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The Secret Olympian  By  cover art

The Secret Olympian

By: Anonymous (former Olympian)
Narrated by: Paul Thornley
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Publisher's summary

The vast majority of us can only dream of being an Olympic-level athlete - but we have no real idea of what that means. Here, for the first time, in all its shocking, funny and downright bizarre glory, is the truth of the Olympic experience.

It is an unimaginable world: the kitting-out ceremony with its 35kg of team clothing per athlete, the pre-Olympic holding camp with its practical jokes, resentment, fighting and freaky physiological regimes, the politicians' visits with their flirty spouses, the vast range of athletes with their odd body shapes and freakish genetics, the release post-competition in the Olympic village with all the excessive drinking, eating, partying and sex (not necessarily in that order,) the hysteria of homecoming celebrations and the comedown that follows - how do you adjust to life after the Games?

The Secret Olympian talks to scores of Olympic athletes - past and present, from Munich 1960 right through to London 2012, including British, American, Australian, Dutch, French, Croatian, German, Canadian and Italian competitors.

©2012 Anonymous (P)2012 Audible Ltd

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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Very jumbled read-hard to focus on the storyline!

Would you try another book from Anonymous (former Olympian) and/or Paul Thornley?

For anyone who has worked or participated in an Olympics, the IOC controls their brand VERY tightly so that is why items have to be published anonymously. I was interested in this book after working at the 2010 Olympics, however the summary does not match the content at all (or I slept through that part)! I know more of the ins and outs of the Olympics along with what was kept secret than this book ever revealed-this writer thinks athletes get all access passes and that is not true, other than their facility and accommodation, their access is limited just like the public. So no, probably would not try a book from this author in the future, in addition I like to know whose work I am reading! This book could have been so good!

What could Anonymous (former Olympian) have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Put his thoughts together first, pick stories readers want to hear, that are often not published but occur in the villages or during training, some of the athlete partying that goes on, cultural celebrations etc.

What didn’t you like about Paul Thornley’s performance?

His performance kept me listening to the book as I was sure it was going to get metter!

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment at a great opportunity lost.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Bit all over the place but still worth the time

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The book would be far better if it was not written anonymously.

Would you recommend The Secret Olympian to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes. If you were looking to pass the time during travel.

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