The poignant, life-affirming, acclaimed story of a determined boy, a visionary coach, and a record-breaking swim, now in paperback.
Tom Gregory grew up in Eltham, south-east London. He holds the record of being the youngest person to swim the English Channel, completing the crossing aged eleven in September 1988. (He still owns the Gold Blue Peter badge he received for the feat and the box tickets he was given to see Leyton Orient play at home.) Today, Tom Gregory lives in Surrey with his wife and two children. He takes his daughters swimming every weekend.
Written beautifully through the eyes of a child yet to enter his
teens, 'A Boy in the Water' resonated strongly taking me back to my
own childhood. A fascinating story full of innocence, achievement,
ambition and trust.
*Ellen MacArthur, world record-breaker for the fastest solo
circumnavigation of the globe*
His immersive, colourful writing takes the reader through a
challenge that even the most experienced adult long-distance
swimmers would balk at. The story keeps you gripped from the start,
all the way to an unexpected and heart breaking twist towards the
end.
*Daily Express*
Beautifully written . . . often heart-wrenching.
*The Daily Mail*
I am absolutely in awe; a mind-blowing and phenomenal feat. A Boy
in the Water will change ideas of what is possible
*Chrissie Wellington, former professional triathlete and four-time
Ironman Triathlon World Champion*
A compelling story of dedication and commitment. It'll make a great
movie, but you should read the book first.
*sportsbookofthemonth.com*
A Boy in the Water is a truly wonderful read of resilience,
determination and courage. Whether you are interested in what it
takes to be a Channel swimmer, or love a sport memoir, or simply
like stories of our different experiences in the water, this book
will win your heart.
*Lexi Earl, The Outdoor Swimming Society*
A compelling account that serves above all as tribute to John
Bullet, [Tom Gregory's] charismatic coach.
*The Times*
This evocative memoir recounts an agonising, hallucination-filled
swim across the English Channel in 1988, when Gregory was just 11
years old.
*The Telegraph, '50 books that blew us away'*
The gruelling, awe-inspiring feat is recounted with poignancy and
affection here, and this becomes a thrilling and moving tribute to
the joys and perils of open-water swimming, too. Gregory's devotion
to his incredibly tough challenge is remarkable
*Radio Choice*
Charming and different; a lovely, brilliant memoir. What a boy!
What a feat!
*Victoria Derbyshire*
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