What do you think?
Rate this book
Body Lengths
From the moment I am born, I am like no-one else around me. I am a fish out of water. Even in the pool.' Leisel Jones is rightly regarded as one of the greatest breaststrokers ever. At just fifteen, she won two silver medals at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000; she went on to win gold at Athens and Beijing, and at London 2012 became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympics. For the first time, Leisel candidly describes what it's like to be thrust into the limelight so young. She reveals the constant pressure she was under - from coaches, from the media and from herself - to be perfect. Despite the highs of her swimming stardom, she suffered depression, and at one time planned to take her own life. In London, criticised in the media for her weight, and appalled by the bullying and dysfunction in the Australian swim team, Leisel nevertheless handled herself with great composure. She has emerged with maturity and good humour, having finally learnt how to be herself and live with confidence. Body Lengths is the inspiring story of an Australian sporting hero, told with humour, optimism and style.
322 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2015
26 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 1, 2017
4.5 stars
It surprised me how much I enjoyed this story of Leisel Jones. Memoir isn't usually my thing but I bought this because I thought Leisel would have a good story to tell, and because it was a Kindle Monthly Deal and going cheap.
In the end, it compelled me to read through quite quickly in the lead-up to Christmas.
I enjoyed the detail about life as an elite sportsperson, particularly the training drills and preparation that goes with life in top sports competition, the dieting, the lifestyle. I could never do it. I don't have the discipline.
As an avid sports fan, I am glued to the olympics and world championships when they come around, and I remember Leisel in Sydney, then the disappointment of Athens and the media opinion about her as a petulant loser etc. It must be hard against someone such as Brooke Hanson who always had such a huge smile, or Libby Trickett who was a media darling - plus the boys such as Thorpe/Hackett/ and later Magnusson.
In the end I think the gold medals stack up, and speak for themselves - as do the world records and performances Leisel Jones put together over such a long period of time. I remember seeing media about her Mum, but didn't know the story about her father.
I also remember the media headlines about Leisel in London, and her weight - this part of the book brought those memories back. How hard that it's so often the female athletes who get put through the wringer about their weight!
All in all, I thought the writing was solid - with just a couple of moments where a bit much evocative prose got caught into the story, usually during Leisel's lowest moments (Sierra Nevada - this was the only part where I felt I lost Leisel's voice in the story). I never watched Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. I'd like to know what Leisel did that got her kicked out (or is it voted out by the public in that show?) I don't know.
Either way, I cheered Leisel on in the swimming world and will continue to hope she finds happiness out of the pool in the years ahead.
It surprised me how much I enjoyed this story of Leisel Jones. Memoir isn't usually my thing but I bought this because I thought Leisel would have a good story to tell, and because it was a Kindle Monthly Deal and going cheap.
In the end, it compelled me to read through quite quickly in the lead-up to Christmas.
I enjoyed the detail about life as an elite sportsperson, particularly the training drills and preparation that goes with life in top sports competition, the dieting, the lifestyle. I could never do it. I don't have the discipline.
As an avid sports fan, I am glued to the olympics and world championships when they come around, and I remember Leisel in Sydney, then the disappointment of Athens and the media opinion about her as a petulant loser etc. It must be hard against someone such as Brooke Hanson who always had such a huge smile, or Libby Trickett who was a media darling - plus the boys such as Thorpe/Hackett/ and later Magnusson.
In the end I think the gold medals stack up, and speak for themselves - as do the world records and performances Leisel Jones put together over such a long period of time. I remember seeing media about her Mum, but didn't know the story about her father.
I also remember the media headlines about Leisel in London, and her weight - this part of the book brought those memories back. How hard that it's so often the female athletes who get put through the wringer about their weight!
All in all, I thought the writing was solid - with just a couple of moments where a bit much evocative prose got caught into the story, usually during Leisel's lowest moments (Sierra Nevada - this was the only part where I felt I lost Leisel's voice in the story). I never watched Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. I'd like to know what Leisel did that got her kicked out (or is it voted out by the public in that show?) I don't know.
