Breaking the Surface [B2087]

1995 HCDJ in nice clean condition. In this moving sports memoir, Olympic diver Greg Louganis reflects on the highs and lows of his iconic life and career-from testing positive to HIV and going on to win double gold medals at the Olympics, to overcoming astounding prejudice and becoming an LGBTQ+ activist-in a raw, honest exploration of how we define greatness. Greg Louganis began diving at age nine. At sixteen, he beat out more experienced competitors to win a silver medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. By all accounts, the world was his for the taking. But there was more happening beneath the surface...

In his tell-all autobiography Greg invites readers into the harrowing, inspirational true story of his life on and off the diving board. Adopted at nine months, Greg spent most of his life fighting colorism in his community and struggling with late-detected dyslexia. Athleticism was an area in which he thrived-he was in control, he could prove his worth, and he would show the world what he was capable of. But as a closeted gay man living in a violently homophobic world, Greg lived in fear: fear that coming out would mean sacrificing his career and reputation, and fear that by not speaking out he was perpetuating the status-quo. But as his skill as a diver became internationally known, the spotlight he found himself under only intensified his struggles, leading to difficulties with relationships and substance abuse. It took the true spirit of a champion to heal, rise above adversity, and fight for others.

From recent-ish Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "This is an amazing recounting of his incredible life and career, but more importantly you can feel his kindness and sensitivity radiating off the page. My heart broke when near the end of the book he watches a video of himself diving and realizes he really *is* a beautiful diver. So many did you dirty, Mr.Louganis. I'm here if you need a hug."; "I've always loved Greg Louganis, ever since I was a little kid when I watched the 1988 Olympics. To learn that such a talented, sweet, inspiring person felt so badly about himself and to suffer so much at the hands of others, just really broke my heart. It also made me feel really connected to his story. Absolutely fantastic read."; "Fascinating story - insight into worlds I will never know."; "I thought a very interesting autobiography. It seemed frank and honest, it was warts and all, nothing seemed glossed over. A true champion who never got the full recognition he deserved because he was gay."