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At London 2012, Nicola Adams made history when she became the first woman ever to win an Olympic Gold medal for boxing. In Rio 2016, with the nation cheering her on, she did it all over again. Years of relentless training, fundraising and determination have seen Nicola battle through injury, prejudice and defeat to become one of Britain's best-loved athletes and an inspiration to all those who are chasing after a seemingly impossible dream. A trailblazer and a record-breaker, she has led the way for women's boxing. From a leisure centre in Leeds to the Olympic Stadium, Nicola has become the poster girl for women in sport.
168 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 18, 2018
My type of book.
I do enjoy autobiographies, and I love my sports especially tennis and boxing. Two sports I have been very involved in my whole life.
So I as a dedicated sport person, a fighter to the end, I fully understand the book, the stories and the life, even in my smaller way.
Nicola tells this story from the heart, very honest, very open, and explains very well the fight with injuries, the battles to gain exposure for the sport, the battles to return to fitness, health issues.
I personally believe that sport helps you through life, my boxing taught me how to fight my battles in life, made me a fighter in life.
Nicola proves herself in her life, her public life and her private life. In this book I learnt her health issues from a young life, her injuries and so much more.
To be the best at a sport, any sport means dedication, hard work and a belief in life, Nicola has all these, but also has great ability to understand her role to the British public, her role for young girls to look up to, and I hope they do.
To this day I remember my wife and I spending eleven days at the London Olympics 2012, watching some great boxing fights including Nicola gold medal match, among others. Watched the tennis final at Wimbledon as well, go Andy Murray.
I felt so proud to be British, for the gold medallists, but also the organisation of the whole event and lucky to see so many sports.
Great memory, so thank you Nicola. Great read, light, cheerful and very honest.
Four stars
I do enjoy autobiographies, and I love my sports especially tennis and boxing. Two sports I have been very involved in my whole life.
So I as a dedicated sport person, a fighter to the end, I fully understand the book, the stories and the life, even in my smaller way.
Nicola tells this story from the heart, very honest, very open, and explains very well the fight with injuries, the battles to gain exposure for the sport, the battles to return to fitness, health issues.
I personally believe that sport helps you through life, my boxing taught me how to fight my battles in life, made me a fighter in life.
Nicola proves herself in her life, her public life and her private life. In this book I learnt her health issues from a young life, her injuries and so much more.
To be the best at a sport, any sport means dedication, hard work and a belief in life, Nicola has all these, but also has great ability to understand her role to the British public, her role for young girls to look up to, and I hope they do.
To this day I remember my wife and I spending eleven days at the London Olympics 2012, watching some great boxing fights including Nicola gold medal match, among others. Watched the tennis final at Wimbledon as well, go Andy Murray.
I felt so proud to be British, for the gold medallists, but also the organisation of the whole event and lucky to see so many sports.
Great memory, so thank you Nicola. Great read, light, cheerful and very honest.
Four stars
January 30, 2021
I listened to the audiobook read by Emma Swan.
I rather wish I'd read it instead, as it came across as a bit immature and like a GCSE essay "what I did in the summer". Maybe it was just how it was read. I wonder if Nicola herself had any say in the final edit of the audio?
Having said that you have to admire Nicola Adam's tenacity, drive, and dedication and it was inspirational in that sense. She comes across as a really nice down to earth person who cares about her community and other people. She had a dream and made it happen. You have to give her credit for that. Especially as she seems to have achieved it without being cruel or harming anyone (outside of the ring, LOL) along the way.
Not sure I'd recommend it though? Maybe if you were particularly interested in boxing or female development in sport?
I rather wish I'd read it instead, as it came across as a bit immature and like a GCSE essay "what I did in the summer". Maybe it was just how it was read. I wonder if Nicola herself had any say in the final edit of the audio?
Having said that you have to admire Nicola Adam's tenacity, drive, and dedication and it was inspirational in that sense. She comes across as a really nice down to earth person who cares about her community and other people. She had a dream and made it happen. You have to give her credit for that. Especially as she seems to have achieved it without being cruel or harming anyone (outside of the ring, LOL) along the way.
Not sure I'd recommend it though? Maybe if you were particularly interested in boxing or female development in sport?
July 27, 2017
Really good. Very natural writing style. Fascinating to see how Nicola and her family had to fight to get women's boxing recognised. Elements that are all too familiar in our fight to get synchronised swimming more widely publicised. Loved when Nicola talked about visiting the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace - a place we know well! Highly recommended for anyone who is passionate about a sport or supporting a family member who is.