Either way, I cheered Leisel on in the swimming world and will continue to hope she finds happiness out of the pool in the years ahead.
November 30, 2015
Leisel Jones is an Australian swimmer who competed in four Olympic games between 2000-2012. Full disclosure: in our family, she has always been referred to as "Leisel the Weasel" and I wouldn't classify myself as particularly a fan of hers. It was only reading an excerpt online that prompted my interest in reading this book, but having done so I would highly recommend it. It's very well written, very honest and reminiscent of Andre Agassi's "Open" which I've always thought was one of the best autobiographies of all time.
To become an elite swimmer, your life will revolve around swimming from a very early age. Other personal issues will get pushed aside. Your form, your appearance, your weight, your composure in interviews - all will be endlessly scrutinised. It's not an easy life and it's often not an enjoyable one, although Leisel makes it clear that she loved swimming and competing. What she didn't love was the absence of support, the attitude of some teammates and the feeling that however much she did, she was never good enough. She is open about her struggles with depression in a way that is very honest and relatable. While she doesn't hold back from self-criticism, she is also unafraid to fire back at others who she felt treated her unfairly. You really feel like to get to know her over the course of this book. I found it fascinating and very hard to put down.
To become an elite swimmer, your life will revolve around swimming from a very early age. Other personal issues will get pushed aside. Your form, your appearance, your weight, your composure in interviews - all will be endlessly scrutinised. It's not an easy life and it's often not an enjoyable one, although Leisel makes it clear that she loved swimming and competing. What she didn't love was the absence of support, the attitude of some teammates and the feeling that however much she did, she was never good enough. She is open about her struggles with depression in a way that is very honest and relatable. While she doesn't hold back from self-criticism, she is also unafraid to fire back at others who she felt treated her unfairly. You really feel like to get to know her over the course of this book. I found it fascinating and very hard to put down.
August 3, 2019
I’m not a lover of autobiographies/memoirs and I’m very choosy of those I read. This story was riveting and I feel really told from the heart. Having trained as a competitive swimmer in my younger years but never at Leisel’s level, it still brought back all of those memories.
I felt for Leisel as she struggled with her depression and I remember some of the media attention. I didn’t have a problem with her naming names, as it obviously had a very big impact on her mindset at the time.
A fascinating read and she should be very proud of what she has achieved.
I felt for Leisel as she struggled with her depression and I remember some of the media attention. I didn’t have a problem with her naming names, as it obviously had a very big impact on her mindset at the time.
A fascinating read and she should be very proud of what she has achieved.
July 17, 2017
Very thought provoking for someone of a sporting interest. This book gives the inside to the Australian swim team good and bad and overall an amazing and eye opening read .
June 16, 2020
As a swim coach myself, there were moments that it looked like the author didn’t quite understand what she was saying. As I’m already super bothered by that, due to the moronic commercials for “active seniors” swimming lamely as they suffer from a terrible disease, it stopped the book’s flow a few times. But Leisel, who made it through a truly terrible childhood and rose to the absolute heights of her sport, had a lot to touch on. People at the top of their sport often change coaches twice: once after their childhood, and often a second time when their career begins to plateau. Leisel did it two extra times (once for a really bad boyfriend), and though she was quite gracious towards all her coaches, she would have had a much happier career had she swum today. She also might have waited a few more years to see how this life played out.
November 12, 2015
Really interesting insight into the all-or-nothing mindset of an Olympian and the toll it takes on mental health. I think Leisel showed great courage telling her story. One thing I did think, though: possibly, it might have been best for her to leave the parts out where she depicts people in a less-than-gracious manner. I understood these people hurt her, but two wrongs don't make a right... I think dishing dirt on people without giving much context can be quite a risky move in memoir writing and I really hope that it doesn't come back to haunt her. A very "warts and all" story. Respect to Leisel for telling it.
February 28, 2016
One of the best books I have ever read. Highly recommend. You feel like you really get to know her.
May 21, 2021
As an Australian myself who throughout my childhood and teen years competed in breaststroke at an elite level, I fully related to many of the experiences in this memoir. Leisel expertly describes the very essence of the sport and the very best, and the very worst of competing at an elite level.
