Brutal - by Iwan Thomas

About the Book

Brutal is an unflinching memoir from a sporting great

Book Synopsis

SHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2025 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR

'Lays bare the realities of a sporting career'
Lord Sebastian Coe

'Gripping, revealing and honest'
Steve Cram OBE

'A gripping read ... Iwan runs and runs and runs, and arrives at himself'
Jeremy Vine

Running has been Iwan Thomas's life. He put everything into becoming and remaining an elite athlete to such a point that his efforts left him scarred.

Iwan reveals the highs of his career, but also his battles with the dark side of running - the loneliness, the doubts, the hurt and, ultimately, the serious mental health issues.

After a youthful stint as a world-class BMX rider, Iwan dedicated himself to running. Between 1995 and 1998, he became one of the world's fastest men, taking silver in the 4x400m at the Olympics and gold at the European and World Championships. Yet, although his British 400m record of 44.36s would stand unbroken for 25 years, niggling injuries were already beginning to limit his ability to compete with the best.

His response to setbacks had always been to train even harder, but this was no longer an option. Without the structure of training, the motivation of competition and the buzz of race day, Iwan struggled. He suffered an extended period of anxiety and depression, before eventually coming to terms with his life as a former athlete.

In this deeply reflective, utterly engaging and sensationally open book, Iwan shares an absorbing, sometimes uncomfortable, but totally memorable story, and finally reveals the truth behind his life in sport.

Review Quotes

"Powerful, frank and inspiring ... a superb insight into what athletes will go through to find their best both in and after sport ... I couldn't put it down" --Dame Sarah Storey

"Gripping, revealing and honest. An intimate portrayal of a top athlete and the challenges that come with it" --Steve Cram CBE

"Such an enjoyable read... Brutal tells the tale of what it takes to get to the top, and how hard it can be there" --Susie Chan

"A fascinating book ... Iwan helps you visualize the races as if you were actually on the start line with him. An honest account of an incredible career from a truly talented athlete... Iwan is an inspiration" --Jenni Falconer

"A gripping read ... Iwan runs and runs and runs, and arrives at himself" --Jeremy Vine

"Don't let the fun, crazy personality fool you... Iwan's book gives you an insight into how hard it can be battling physical and mental challenges that only a few top sportspeople can overcome" --Linford Christie OBE

"Compelling, honest and motivating ... offers a remarkable glimpse into the sporting world and beyond" --Sally Gunnell

"An amazing read ... I loved it" --Kriss Akabusi

"As candid a book as you will find ... lays bare the realities of a sporting career with unflinching honesty ... a fascinating sports odyssey" --Lord Sebastian Coe

"Amazing honesty" --Happy Place podcast

"Unflinching and deeply reflective" --Guernsey Press and Star

About the Author

Iwan Thomas is an Olympic medallist and a former European and World champion. In 1997 he became the fastest British 400m runner ever after breaking the record in 44.36s. Since retiring from athletics, he has been a regular presenter on The One Show and an accomplished live-events presenter, frequently hosting the World Athletics Championships. @Iwanrunner