Breaking the Surface: How Greg Louganis Overcame Prejudice to Take Home Olympic Gold (LGBTQ+ Sports Memoir)

Recognised as the greatest diver in history, this is the powerful, heart wrenching story of Greg Louganis told in his own words. In 348 pages, he charts his journey from child prodigy to Olympic success and the barriers he overcame along the way including homophobia, colourism, and late detected dyslexia. Adopted as an infant, Greg Louganis was diving from the age of nine and by sixteen had beaten out more experienced competitors to win a silver medal at the Montreal Olympic Games. There were other successes including gold medals at the Los Angeles and Seoul Games, cementing his international reputation. But as a closeted gay man in a violently homophobic world Louganis feared that coming out would mean losing his career, while keeping quiet would be an endorsement of the status quo. As his struggles under the spotlight intensified, Louganis battled with emotional turmoil, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse before emerging stronger, wiser, healed and ready to fight for others.

Format: Hardcover & Paperback

Hardcover: 348 Pages

Language: English

 

4.5/5
Reviewed By Reviewed By Juliette Foster
“A haunting, extremely well-written story. Greg Louganis bares his soul and wins the respect of his readers with a searing, no holds barred narrative.”