Body Lengths

Leisel Jones is rightly regarded as one of the greatest breaststrokers ever. At just fifteen, she won two silver medals at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000; she went on to win gold at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. At London 2012, she became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympics.In London, after yet another Olympic final, Leisel handled herself with great composure when the Australian media claimed she'd been 'too fat' to swim. She also blew the whistle on bullying and dysfunction within the Australian swim team.For the first time, Leisel reveals the constant pressure she was under – from coaches, from the media and from herself – to be perfect. Despite the highs of her swimming stardom, she suffered depression, and at one time attempted to take her own life. She has emerged from life as an athlete with maturity and good humour, having finally learnt how to be herself and live with confidence.In Body Lengths, Leisel tells the...