Roar

*SHORTLISTED for the Vikki Orvice Award for Womens Sports Writing at The British Sports Book Awards 2024*

The stories here are vital to our understanding of womens sporting history GABBY LOGAN

From the tennis court to the boxing ring, the athletics track to the football pitch, the visibility of women in sport has been gathering pace. Womens competitions are increasingly popular.

In Roar Sam takes a deep dive into the experiences of some of sports most high-profile female athletes - some have overcome heartbreaking adversity to reach the top of their game; others have succeeded in the face of prejudice. Like Sam, all have been propelled by sheer grit and determination to succeed. Many now campaign for womens equality and acceptance in sport, knowing the confidence it can bring young girls and the message that they can achieve anything.

Featuring a series of candid interviews from some of sports most successful women, Sam lifts the lid on what it takes to reach those heights: from coping with puberty to foregoing teenage fun to pursue a dream; from the punishing physical training schedule to the mental power needed to win or bounce back from defeat; and coping with the pressure of the media spotlight. And, what it feels like in that magical moment when you step up to the podium knowing every sacrifice has been worth it.

Roar is a celebration of the bold and fearless - the women empowering future generations to follow in their footsteps - but it is also an inspiring look at how sport can change lives and challenge society.