Sister Secrets: Life Lessons from the Pool to the Podium

by Bronte Campbell, Bronte Campbell

Cate and Bronte Campbell are Australian sisters and international swimming superstars who have experienced triumph and defeat on the global sporting stage. Sister Secrets features personal stories of their journey to greatness, their coping strategies at times of extreme disappointment and the highs and lows that have shaped their relationship with each other and with swimming.

The lane is your own private arena.
Like a pane of aqua glass spread before you.
One big breath in.
'Take your marks.'
My front leg is shaking.
And then it begins.
Nothing left to do but fight.

Cate and Bronte Campbell stand among the true greats of Australian swimming. In their own words, Sister Secrets follows all the highs and lows of their journey - their ambitions, successes, disappointments and losses, their long road to Tokyo and the triumph they found there. And along the way, they reveal their secrets to motivation, mental toughness and finding balance in and beyond the world of elite-level swimming.

An amazing account of how two sisters gained the courage to take on the world - and each other.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Elide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let us start this off by stating this: Sister Secrets: Life Lessons from the Pool to the Podium is not an autobiography. It does not tell the story of an Olympic athlete from the moment a love of the water becomes something more, leading to Olympic glory and life beyond. If you want that kind of read I suggest Beneath the Surface: A Memoir (Libby Trickett) or Body Lengths (Leisel Jones) or even Just Another Hurdle: An autobiography (Jana Pittman, 400m Hurdler and Winter Olympic's athlete and doctor!)

Instead Sister Secrets details Bronte and Cate's lessons that they have learnt through their swimming careers. In some ways, this is almost like a how to book, filled with advice for swimmers and non swimmers to apply to their own pursuits and goals. The novel is divided up into 10 sections, including big dreams (how they started their swimming journey), winning (and putting this in perspective to move onto your next challenge) and losing (how to overcome setbacks). Written in first person and occasionally breaking the fourth wall, we are given an insight into how Bronte has learnt to adapt and be compassionate with her body despite all the injuries as well as how Cate has come to find her identity as a person and learnt to deal with both success and failure. There are definitely pieces of advice that I personally will be taking with me to my next meet (states next weekend let's go!)

This is a very short read ( an hour long read at most). I would have loved to learn more about the sister's journey from just beginning squad to Olympic swimmer. Making your first state times or first national age final. Their experiences at meets such as Worlds or Comm Games, not just the Olympics. What a national training camp is like as part of the Australian dolphins swim team. What their training sets are like (to see how what training like an Olympic athlete is like). I guess what I am saying is I would have loved an autobiography.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

now I want to compete in the Olympics :( but without having to put the work in
Lots of amazing life tips in this that made me feel seen and heard. It's nice to know the Olympians aren't always that different from you or me

[Fem · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting look into the Campbell sisters and how they came to be the powerhouse that they are.

Now, aimed at a young adult/teen audience, this is not a traditional memoir. It does go through their upbringing and some of the challenges they faced, but it’s definitely more of a motivational/self care type book. Every chapter ends with an uplifting message of sorts. It looks into social media and how to use this in a positive way. How to set goals and how to set through a positive mindset.

If you’re looking for a memoir on the Campbell sisters, this is probably not it. But a great read for the teenagers in your life, particularly if they are into swimming or sports.

[Jaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a follower of the Campbell sisters for a while, this book is a beautiful insight into their lives, starting from the childhood to now. There are many valuable lessons and advice in this book, whether it be dealing with failure and disappointment or having a healthy balance with work and one's passions. As a past swimmer, I was able to relate to a few moments within this book, talking about warm up pool especially.
This book was extremely interesting and full of great advice that every one should see. A solid 5 out of 5

[Quinn van Heerden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think all swimmers should be supported in any way they can, so without thinking I just bought this book. Turns out it’s a treat, light reading dotted with real pearls of wisdom!

I’m nearly sure that they’d be able to create a “Lord of the Rings” edition of some of the lessons after being professional swimmers for so long.

As an added upside my young daughters appreciated the colourful presentation and were inspired by many sections of the book relating to perseverance, relationships and identify - while still being focused and competitive.

[Annette Heslin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisters Cate and Bronte Campbell two great Australian Swimmers have written a book telling the highs and lows of their journey to the Olympics and other swimming competitions.

Sharing their Ambitions, Successes, Losses and the motivation they have to achieve their dreams before and during the Olympics.

Another great non-fiction read the focus, belief and determination is to be admired.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The honesty that came off the page was refreshing and I felt really connected to Cate and Brontë while I was reading it. As an adult swimmer I also connected in a visceral way to what they had to say. I recommend all swimmers read it!

[Diego Atterbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nicely done. Easy to read but still very informative. Lovely insight into the human side of their lives. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Also kid friendly. Read it to my girl and she loved it. Thanks sisters.

[Jenna Wald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this in one go and It’s extremely brief. It doesn’t give you any sense of what they’ve put into training to end up going to the olympics or where they’re heading next. Nice pictures and I like the way they both give perspectives.

[Eleanor Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this but was definitely pitched to a bit younger than me. Also would have liked it to be longer and more detailed and to have more from Cate. Maybe an adult version or a proper bio one day?

[Matilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So amazingly good, I was so inspired by some of their positive views in life and could not put the book down!

[Kim Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super fast and easy read. Light on details but an interesting glimpse into their world.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good book to read.

[Amanda Summons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. Some great insights into what it is to be a top athlete 🥰

[Yasu · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read from two beautiful sisters.

[Andrew Negus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice quick read, motivating and patriotic