Former British swimming champion, Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, hailing from Warrington, has recently been nominated for the 2024 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award. Her book, ‘These Heavy Black Bones’, has made it to the final selection among six authors vying for the prestigious award.
Rebecca’s book chronicles her remarkable journey to becoming a British swimming champion, highlighting her experiences as the first Black woman to represent Great Britain in swimming. This nomination is a testament to her trailblazing achievements in the world of sports and literature.
Among the finalists, two other female authors have also made the cut. Kelly Holmes, a double Olympic champion, penned ‘Unique’, a memoir shedding light on her military career and struggles with her identity as a gay woman. Khalida Popal, co-founder and captain of Afghanistan’s women’s football team, shares her story in ‘My Beautiful Sisters’, focusing on her efforts to expose sexual abuse in Afghan football amidst turbulent times.
The diverse selection of titles also includes ‘Munichs’ by David Peace, a historical account of Manchester United post the 1958 Munich air crash, and ‘The Racket’ by Conor Niland, a former Irish professional tennis player. ‘When I Passed The Statue Of Liberty I Became Black’ by Harry Edward, the memoir of Britain’s first Black Olympic medalist, rounds up the shortlist.
The judging panel, consisting of seven members, faces the challenging task of selecting the ultimate winner. The announcement will be made at an awards ceremony in central London on November 19th, where the victorious author will be awarded a trophy and a prize of £30,000.
Alyson Rudd, chair of the judging panel, commended the exceptional quality of this year’s entries, emphasizing the diverse perspectives and compelling narratives that have captured the essence of sports writing. The shortlisted books delve into significant themes such as sexual identity, race relations, and overcoming adversity, transcending the boundaries of sports storytelling.
As the anticipation builds for the unveiling of the winner, sports enthusiasts and literature aficionados alike eagerly await the outcome of the 2024 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award. This year’s finalists have set a high standard in sports literature, offering readers a glimpse into the lives, challenges, and triumphs of remarkable athletes and individuals.