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Commentator and former cricketer Michael Holding has won the £30,000 William Hill Sports Book of the Year prize for Why We Kneel, How We Rise (Simon & Schuster).
Judges described the title, which examines the roots of racism, as "one of the most important sports books you will ever read”. It includes contributions from Usain Bolt, Thierry Henry, Naomi Osaka and Michael Johnson, among other sporting greats.
Holding said: “I felt it was really important to write this book, and I hope it encourages people to educate themselves about the issues raised. I would like to thank my writing partner Ed Hawkins, Simon & Schuster and all the great sports stars who contributed to the book.
"I am proud and honoured to receive the iconic William Hill Sport Book of the Year award, and I hope this will help us spread the message of ‘say no to racism’ and the importance of learning more about this important topic."
The book won from a shortlist featuring Rob Burrow’s Too Many Reasons to Live (Pan Macmillan), Tris Dixon's Damage (Hamilcar Publications), Sasha Abramsky’s Little Wonder (Birlinn General) and Ed Caesar’s The Moth and the Mountain (Penguin).
Chair of judges Alyson Rudd said: “Given everything that has happened in the world over the last 18 months, I am proud the standard of the entries was as strong as ever.
"Michael’s book was very well written, and brilliantly and evocatively highlights the importance of education in defeating one of society’s biggest issues.”
The awards ceremony was held on 2nd December with Holding taking home the £30,000 cash prize and trophy. Shortlisted authors each received £3,000 and a leather-bound copy of their book.
Last year’s prize-winner was Grigory Rodchenkov for his memoir The Rodchenkov Affair: How I Brought Down Putin’s Secret Doping Empire (W H Allen).