February 21, 2024
I enjoyed watching Nicola Adams in the Olympics but I had no idea how much of a trailblazer she was for women’s sport and boxing.
She says we should pick our heroes carefully and after reading this book, I would say that Nicola Adams is one of my heroes.
I did find the style of the book a bit chatty and initially a bit patronising but overall I would recommend this book.
She says we should pick our heroes carefully and after reading this book, I would say that Nicola Adams is one of my heroes.
I did find the style of the book a bit chatty and initially a bit patronising but overall I would recommend this book.
May 7, 2024
An inspirational person comes across as very genuine person. The book was quite light weight but probably did cover everything important parts just never really gripped me
November 19, 2019
Listened to the audiobook- fuck, the narrator had a fucking annoying voice. Sorry, Emma Swan, but fuck you ruined this book for me. I nearly gave up at 30%.
Anyway, I continued the book as I love the Olympics and Nicola Adams was an intriguing person involved in the London 2012 Olympics. I really enjoyed how honest and grounded she comes across in this book. The writing is a little juvenile and comes across as an expansive “all about me” Wikipedia page. Would I recommend it? Yes, if you are like me, an Olympic nut, a sports nerd or just in to (women) sport in general.
Average. 3 stars.
Anyway, I continued the book as I love the Olympics and Nicola Adams was an intriguing person involved in the London 2012 Olympics. I really enjoyed how honest and grounded she comes across in this book. The writing is a little juvenile and comes across as an expansive “all about me” Wikipedia page. Would I recommend it? Yes, if you are like me, an Olympic nut, a sports nerd or just in to (women) sport in general.
Average. 3 stars.
September 13, 2018
I would never have chosen to read this without the push of a challenge in a goodreads group. There is lots to like about it and the story of how women's boxing developed alongside her interest in the sport was really worth reading. I listened on audio and I am glad Nicola narrated the book herself as she really conveyed her love and excitement about the sport. However, I suppose in line with many sports people it is a little self-aggrandising.
November 8, 2018
Great information, writing is so-so. Do Not do the audio book. I could not get into the narrator. Almost every sentence sounded like a question, and not just because of the British accent. I'd be interested in reading more about Adams, but particular book felt like and Point A to B rather than a real narrative.
July 21, 2019
I enjoyed learning about Nicola’s journey, especially as she’s from Leeds like myself. However, the writing wasn’t always the best and the audiobook does it no favours either. Not a fan of the narrators style unfortunately 🙁
October 26, 2022
When Nicola Adams won an Olympic Gold medal for Boxing at London 2012, she made history – women had only recently been able to compete in the sport and this was the first time it had appeared at the Olympics. She repeated her achievement in Rio 2016.
This book tells her own story, from childhood through the struggles she faced to get funding to pursue her dream, the development of women’s boxing, and finally to her retirement in 2019 due to fears that further impacts in the ring might lead to permanent vision loss.
Through the book, we cannot fail to be impressed by Nicola’s determination & dedication to her sport. The relentless hours of training, the loneliness as she struggled to find opponents (there were very few women in the sport), the challenges of trying to get funding and the sexism made her a pioneer, and an inspiration for young women to look up to.
Audiobook
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Emma Swan. I guess the narrator was chosen as she has a Yorkshire accent & Nicola is originally from Leeds, but the voice didn’t work for me. The narrator has quite a young girly voice in contrast to Nicola’s own strong voice. It affected my enjoyment of the book significantly.
What didn't work so well for me
There is a lot to like about the book but it does lose another star for the writing style which is very simple and almost naïve at times. This does make for a quick read, but I would have preferred more depth & maturity (it does rather read as if it's been written by the teenage Nicola - perhaps it reflects her own dislike of reading and English lessons at school!).
Recommendation
With the caveat that I would definitely suggest reading it, not listening to the audiobook, I think this book will appeal to people who are particularly interested in Nicola’s story, boxing, or perhaps as a gift for a young woman who is forging an unusual path and needs a boost of confidence/inspiration, but for general interest I think there are other more interesting/fascinating biographies out there.
This book tells her own story, from childhood through the struggles she faced to get funding to pursue her dream, the development of women’s boxing, and finally to her retirement in 2019 due to fears that further impacts in the ring might lead to permanent vision loss.
