MACMILLAN Unbroken.

by Katarina Johnson-Thompson

'Kat is a warrior, both on the track and off it. This book is a stunning testimony to the power of believing in yourself' – Sir Chris Hoy

'An extraordinary story of resilience and determination, from an incredible athlete' – Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

The inspirational and powerful memoir from double world heptathlon champion and Team GB Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson has never had it easy. Born a child of two worlds - her mum’s working-class Liverpool, and her dad’s idyllic Bahamas - she was never supposed to be a world champion. Her early childhood wasn’t easy. She was raised by a single mother, and at times it was a struggle for her to keep up with other athletes who had more funding around them. But she persevered.

Now, in her intimate, heartfelt autobiography, she tells her story as she never has before. She opens up about the pressures of representing Britain at the London Olympics while just sixteen years of age, and about her complex relationship with mentor-turned-rival Jessica Ennis-Hill. Unbroken is a rare insight into the inner workings of a champion's the rigorous discipline, the undying passion for sport, and the unshakable belief in one's self despite the odds.

Johnson-Thompson’s journey has been a remarkable one. Her upbringing and her career, both rich with challenges overcome and dreams pursued with relentless determination, serve as a powerful reminder that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary feats. But this is more than a story of triumph-against-the-odds. It’s a testament to the sweat, tears and laughter that pave the road to success, and to the unyielding spirit of a true champion.

'Katarina's determination is incredible. She is a true champion' – Sir Mo Farah

'A shining example of someone who has succeeded against the odds' – John Bishop

'Kat is one of the strongest women I know; this book is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when you believe in yourself' – Alex Scott

'One of the most inspiring women I have met. This book is a brilliant insight into what it takes to become a champion' – Gabby Logan

Genres: Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published November 21, 2024

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's lessons and triumphs

It's a great book and an amazing story. It is an honour to read Katarina's story but see her mature and become who she was meant to be.

Katarina knew early on what she wanted to do. Sports, multi discipline events, and not team sports. Though she will always watch the footy. This is a story of who she would become, not just as an athlete but as a person as well. She will learn and share life's lessons and triumphs. A physically hard as sports and life are it is the mental journey that she will have yo master.

It took great courage for Katarina to do what she has done failures and successes. Imagine being a young athlete. Everything you do or don't do, say, or don't say is in the public eye. You have an audience watching everything. With social media, nothing is private anymore. I think she is a great example to other young people not just in terms of professional achievements and success, but as a person as well.

[Gav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Honest and sport focused. And as a currently injured (albeit very mediocre club runner) it’s inspiring to see the rebuilding and comebacks that are possible, no matter how hard.

[Joanne Eglon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

Loved this memoir.

Love all things Athletics so knew I would enjoy this.

Easy to read and just took me back to my childhood when I used to compete.

Would recommend 💕

[Kasia Kulma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written memoir of the British hepta- and pentathlete, Katarina Johnson-Thompson. I enjoyed the easy-flowing style and learning the little nuggets about the sport(s): the point system, disciplines, the competitions... it was also an eye-opener about how mental health and training can bring up (or down) an athlete. Also, about how brutal competitive sports are on anyone's body and the number of injuries Katarina had to endure and overcome. Still, I feel the book would benefit from editing as there were a lot of repetitions across the book. I didn't enjoy the shifting timeline back and forth; it didn't add any extra context or depth to what was already said and just confused or annoyed me. However, I did enjoy following Katarina's journey and seeing that you can come back strong and successful from even the darkest of places.

[Orla Macfarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a sports autobiography so knew I’d like this. Really good insight into the behind the scenes of an athlete and competition. I’d forgotten how many injuries and set backs she’s had over the years so reading them over and now knowing what she’s achieved is pretty insane tbf. Not the best one I’ve read in my life but still really good.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the human behind the athlete. KJT talks of resilience, outlook, identity and mental health in a way that is very open and honest, and I commend her for having the bravery to do so. I have followed KJT since London 2012, seeing her compete a couple of times with no knowledge of everything she was going through behind the scenes. It is very revealing as to the pressure athletes face and the facade they frequently have to put on.

I would say that I didn’t like how the book was structured. Within each section she kept jumping back and forth between different life events. Sometimes a competition would be discussed but the outcome wasn’t mentioned. I unfortunately found this structure confusing and difficult to follow, despite enjoying the content.

[Nicola Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her honesty and transparency with her setbacks and struggles over her amazing career is very admirable.

She comes across very personable and down to earth too. When you read through this book, it’s almost you are hearing someone tell their story over a cuppa.

I really, really loved this read.

[Sohxpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Katarina Johnson-Thompson since I was 15 years old. I first saw her when she competed at the 2012 London Olympics, in fact, that's one of very few things I remember about that Games. She's been my favourite athlete ever since. As soon as I found out this book was being released, I pre-ordered the signed copy and I was not disappointed. It was a fantastic read. It was hard reading through all the bad stuff, the effect it's had on her is obvious but what really stands out is how she fought her way through it all every time. I liked that even though it was incredibly difficult, she didn't shy away from talking about it and acknowledged how she can use her experiences to help others. I loved reading through the highs of her career and what they mean to her. I especially enjoyed reading her experience in the 2024 Paris Olympics because I watched her compete and obviously supported her and was so happy for her when she won silver. Katarina Johnson-Thompson is one hell of an athlete but also one hell of a human being. This has probably been one of my favourite reads of 2025.

