Olympian Harrington teams up with Booker-winner Doyle on autobiography

Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington has teamed up with Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle to write her autobiography for Penguin Sandycove.

Michael McLoughlin, publisher, bought world rights to the as-yet-untitled book from David McHugh at Line-Up Sports. It will be published in autumn 2022. 

The publisher said: "Kellie Harrington grew up in Dublin’s north inner city and was in danger of going down the wrong path in life before she discovered boxing. Her local boxing club was all-male and initially wouldn’t let her join, but she persisted. Her development into an elite boxer was confirmed with medals at the 2016 and 2018 world championships, and crowned with a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Meanwhile, Kellie won the hearts of the Irish public through her sparkling personality. 

"In this book, Kellie will tell the story of her sometimes troubled childhood, her unlikely rise to greatness, and her continuing commitment to living a normal life – which in her case has involved deciding to stay amateur as a boxer and keeping her job as part of the household/domestic staff team at a psychiatric hospital."

Harrington said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to write my autobiography as it gives me a chance to tell my story in my way. I was sure that if I was going to do a book, there was only one person I wanted to do it with. Working with Roddy has been an incredible experience and I have really enjoyed the process of revisiting the key moments of my past and remembering the twists and turns of my life. There have been some very emotional and challenging times that have helped build resilience and character and has helped shape me into the person I am today. My hope is that readers will enjoy it too."

Doyle added: "When myself and Kellie decided to write her story together, I told her it would be an adventure. I was right — it is an adventure. Kellie uses her words like she uses her fists — brilliantly. She’s funny, sharp, honest, a born storyteller. It’s a joy working with her."

McLoughlin said: "There’s a very good reason Kellie Harrington has captured the public imagination. Her gold medal at last year’s Olympics was an amazing achievement, but what really struck people was the effort it took for Kellie to reach the pinnacle of her sport, and the grace and charm with which she goes about her business. Some parts of Kellie’s story are known, but there is so much still to be told. In Roddy Doyle, Kellie has chosen a co-writer who is one of our truly great storytellers."