Olympic Obsession. The Inside Story of Britain's Most Successful Sport

"Olympic Obsession" brings to life the personalities behind British rowing's incredible success story at the Sydney Games 2000. Set to a compelling narrative, the book unfolds against the story of Olympic gold medallist and BBC commentator, Martin Cross.

Cross' unique relationship with the sport over the last 30 years allows him to take us under the skin of the likes of Sir Steven Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, and Miriam Batten.

What is Redgrave really like to be with? Cross, Pinsent and a resentful Andy Holmes have their say. Why was Foster the only one who seemed to smile during the BBC's fly-on-the-wall "Tales of Gold" documentary?

With a foreword written by BBC Radio Five Live's controversial commentator Alan Green, "Olympic Obsession" will appeal to all sports lovers, as Cross takes us from the 'highs' of winning Olympic gold, through the depths of personal failure.

But the Inside Story of Britain's Most Successful Sport is much more than just 'another book on sport'. The intensity, passion and depth of the many relationships sensitively described here by Cross will sound a powerful note in any reader's heart

About the Author

In the wake of the Sydney Games, Martin Cross is uniquely qualified to write this book. After 22 consecutive years as an international rower from 1975 to 1996 he has an unrivalled knowledge of the world of rowing.

He has raced internationally with many of Britain's Olympic team. In 1984, he began his work as an Athlete Representative, eventually sitting on the governing bodies of the both the British Olympic Association and that of World Rowing.

Martin lives in Hampton and Normandy with his wife and three children.