This memoir was open and honest in a way that gave you the facts of the situation and how she felt about her experiences, but not in a way that openly judged or bad-mouthed anyone...even though a lot of people asked for it. This book is a credit to who Leisel is as a person and how she is the perfect embodiment of the Aussie spirit...she simply gets on with it. With each blow and setback in her life, she acknowledges the pain, she works through the emotions, and then she gets back on the horse and moves on with her life...improving herself with every step. She proves that whilst the journey is never linear, as long as you keep going, then you will reach where you are meant to go.
Despite the difficulties and mistreatments she faced, Leisel proved that she truly is a champion...both in and out of the pool, she simply gets on with life, she is an inspiration.
The most incredible thing about this book, is the fact that while she gives the reader an intimate behind the scenes look at the world of an Olympian, she also addresses the less spoken about subjects of mental health, the media influence, and the importance of being yourself and looking after your own mental and physical health, regardless of the opinions of those around you.
Leisel proves that being stubborn is not always a bad thing and that this is a strength in itself, as you are being true to yourself. Unlike other celebrity memoirs, this book is not an act of self indulgence or boasting, but rather a testimony to the true aussie spirit. It is an inspirational read that will encourage anyone to work through the hard times in life.
I would advise that the minimum age to read the entire book would be over 15 because of mature concepts. However, some excerpts are safe for younger audiences.
This memoir was open and honest in a way that gave you the facts of the situation and how she felt about her experiences, but not in a way that openly judged or bad-mouthed anyone...even though a lot of people asked for it. This book is a credit to who Leisel is as a person and how she is the perfect embodiment of the Aussie spirit...she simply gets on with it. With each blow and setback in her life, she acknowledges the pain, she works through the emotions, and then she gets back on the horse and moves on with her life...improving herself with every step. She proves that whilst the journey is never linear, as long as you keep going, then you will reach where you are meant to go.
Despite the difficulties and mistreatments she faced, Leisel proved that she truly is a champion...both in and out of the pool, she simply gets on with life, she is an inspiration.
The most incredible thing about this book, is the fact that while she gives the reader an intimate behind the scenes look at the world of an Olympian, she also addresses the less spoken about subjects of mental health, the media influence, and the importance of being yourself and looking after your own mental and physical health, regardless of the opinions of those around you.
Leisel proves that being stubborn is not always a bad thing and that this is a strength in itself, as you are being true to yourself. Unlike other celebrity memoirs, this book is not an act of self indulgence or boasting, but rather a testimony to the true aussie spirit. It is an inspirational read that will encourage anyone to work through the hard times in life.
I would advise that the minimum age to read the entire book would be over 15 because of mature concepts. However, some excerpts are safe for younger audiences.
Read
July 7, 2022Title: Body Lengths
Author: Leisel Jones
Genre: Biography, Sport
What categories it fits into: Biography
Date Finished: 29/06/22
An exciting moment in this book was when Leslie won 3 individual gold medals at the 2008 Beijing olympics. I thought it was quite interesting when Leisel said, “I thought that things would be different now. That my life would be smoother. I thought my friends would like me more and my fiance would love me more. And most stupid of all? I thought I might even like myself. I thought winning gold would make me feel fulfilled…” I thought that the author, Leisel Jones, would have felt really good about winning 3 gold medals. At the Olympics no less! But she didn’t. I think that her telling us this, could be a real wake-up call for many people, as they could be doing the same thing. During the book, Leisel felt more out of love with her sport and it became more of a job. I think lots of people in the real world also kind of experience this feeling and I think the book was just really relatable in many ways. I also feel like sometimes, we look more towards the end achievement and what we could or would win and I think we do need to try and make the most of the journey we take, even if we don't end up winning (for example). Leisel has done a really good job at emphasizing this point of making the most of the process, all while telling her amazing life story.
