stirring memoir to all those looking to read a powerful, inspirational, and authentic story. Perfect for both teens and adults, Becca Mann’s “Outside the Lanes” expertly captures the passion for life and newfound freedom the author discovered and poured into the pages for us to read, enjoy, and connect with.

[Samantha Packard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story for anyone who has faced a challenge in life and overcome it. It is a story full of raw emotions and fighting for something that you love. Becca talks about how she advocated for her self, fought for her self and the thing she loved most while also figuring out who she was outside of swimming. This is a MUST read for any elite athlete and really anyone who has a passion for something that is hard.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is a realistic glimpse into the heart, mind, and soul of a professional swimmer. Mann takes us on an emotional journey through her gripping relationship with both the open water and the pool. Not only a beautiful lesson about overcoming the ups and downs that accompany following your dreams, but this story also challenges the reader to grapple with the true definition of “success.” A must read for dreamers and goal-getters of all ages!

[Claire Kuiper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so wonderfully written, she is so vulnerable with sharing her experience- both the highs and the lows. As someone who just finished her first season of college swimming, this book is an inspiration to me and pushes me to continue towards my goals even when they seem impossible. Thank you Becca!!

[Maureen Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Brought back so many memories from swimming.. Becca reflected on that journey in her book, capturing just how much a swimmer has to sacrifice to be at the top of the sport. I also really enjoyed the mental health aspect of the book; the obsessive compulsive thoughts and how she found a way to navigate through her own mind. 5/5 would recommend for swimmers!

[Peri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just for swimmers! The author lets you into the mind of athletes in a way no book I’ve read has done before. Inspiring, vulnerable, and such a fun read.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and relatable book! As a non-swimmer, I enjoyed reading about Becca's stories and the lessons learned on the path of chasing her dream.

[person · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in 1 day. Really powerful and touching

[Michael Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for competitive swimmers but compelling enough for those unfamiliar with Becca or the sport. Can’t recommend this book enough.

[Yolanda Vickor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. I finished, closed the book and said to myself - that’s right, I’m changing my life. Very inspiring and real. You won’t put it down.

[Aubree Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… this book left me speechless! Outside the lanes is such an inspirational book for anyone. I especially related to Becca Mann (The author, and a highly accomplished swimmer) because I am also an athlete who has big goals in life and I will do whatever it takes to accomplish them just like Becca did!

[Tori Hinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great inspiring read as a former swimmer/mother of swimmers. I took away some great perspective to share with my swimmers on the love of the sport, overcoming adversity, managing disappointment, finding perspective and pursuing joy in an incredibly challenging sport. I don’t know if non swimmers would enjoy as much but it’s exactly the book I was looking for.

Also extra fun: was reading this book in a coffee shop in Raleigh yesterday and just happened to share the table with a stranger who introduced herself as one of Becca’s current teammates who trains with her at TAC. Love a small world moment!

[Presley Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely blew me away. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Not only is Becca's story full of exciting, action-packed adventures in the water, but it's also filled with nuanced psychological explorations of competition and success. 10/10 would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced mental health challenges or wants to learn how to push their body/brain to the next level and achieve something truly great.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was enhanced by Outdoor Swimmimg's zoom meeting with the author while I was in the process of reading it. It was good to "meet" her and get a further insight in to the sort of determined person she is.

[Margaret Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside the Lanes is an honest and powerful account of personal struggle and growth despite adversity. The writing is clear and unadorned because Mann lets the facts tell the tale. Although only world class swimmers might be able to relate to the details of Mann's experience, everyone faces inner and external challenges. The book provides inspiration to all on facing these difficulties with perseverance and candor.

[Hilary Topper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the narrative. I felt like I was there with Mann. If you love open water swimming, you will love this book!

[Amy Bowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Brian Bakerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca Mann lays it all out with zero filter: the pressure, the intrusive thoughts, what it’s like to fail when you’ve given everything. Honest and heartbreaking but inspiring at the same time.

[Maureen Desmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my beach read recommendation of the year! A bonafide page-turner (I read it in 3 sittings). An interesting & moving story about redefining success - a story that resonates even for those of us who didn’t grow up swimming. I look forward to reading more of Mann’s work!