Through the book, we cannot fail to be impressed by Nicola’s determination & dedication to her sport. The relentless hours of training, the loneliness as she struggled to find opponents (there were very few women in the sport), the challenges of trying to get funding and the sexism made her a pioneer, and an inspiration for young women to look up to.
Audiobook
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Emma Swan. I guess the narrator was chosen as she has a Yorkshire accent & Nicola is originally from Leeds, but the voice didn’t work for me. The narrator has quite a young girly voice in contrast to Nicola’s own strong voice. It affected my enjoyment of the book significantly.
What didn't work so well for me
There is a lot to like about the book but it does lose another star for the writing style which is very simple and almost naïve at times. This does make for a quick read, but I would have preferred more depth & maturity (it does rather read as if it's been written by the teenage Nicola - perhaps it reflects her own dislike of reading and English lessons at school!).
Recommendation
With the caveat that I would definitely suggest reading it, not listening to the audiobook, I think this book will appeal to people who are particularly interested in Nicola’s story, boxing, or perhaps as a gift for a young woman who is forging an unusual path and needs a boost of confidence/inspiration, but for general interest I think there are other more interesting/fascinating biographies out there.
May 7, 2021
The audiobook of this was awful. The narrator over did the entire thing and it just made the writing sound so obnoxious and arrogant. That said, the book itself is very self-aggrandising. Nicola talks a lot about her confidence - and it’s clear she has it in spades.
This book seemed a little superficial, I’d have liked to hear some vulnerability - but perhaps that wouldn’t fit with the boxing image?
That said, there were some good messages about women in sport, pursuing your dreams and the importance of family and friends in the journey to success.
This book seemed a little superficial, I’d have liked to hear some vulnerability - but perhaps that wouldn’t fit with the boxing image?
That said, there were some good messages about women in sport, pursuing your dreams and the importance of family and friends in the journey to success.
February 1, 2026
I enjoyed this book from Nicola, who is a boxer not a writer, so it would be unfair for me to judge her on her standard of writing. She got her story across and that is good enough for me.
I knew very little about her or her achievements going in. I haven't watched an Olympic games in decades so I was only vaguely aware of her. I was curious to know about boxing from a females perspective which I found interesting. I was genuinely impressed with Nicolas achievements and the heart-warming way she told her story. If you can look past the writing it is an inspirational read.
I knew very little about her or her achievements going in. I haven't watched an Olympic games in decades so I was only vaguely aware of her. I was curious to know about boxing from a females perspective which I found interesting. I was genuinely impressed with Nicolas achievements and the heart-warming way she told her story. If you can look past the writing it is an inspirational read.
December 19, 2025
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book! I boxed myself for ten years until I became disabled so this is centred around my passion!
What an absolute inspiration Nicola is! I’m a huge believer in the power of the mind and manifestation which Nicola talks about in her self belief and visualising the wins before they happen. Feeling the win! Massive believer that those who succeed in boxing all have that same mindset and without it you cannot succeed.
Absolute five star read! Reply enjoyed it! Also learnt stuff I didn’t know like the Olympic athletes all have to let the powers that be know where they are for three solid months hour by hour at all times. I can’t believe it! Shocking but also get it I guess to do work the drugging etc?
Never knew Nicola has faced the health challenges she had and that was also inspiring.
Fair play to all that she achieved! Amazing and wicked smile and attitude! I live in envy of her life!
What an absolute inspiration Nicola is! I’m a huge believer in the power of the mind and manifestation which Nicola talks about in her self belief and visualising the wins before they happen. Feeling the win! Massive believer that those who succeed in boxing all have that same mindset and without it you cannot succeed.
Absolute five star read! Reply enjoyed it! Also learnt stuff I didn’t know like the Olympic athletes all have to let the powers that be know where they are for three solid months hour by hour at all times. I can’t believe it! Shocking but also get it I guess to do work the drugging etc?
Never knew Nicola has faced the health challenges she had and that was also inspiring.
Fair play to all that she achieved! Amazing and wicked smile and attitude! I live in envy of her life!
June 1, 2017
This is a bright breezy autobiography, Nicola is a likeable person and apparently the only woman never to have body issues, in fact she doesn't seem to worry about anything apart from her mum and injuries. The narrator is good and does sound like Nicola.