Author: Leisel Jones
Genre: Biography, Sport
What categories it fits into: Biography
Date Finished: 29/06/22
An exciting moment in this book was when Leslie won 3 individual gold medals at the 2008 Beijing olympics. I thought it was quite interesting when Leisel said, “I thought that things would be different now. That my life would be smoother. I thought my friends would like me more and my fiance would love me more. And most stupid of all? I thought I might even like myself. I thought winning gold would make me feel fulfilled…” I thought that the author, Leisel Jones, would have felt really good about winning 3 gold medals. At the Olympics no less! But she didn’t. I think that her telling us this, could be a real wake-up call for many people, as they could be doing the same thing. During the book, Leisel felt more out of love with her sport and it became more of a job. I think lots of people in the real world also kind of experience this feeling and I think the book was just really relatable in many ways. I also feel like sometimes, we look more towards the end achievement and what we could or would win and I think we do need to try and make the most of the journey we take, even if we don't end up winning (for example). Leisel has done a really good job at emphasizing this point of making the most of the process, all while telling her amazing life story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2017
I was suprised by how much I enjoyed Body Lengths.
An interesting look into the world of elite swimming in Australia It was fascinating to hear what was going on in Leisel's world behind the scenes, as we were watching her on our tellie.
We've seen plenty of our elite swimmers have public battles with their mental health. Leisel's never made the headlines, but she hasn't shied away from letting her own story be told.
The ghost writer has done a good job - i generally felt I was hearing Leisel's voice. I did feel uncomfortable when there were criticisms of some of the big names of swimmers and coaches - perhaps I felt it was unnecessary to name names without me hearing the other side of the story - but then, it's Leisels life, and Leisels bio - she can do what she wants.
An interesting look into the world of elite swimming in Australia It was fascinating to hear what was going on in Leisel's world behind the scenes, as we were watching her on our tellie.
We've seen plenty of our elite swimmers have public battles with their mental health. Leisel's never made the headlines, but she hasn't shied away from letting her own story be told.
The ghost writer has done a good job - i generally felt I was hearing Leisel's voice. I did feel uncomfortable when there were criticisms of some of the big names of swimmers and coaches - perhaps I felt it was unnecessary to name names without me hearing the other side of the story - but then, it's Leisels life, and Leisels bio - she can do what she wants.
March 29, 2018
I thought that 'Body Lengths' by Leisel Jones was a fantastic book. It highlighted all different views, aspects and thoughts about the olympics and how far people go to achieve their goals and win gold. To me, Leisel was a hero, starting her first olympics at 14. I don't think that anything could have made this book any better, the detail she explored and explained swimming, different countries and the olympics was amazing. Leisel Jones was one of the best Australian swimmers we have ever seen. She had been through so many highs and so many lows, she had suffered depression, and even almost attempted suicide. She was a risk-taker, moving states just months before an olympics. Overall, this book was a great read, unlike anything i have read before
April 27, 2020
Being a huge fan of swimming, I have followed Leisel’s career right from the start. She reveals so much in this book that I had no idea about. No one knew of her severe battle with depression and how it almost took her life. The strength it took for her to come back from that was immense. She told about her move to Melbourne, and later her return to Queensland. She discusses her relationships and the effects they had on her. She names names and how those swimmers lead to the toxic environment Australian swimming found itself in at the London Olympics. I felt the wrath Leisel felt when I read those chapters.
Leisel’s a great champion and her book us a must read if you’re a fan of swimming.
Leisel’s a great champion and her book us a must read if you’re a fan of swimming.
September 7, 2021
Well told! I think it is incredibly courageous for anyone to let complete strangers into the hardest parts of their lives and so important for them to do so. It reminds us that no matter what you do in life (or who you may be), we are all people struggling with emotion, stress, and plain old daily life.
August 18, 2025
3.5*
Listened to Leisel narrate her memoir, an interesting life shared with skill. So many highs and lows, thank goodness she made it through such an unusual and eventful childhood / young adulthood. Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes with us openly and vulnerably Leisel, you’re incredible.
Listened to Leisel narrate her memoir, an interesting life shared with skill. So many highs and lows, thank goodness she made it through such an unusual and eventful childhood / young adulthood. Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes with us openly and vulnerably Leisel, you’re incredible.