[Tim Hochradel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside the Lanes is a powerful memoir that goes far beyond swimming. Becca writes with honesty and vulnerability, sharing the highs and lows of chasing greatness while struggling to find where you fit. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t have to look one specific way—and that there’s strength in doggedly pursuing your goals, even when the path isn’t clear.

[Carole Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. It was fascinating to be in her mind while she swam.

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shed some tears reading this one - Becca’s journey was so vulnerable, through both her triumphs and disappointments. She shared her highest of highs and lowest of lows, and it made me want to root for her success and happiness (both in and out of the water) even more.

[Donna Ciccarelli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t get through this. Maybe it changes later in the book, but Mann’s ego and cluelessness were just too much for me. It seems like she always thought everyone was “mean” or somehow out to get her, but really she came off as arrogant and obnoxious. Yes, she’s a talented swimmer to be sure, but a little bit of humility wouldn’t hurt.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca Mann chronicles her journey from a child prodigy in swimming, crossing the 10-mile Au’au channel in Hawaii at age 10, to national championships in her teens and just missing the olympic team in 2012, 2016 and 2020. I was in competitive swimming from age 8 through college, but this story is relatable even for non-swimmers.

It focuses on the physical and especially mental challenges and sacrifices of dedicating yourself to a singular goal over many years. There is a lot to be learned from her journey, especially those near misses. It’s a cliche of fundamental truth that more is learned from failure than success, and that’s the case here.

It also reminds me of how little difference there is in the time and effort invested by the sixth place finisher, for example, versus first place. They often have the same coach, same technique, same workout, same schedule, same number of years behind them. And yet one touches the wall or breaks the tape a fraction of a second ahead of the other.

You will never convince me the winner “wanted it more” or had better technique than the second or third place finisher. Especially in a purely physical sport like swimming or sprinting, it comes down to innate ability, genetic factors such as muscle fiber type, height, body structure, VO2 max.

I’m all for celebrating olympic champions as pinnacles of human achievement and recognizing the incredible time and effort invested, but the “losers” invested the same time and effort, so remember that in rewarding the winner over their competitors, we’re largely celebrating genetics. Be wary of worshipping too much.

[Lizdawg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow — just wow. As a former collegiate swimmer for Arizona State, I trained with Becca at the Olympic Training Center in the summer of 2019. I’ve always admired her work ethic and resilience; however, after reading this book, I have a whole new level of respect and admiration.

Outside the Lanes shares deep, candid, thrilling, heartbreaking, and tremendously healing moments. I can truly say this book has helped me come to terms with my own swimming career — and now, endurance triathlon — and process the full-circle experiences that come with athletic achievement, disappointment, and soul-lessons.

I’m so impressed by and proud of Becca for sharing her stories. I recommend this book to all my friends — swimmers, non-swimmers, or swammers alike. Bravo.

[Greg Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating book covers Becca's life from age 10 swimming prodigy to her attempt as a young adult to complete an unprecedented 40-mile open water swim in the Hawaiian Islands.
She brings to life her story of great successes and sometimes lows amidst struggles with physical and mental issues.
You feel totally drawn in as she describes her journey to achieve goals that will seem impossible to most readers.
Becca's writing is open, honest, and totally engaging.
And her tale of this time of her life is truly incredible and inspirational.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

What came through to me was that Mann thought she had all the answers and that the many many elite coaches and support staff she was surrounded by were idiots. She states overtraining wasn’t talked about in 2016. What? Then why did the other top swimmers in the country listen to the coach and do the sets as prescribed and not race them all?

When she talks about her OCD diagnosis she says she had been acting like an adult since she was thirteen. Hmm, don’t think so; more like a spoiled child.

Not worth the time to read this book.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and Becca Mann are so inspiring! And they are both truly the best of both worlds as not only is Mann a world class swimmer with tales to tell, but also a well-trained writer! A sports book written by an actual writer is rare. Outside the Lanes is vulnerable, powerful, and widely applicable to all aspects of life. It is a joy to go on journey of self discovery and perseverance with Becca Mann!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca, thank you for offering such an honest and heartfelt glimpse into your life and incredible journey. I felt like I was right there with you through the highs and lows—your writing made every emotion come alive. Your perspective on struggle and resilience is both inspiring and deeply relatable, especially for anyone who has given their all and still faced unexpected outcomes. This book is a powerful reminder of where life can take us after we redefine what "success" means.