Thirty-year-old single dad, David Lucas, has taken up running as a therapeutic release from watching his wife die of cancer.
When he sets out on his regular morning run to tackle the worst fog the Fens have experienced for many years, he is unaware that his life is to change in a way he could never have imagined. And when tragedy strikes, a chance encounter with ex-Olympic runner and coach, Charlie Greaves, presents him with the opportunity of a lifetime - a possible place in the 2012 Olympic team. But can he and will he take it?
At home, his life has its problems with his live-in girlfriend and 11-year-old son at loggerheads. In the days and months leading up to the big day, and in the midst of receiving some devastating news, will he turn his back on his dream and be the father and partner his family needs?
Relive again the halcyon days of that golden summer of 2012 in this exciting and compelling novel, and discover if one man, with one goal, has what it takes to go for gold.
Born a war babe in Shepton Mallet, Somerset in 1944, Graham spent most of his formative years in Barnes, SW London, where his parents ran a tobacconist and confectionery shop. Running was an early attraction when winning the half-mile at his secondary school, but with the River Thames only yards from his front door, his sporting interests switched in his teens to rowing, reaching the semi-finals at Henley Royal Regatta in 1970. Running was always an interest however and Graham completed the London Marathon four times in his 40s. Taking the opportunity of an early retirement in 1997, after 34 years working for the Sun Life Assurance Society, the idea was to finish writing his novel, Potential, a task only completed last year. The era and background of Potential have seen many changes throughout the years but the main characters are as you meet them today. Graham currently lives in Cambridgeshire with his second wife, Ellie. His sporting activities these days are centred around table tennis, playing in two local leagues.
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3 reviews
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I very much enjoyed reading this book. The story held my interest throughout. It is well written and fast-moving. I really got into it and completed it in two days.
My husband read it on my recommendation and enjoyed it too.
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Really enjoyed reading this book, kept me interested all the way through, great story.
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Enjoyed this book very much - I have always loved my sport and I think Potential captured the vibe perfectly, the build-up, the motivation required to succeed and all the distractions around the fringes. My partner who is very much not into sport also enjoyed the book which speaks volumes. I hope the author has another book in him and if so, I look forward to reading it.
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