[Laura Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring read, KJT has truly overcome so much to achieve real greatness in her career. So many setbacks. I think this is the perfect read for someone suffering with feeling hopeless/struggling with setbacks as KJT shares so much wisdom.

The book is written chronologically but within the chapters, there was a lot of jumping around in terms of times, for example, a competition would be covered and then later on in the chapter, an earlier competition would be brought up which I found to be confusing and didn’t like as I felt it broke up the flow of the book. This was a constant issue for me throughout the book. Other than that, it is written colloquially and in KJT’s style which I liked.

3.5 stars.

[Gráinne Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the surface I enjoyed this. I think it’s the first autobiography of an athlete that I’ve read and I’ve never really been in the position or experienced rounds and rounds of disappointment and injury. However, it is a true testament to KJT’s character after coming back again and again. There were parts that felt overly negative and at times miserable but I suppose that’s a reflection of her feelings at that time and annoyance and disappointment, so fair enough! That’s also clearly, the nature of the game with athletics, everyone wants to be the best, but not everyone can be. It’s gruelling every 4 years trying to come back bigger and better than ever, without adding injuries and personal life into the mix.

Fair enough KJT, gold in LA?

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always love Katarina Johnson Thompson and scream my support at the tv whenever she is competing, so was really looking forward to reading her autobiography.

The insight into Katarina’s early life and her way into athletics is, by far the most interesting section of the book. The dedication and commitment to training and getting to competitions is inspiring, the roll call of PBs, injuries, change of coaches and internal angst- less so! More about living in France, travel and lifestyle would make this a more engaging read.

Ho hum. I’m sure lots of people will love this, and Katarina maintains some privacy.

Still love Kat and will still scream at the tv at future comps!

YNWA

[✰matthew✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really personal and insightful piece of writing. kjt comes across very authentically and honestly.

i think this book was particularly interesting to me because i follow a lot of athletics coverage and have been following kjts career for years now.

the structure of the book was great, largely chronological but more themed on how her life was going at various points.

the level of detail was appreciated too, i liked being able to read the exact points in her various heptathlon / pentathlon events and how her mindset has changed over her career.

a really great piece of writing, particularly for athletes, athletics fans or anyone going through something.

[Nicole Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!

A completely honest and unfiltered story of her journey and struggles, which as an athlete myself, I could relate to!

As someone that has watched all the comps/championships/highs/lows it was so nice to get the insight with what was going on and how she dealt with each unique situation.

Excited to pass this round to my training partners so they can all experience it 🤩

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely awe-inspiring! Fab to see behind the scenes of an Olympic athlete and the true grit and determination that is needed to succeed. I loved how Kat's raw emotions come though and how close she lets us feel to her journey, especially those disappointing Games in 2021 and her comeback in Budapest a couple of years later. Can't wait to see more from her in LA...

[Firuza Karimova · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an honest, raw and at times very vulnerable narration of a brilliant career KJT had. The sheer determination and resilience despite the odds and maturing through her amazing journey leaves you with only admiration for her but also many lessons to take away, whether you are an elite sport person or not.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and a bravely honest insight into her career. Katarina is a truly resilient lady and kept going when I think I would certainly have called it a day.
For me though the book was maybe a little too detailed which I thought made it a tad slow and repetitive in parts. Having said that though it wasn’t a bad read.

[Edward Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing autobiography. This book managed to catch a real truth and honest in the voice of Kat, which shone as much when she spoke about her life as the sport coverage. It managed to share who she is as a person, her challenges, and who it has made her. Highly recommended.

[Patrick O'Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read, gives so much perspective to the personal battles and strife of life as an Olympian. So much respect for KJT and revelled in the Paris 2024 finale, despite missing out agonisingly on gold. Roll on LA2028!

[Abigail Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 stars)

[Karen Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. Interesting to read about different coaching approaches. Not the best sport autobiography I have read.

[Hayley Copitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook and it just took me ages to get through it! Enjoyed the book but it just took a long time!

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest assessment of her career and the injury issues that have plagued her . Some good detail of training sessions .

[Freya Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend listening to the audiobook!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
This was a fantastic book and a reminder of never to give up in light of adversity.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agree with other reviews that say the jumping about in the timeline can get a little confusing at times but still an enjoyable read.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less introspection, more play-by-play of every event. Would be intrigued to read another in 2 decades time

[Pamela Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a great athletics fan for 65 years, I enjoyed this book.

[Kelly Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for fans.

[Matthew Hares]

She is definitely an inspiration to many people. So many times she could have given up but never did. Definitely worth a read.

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book !
Very inspiring and informative.