Holgate nominated for British Sport Book Awards
Author of Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run up for prestigious award
Acclaimed author Andy Holgate has created a sports publishing first, with his book Can’t Swim, Can’t Ride, Can’t Run becoming the first-ever triathlon book to be shortlisted at the prestigious British Sport Book Awards.
Holgate has been nominated for the Best New Writer Award, following the success of his debut book, which documents his personal journey from overweight librarian to serial ironman competitor.
Holgate has been backed in his quest to win by a number of his fellow athletes, including World Triathlon Champion Alistair Brownlee, Multiple Ironman Champion Catriona Morrison and ultra-marathon legend and best-selling author Dean Karnazes.
Karnazes said, “It is A great book! Andy claims he ‘Can’t Swim, Can’t Ride, Can’t Run’ but he can certainly write. His book is filled with terrific lessons on living life to its fullest. I would also argue that he can swim, can ride and can run very well indeed!”
Morrison commented, “What really comes to the fore in Andy’s book is that no matter what level of triathlon you are invloved in, the motivations, discipline, rewards and love of the sport are universal. Andy’s book dispels many of the reservations that can initially prevent people from taking up any form of physical activity and shows us how sport can not only be a positive step towards physical well being but also can be rewarding for the mind and soul.”
Brownlee added, “The ability of sport to change people’s lives, like Andy’s story, is not something I’ve considered. It was a real eye opener. Trying to be as fit and as fast as you can all the time it is very easy to get wrapped up in your own little world so it was nice to be given a wider sense of the sport and be reminded the real reason and power of sport; to inspire enjoyment in activity. It’s a great read.”
The British Sports Book Awards takes place at the Savoy Hotel, London on Monday 21 May, while Holgate’s second book Last Colt Standing (A Triathlon Too Far?) published by Pitch Publishing, is due for release on 1st January 2013.
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
