Olympic Listens

By Rose Cook, Kathryn Alley and Nathasya Gunawan

Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we decided to spotlight some of our favourite listens by Olympic athletes. These captivating listens offer an insider's view into the lives of remarkable athletes, their relentless pursuit of glory and the extraordinary stories that define the Games spirit.

Coming Up for Air: What I Learned from Sport, Fame and Fatherhood, written and narrated by Tom Daley

From his first appearance at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 at the age of fourteen, Tom Daley has dominated British diving. With five Olympic medals to his name, the latest earned just this month in Paris, Daley is now the most decorated British diver of all time at the Olympics, with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. But, like many athletes, his success has not come without struggle, as he reveals in his memoir Coming Up for Air.

If you’ve ever watched a post-competition interview or one of Daley’s TikTok’s online, his frank, open personality shines through. It’s no different in Coming Up for Air, where Tom discusses the events that have led to his success with honesty and emotion. From his childhood training for junior competitions to competing internationally, Tom discusses the experiences that have shaped him. Coming Up for Air gives a candid insight into Tom’s life, from being bullied at school to losing his father, as well as the courage he discovered whilst sharing his sexuality and the resilience he gained competing at world-class level.

Daley’s narration of the audiobook brings a touching and personal perspective to the written words, allowing the listener to intimately understand his life and experiences, with key moments such as when Daley discusses how his young family has redefined his priorities and goals. If you’re in the Olympic spirit this summer, Coming Up for Air is the perfect listen, as Daley demonstrates the joys and challenges which make an Olympic champion.

Open: An Autobiography, written by Andre Agassi and narrated by Erik Davies

Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi is a candid and riveting memoir that delves into the life of one of the most iconic figures in tennis. This book offers an unfiltered glimpse into Agassi's journey from a tennis prodigy to a gold medallist at the Olympics in 1996, revealing the intense pressure and personal battles he faced along the way.

Narrated by Erik Davies, the audiobook is a compelling listen due to the way Davies captures the essence of Agassi's voice and emotions. Davies' narration is clear and articulate, doing justice to Agassi's storytelling. His ability to convey the athlete's raw emotions, from the highs of winning an Olympic gold medal to the lows of his personal struggles, enhances the listener's connection to Agassi’s journey. The audiobook format particularly excels in moments of intense introspection and dramatic recounting of pivotal matches, where the spoken word amplifies the tension and excitement.

One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is how it captures Agassi's complex relationship with tennis. Hearing the story told aloud, you can almost feel the weight of the expectations and the pressure that shaped his life. The narration effectively conveys the inner turmoil and conflict that he experienced.

Overall, the audiobook version of Open: An Autobiography is an emotional retelling of Andre Agassi's life. Erik Davies’ narration spotlights the raw honesty of the athlete’s words, making it a must-listen for tennis enthusiasts and anyone interested in a story of perseverance, growth and self-acceptance.

Just Add Water, written and narrated by Katie Ledecky

In Just Add Water, Olympic gold medallist Katie Ledecky shares her remarkable journey from a young swimmer with big dreams to one of the most celebrated athletes in history. With genuine warmth and honesty, Ledecky offers an inside look at the dedication and determination required to reach the pinnacle of competitive swimming, weaving personal anecdotes and motivational insights throughout her narrative.

Her passion for the sport shines through as she recounts the pivotal moments and key figures that shaped her career. The listen is incredibly inspiring and illuminating as Ledecky’s story goes far beyond her performances in the pool. She emphasises the importance of perseverance, resilience and a strong support system in achieving her goals, which is complemented by her authentic narration.

Through candid reflections on her training regimen, setbacks and triumphs, Ledecky provides valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and anyone facing challenges in their personal or professional lives. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity make her an inspiring role model for readers of all ages. Growing up watching Katie Ledecky's incredible feats in the pool, it was a joy to listen to her audiobook Just Add Water, which offered an inspiring glimpse into her life and the dedication that fuelled her success.