November 28, 2016
Extremely open and revealing. Is a little flat in places, you can tell in places where the shadow writer has gotten carried away with narrative.
Nice to hear that shiny happy people are suffering on the inside just like the rest of us.
Nice to hear that shiny happy people are suffering on the inside just like the rest of us.
October 20, 2017
Extremely raw account of the amazing leisel jones. Very real and very inspiring. Great read for anyone. So glad I stole this one of my daughters bookshelf.
March 19, 2020
Loved it. Wish I could give her a hug. So misunderstood.
June 30, 2021
Illuminating insight into the world of competitive sports and swimming.
July 6, 2021
A great read. Thanks for sharing your story, Leisel ❤️
February 22, 2024
🌟4.5 stars🌟
Really enjoyed this book by Leisel Jones 📚 it gave a real insight to the mental challenges that an olympian (Leisel) went through. 💗
Really enjoyed this book by Leisel Jones 📚 it gave a real insight to the mental challenges that an olympian (Leisel) went through. 💗
April 6, 2025
What a great read!! Hard to put down, her life was filled with challenges, but she faced them head on. Such an inspirational Aussie Woman.
March 12, 2022
Excellent read. I've read lots of swimmers' memoirs and this is excellent. It's honest not bland at all, like some biographies. My only gripe :- I would have loved more detail on her transition from 12 year age grouper to 14 year Olympic qualifier. It's also a bit disingenuous to describe her times as a 13 year old as "not great" when she must have been somewhere down near the 1.11s??? (also-- a couple of references to 'tumble turns' in breaststroke race and a complaint about no backstroke flags at the TEN metre mark...which really ought to have been spotted before publication!).
But apart from that, a cracking memoir. Lots of details of training sets and yardage. Lots of insight into how important a coach can be. Enough honesty about difficulties in her upbringing. Sickening detail about the financial pressure on young athletes, shocking information about swimmers diet and weight monitoring, and personal assessments of various teams and squads and individuals. And the Australian team and the sleeping tablets... absolutely mind blowing.
LOLed at her discomfort of the new knee skin suits going up the clacker.
But apart from that, a cracking memoir. Lots of details of training sets and yardage. Lots of insight into how important a coach can be. Enough honesty about difficulties in her upbringing. Sickening detail about the financial pressure on young athletes, shocking information about swimmers diet and weight monitoring, and personal assessments of various teams and squads and individuals. And the Australian team and the sleeping tablets... absolutely mind blowing.
LOLed at her discomfort of the new knee skin suits going up the clacker.
July 15, 2016
This autobiography was a fantastic read! It was so interesting to learn about Leisel’s story, from her development as a young swimmer from an Australian outback country town into the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympic Games, with her first being at the age 15.
Leisel’s candid recall of significant obstacles throughout her sporting career provided alarming insight into the pressures of young elite athletes, the crucial impact of coaches on not only athletic performance but overall wellbeing, and the bitter taste of drugs and bullying in sport. The struggles of weight and body image were also amplified by some staff and the unwavering and critical press. These were monumental additional stresses for female athletes at that time. Many of these issues we do not see or even appreciate when an athlete steps up to the start line to compete.
You can read the full book review by Mum2Athletes at http://mum2athletes.com/book-review-b...
Leisel’s candid recall of significant obstacles throughout her sporting career provided alarming insight into the pressures of young elite athletes, the crucial impact of coaches on not only athletic performance but overall wellbeing, and the bitter taste of drugs and bullying in sport. The struggles of weight and body image were also amplified by some staff and the unwavering and critical press. These were monumental additional stresses for female athletes at that time. Many of these issues we do not see or even appreciate when an athlete steps up to the start line to compete.
You can read the full book review by Mum2Athletes at http://mum2athletes.com/book-review-b...
October 8, 2015
WOW!!! This book was amazing! The writing was fluid and easy to read. You really felt like Leisel was actually talking to you from the pages.
I already respect this beautiful young woman for what she has achieved in swimming and what she has done as an Australian. My question is... How can respect someone more than you even do? After reading her story about her life and her world in swimming, you cannot help but admire her for being a true Aussie battler. Especially when you read about how so much of her private life was just that...private!!
I won't give much away here but her battle with depression, with the loss of one parent but absolute love for the other parent, the stillnox in swimming saga and what went wrong at the London Olympics you feel her absolute lows. At the same time, you feel so happy for her when she achieves her goals and finds happiness and belief in herself.
This woman is an absolute inspiration and I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
I already respect this beautiful young woman for what she has achieved in swimming and what she has done as an Australian. My question is... How can respect someone more than you even do? After reading her story about her life and her world in swimming, you cannot help but admire her for being a true Aussie battler. Especially when you read about how so much of her private life was just that...private!!
I won't give much away here but her battle with depression, with the loss of one parent but absolute love for the other parent, the stillnox in swimming saga and what went wrong at the London Olympics you feel her absolute lows. At the same time, you feel so happy for her when she achieves her goals and finds happiness and belief in herself.
This woman is an absolute inspiration and I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
January 6, 2016
Was not expecting it but throughly enjoyed this book by Liesel Jones. Growing up a swimmer and keen breastroker she was an idol to me and it was very humbling to see her story from a much deeper and realistic place.
Nutlike references in the book made my reflect on my own childhood of swimming and I related to Liesel in her younger years.
I also loved how she was no holes barred about her fellow swimmers, especially about the bullying shown by Stephanie Rice and the male swimmers (including Magnusson and Target) at the most recent Olympics.
This was also a quick and easy read and would make an easy holiday read for the casual reader.
Nutlike references in the book made my reflect on my own childhood of swimming and I related to Liesel in her younger years.
I also loved how she was no holes barred about her fellow swimmers, especially about the bullying shown by Stephanie Rice and the male swimmers (including Magnusson and Target) at the most recent Olympics.
This was also a quick and easy read and would make an easy holiday read for the casual reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
First read 2017
I loved this book because it was really honest and relatable. It gave me an accurate snapshot of a swimmer's lifestyle - Leisel Jones is a fantastic role model, and such an awesome person.
Reread 2018 Comm Games
I love how honest this book was in showing the depression and self doubt Leisel faced throughout her career. I always feel like you never see 100% of what happens behind the scenes and there is always two sides to a story, so I love that Leisel could tell her side of the story.
I loved this book because it was really honest and relatable. It gave me an accurate snapshot of a swimmer's lifestyle - Leisel Jones is a fantastic role model, and such an awesome person.
Reread 2018 Comm Games
I love how honest this book was in showing the depression and self doubt Leisel faced throughout her career. I always feel like you never see 100% of what happens behind the scenes and there is always two sides to a story, so I love that Leisel could tell her side of the story.
April 22, 2016
I've been wanting to read this since it came out and I couldn't put it down. Leisel Jones has been completely honest about the life of an elite swimmer as well as her struggles, stuff-ups, and successes. It's incredible that someone so young, who had to face such challenges as poverty, depression, and public humiliation in the media, has come out the other side strong, wise, and determined. A riveting read even if you don't care much for swimming!
January 5, 2019
An absolutely inspirational read! I have to say at times it was absolutely heart reaching to read. Leisel Jones really puts into perspective the harsh reality which young individuals in particular young elite athletes are faced with. As a swimmer myself, reading this highlighted that despite challenges, with support, determination and hard work you can overcome obstacles and achieve amazing things! Leisel Jones you are an incredibly strong women and an absolute inspiration!
November 10, 2015
one of the most inspiring and eye opening books I have ever read. A surprising insight into the life of an Olympic athlete and the struggles in and out of the pool. funny, sad, exciting and inspiring, I was left in anticipation of every race even though I already knew the outcome. Would recommend for any sport biography fan.
February 6, 2016
An intriguing journey through both uplifting and challenging moments in life. Keeping it real, down to earth and frank is a feature of Leisel's story. It was the post-gold medal times, through severe depression where the journey took on greater meaning and significance. A worthwhile read from a wonderful Australian achiever!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews