"To reach the pinnacle of Olympic Swimming takes incredible
dedication, resilience and courage that few possess. To reach your
true self takes these attributes and a great deal more courage so,
therefore, even fewer arrive at this point in their lives. Mark
Tewksbury is one of these courageous people who achieve so much and
through pain, suffering, daring, and pure fight, become who they
truly are, inside and out."
-Duncan Armstrong O.A.M., Australian Olympic Swimming
Legend
"It took talent, honesty, courage and guts for Mark Tewksbury to
take on the world and become an Olympic champion. It took the
combination of the same qualities to write this book."
-Richard W. Pound, International Olympic Committee,
Chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency
"A fascinating inside look at the life of one of Canada's most
outstanding sports figures. What it was like to be teased in high
school though he was already an outstanding athlete. What it was
like to explode into Olympic stardom with a gold-medal upset in
swimming, to come out as a gay man amid post-Olympic celebrity, to
become an advocate for athletes in the cutthroat, behind-the-scenes
politics of sports. Mark Tewksbury has given us the unusual in an
Olympic sports memoir-richly textured and deeply moving."
-Patricia Nell Warren, author of The Front
Runner
"Mark's story is not just about being a gay man in the world of
sport. It's a story about a human being that is true to himself no
matter what! By sharing it he inspires all of us to do the
same."
-Johan Kenkhuis, Olympic swimming bronze (2000) and
silver (2004) medallist, The Netherlands
"Mark's story is motivation for all who seek great achievement
and will face obstacles along the path to that success. Straight
talk indeed-and a fascinating peek inside the world of Olympic
politics."
-Neil G. Giuliano, President, Gay and Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD), and Mayor of Tempe, Arizona, USA,
1994-2004
"Mark Tewksbury traces his journey from shame and fear to pride
and courage as a gay man. His story is especially inspiring because
he is one of only a handful of world class gay male athletes who
have publicly embraced their gay identity. Along the way, Mark
shares his perspectives on the developing international LGBT sports
movement and a vision for how sport can change the world for all of
us regardless of our sexuality, gender or athletic ability."
-Pat Griffin, Author, Strong
Women, Deep Closets: Lesbians and Homophobia in Sport and
Director of It Takes A Team! Education Campaign for LGBT Issues in
Sport
"Mark Tewksbury's story of hurt, outrage and frustration, as a
man who happens to be gay, is also a story of strength, boldness
and human rights. A must-read for parents, educators, athletes and
anyone who cares deeply about creating safe harbor for all
kids."
-Barbara Coloroso, Educator and Author,
Just Because It's Not Wrong Doesn't Make It Right: From
Toddlers to Teens, Teaching Kids to Think and Act
Ethically
"Against the odds, he won a gold medal in Barcelona. He made a
difference. As a commentator with CBC in Athens in 2004, he again
made a difference. He was honest, outspoken and articulate,
qualities that run through the pages of this book."
-Brian Williams, Olympic Broadcaster
"Mark Tewksbury's charisma radiates throughout this poignant
story of his life development into an Olympic hero. I found myself
riveted with the human drama while gaining knowledge and
understanding concerning the struggles and triumphs of the LGBT
sports movement. A read that should not be missed."
-Helen Carroll, Sports Project Coordinator, National
Center For Lesbian Rights
"Tewksbury opens the whole closet for us to view his
life of glamour, guts and despair. His story is as much a testimony
to the strength of femininity as it is an indictment of the cult of
masculinity."
-Eric Anderson, Ph.D., Author of
In the Game: Gay Athletes and the Cult of Masculinity
and Trailblazing: The True Story of America's First Openly
Gay High School Coach
"Mark takes the reader on an interesting journey of his life and
provides insight into the highest echelons of elite sport from many
unique perspectives."
-Alex Baumann, Executive Director, Queensland Academy
of Sport, Australia
"This book and the young life it chronicles will open doors to
many. I recall the attitudes so pervasive in locker room culture
when I participated in the swimming scene. For writing about his
personal struggle, Tewksbury should add bravery to his already
impressive list of attributes."
-Jack Layton, Leader of the Federal New Democratic
Party of Canada
"We knew Mark was a great swimmer, but who knew he could write
so well! The courage he showed in his competition is mirrored in
his book. A great story from a very brave man."
-Vicki Gabereau, Popular Broadcaster