04 June 2015
Last night, Proud, the inspirational autobiography of former Welsh rugby star, Gareth Thomas, won the prestigious Autobiography of the Year at the Cross British Sports Book Awards!
Proud is the story of a man with a secret that was slowly killing him. Something that might devastate not only his own life but the lives of his wife, family, friends and teammates. The only place where he could find any refuge from the pain and guilt of the lie he was living was on the pitch, playing the sport he loved. But all his success didn’t make the strain of hiding who he really was go away. His fear that telling the truth about his sexuality would lose him everything he loved almost sent him over the edge.
The deceit ended when Gareth became the world’s most prominent athlete to come out as a gay man. His gesture has strengthened strangers, and given him a fresh perspective. Written with Michael Calvin of the Independent on Sunday, twice Sports Reporter of the Year, Gareth’s inspiring and moving story transcends the world of sport to tell a universal truth about feeling like an outsider, and facing up to who you really are.
Congratulations Gareth and Mike, we are so PROUD!