June 12, 2017
it gave a really good insight into the ups and downs of both Nicolas life and women's boxing in the UK. it was written like it was Nicola talking right in front of you. I loved it and couldn't put it down
February 7, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book as Nicola was given so many challenges along the way. I don't think the book was brilliantly written, but it was certainly honest, to the point and told as it was. People's reviews were slating the audio, but I enjoyed listening to this book.
October 29, 2017
Fantastic explaining the dedication needed to be a double Olympic champion. Details her struggles outside the ring too. Nicola Adams comes across as a really likeable person.
February 4, 2018
Audiobook
I enjoyed this biography and I had no idea what a ‘front runner’ and inspiration for so many! A good, quick read!
I enjoyed this biography and I had no idea what a ‘front runner’ and inspiration for so many! A good, quick read!
November 12, 2018
I listened to the audiobook. Nothing special about this book to attract me. The narrator's voice was very offputting!
January 24, 2019
Great sports biography
Nicola’s warm voice comes across in this book. It was great reading about her challenges and motivation. Also some great insights into the life of a boxer.
Nicola’s warm voice comes across in this book. It was great reading about her challenges and motivation. Also some great insights into the life of a boxer.
December 14, 2020
Delightful autobiography and one that I've included in my school library. Be inspired!
January 21, 2023
so inspiring to read
March 9, 2023
Would love to see an updated version post strictly. Really interesting to hear about her rise to double Olympic champion
September 17, 2023
This was a short but powerful book about Adam's boxing career up to 2016.
It explained the challenges female boxers had to face because women's boxing did not receive the same attention or funding as men's for a long time. This is a situation that was similar across other sports in the 90s and early 2000s and is now being rectified.
Adams is honest about the trials and challenges that she and other women in the UK faced to get the help and support needed from the professional bodies and how she relied on family, friends and coaches to reach her potential. The contrast of other countries that funded their female athletes and sportswomen, such as Ireland, is striking to read at times, and how much of an impact this had on the growth of women's sports and the perception of women themselves in sports in the UK.
However, despite the hardships and honesty, it is a hopeful and uplifting read as Adams ends with an emphasis that she wants to lay a foundation and path for other women to follow and get into the sport.
The technical skill and difficult work of training to be a boxer is explained and her passion for the sport shines through. I am personally not a fan of boxing, but reading about it has made me more interested in the sport and I remember her victories at the Olympics very well.
She touches on the sometimes negative side of the celebrity that comes with her wins, by having a lot of attention when in public and the loss of her anonymity, but she is always thankful and tries to use her recognition for the better of others and women's boxing.
She is positive about her dreams and aspirations both in boxing and for new adventures potentially in acting, teaching and entertainment in the future. Her achievements are remarkable, and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
It explained the challenges female boxers had to face because women's boxing did not receive the same attention or funding as men's for a long time. This is a situation that was similar across other sports in the 90s and early 2000s and is now being rectified.
Adams is honest about the trials and challenges that she and other women in the UK faced to get the help and support needed from the professional bodies and how she relied on family, friends and coaches to reach her potential. The contrast of other countries that funded their female athletes and sportswomen, such as Ireland, is striking to read at times, and how much of an impact this had on the growth of women's sports and the perception of women themselves in sports in the UK.
However, despite the hardships and honesty, it is a hopeful and uplifting read as Adams ends with an emphasis that she wants to lay a foundation and path for other women to follow and get into the sport.
The technical skill and difficult work of training to be a boxer is explained and her passion for the sport shines through. I am personally not a fan of boxing, but reading about it has made me more interested in the sport and I remember her victories at the Olympics very well.
She touches on the sometimes negative side of the celebrity that comes with her wins, by having a lot of attention when in public and the loss of her anonymity, but she is always thankful and tries to use her recognition for the better of others and women's boxing.
She is positive about her dreams and aspirations both in boxing and for new adventures potentially in acting, teaching and entertainment in the future. Her achievements are remarkable, and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
September 10, 2024
1.5 stars
October 11, 2024
Nicola is such a lovely character!
September 9, 2025
very interesting and enjoyable read.
September 30, 2018
Such a fascinating memoir. The positivity, strength, determination of Nicola is uplifting. I really appreciated how she fought for women's rights to do boxing, her story is not only about herself, but about her peers.
Nothing took her down, and that is quite refreshing to see how she talks about everything.
The audio was fabulous.
Nothing took her down, and that is quite refreshing to see how she talks about everything.
The audio was fabulous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews