Former U23 world rowing champion releases first book

Leon Fletcher's, first book ‘The Sculler’

A former U23 world rowing champion quad sculler and later a silver medallist at the Commonwealth Regatta in Canada, has published his first book ‘The Sculler’.

The Sculler is described as an inspiring short story and acclaimed by fellow oarsmen and world champions; currently having all round five star reviews, author Leon Fletcher said he is pleased the book has been “very well received”.

Described as poetry in motion, the short story gives insights into the world of a sculler. From the Thames to Italian lakes onto the German docks in Manheim, the story is accessible and appeals to the rower and non-rower too.

The author opens up a world of elite team selection and politics and explores how our identities and personalities can adapt to life's new adventures.

Leon commented: “The book has been very well received in the rowing world, but it is not just for rowers or people interested in the sport. It is not just a book for oarsmen and it is not just about sculling, there is more to it than that.

“The Sculler follows themes of adversity and focuses a lot on the issues of class and identity. It is autobiographical as it essentially deals with me, a working class Northerner from Rochdale, going to London to participate in an elite middle class sport - something I had never experienced before.

“It also focuses on adversity as I was in a national squad but wanted to see what I could do as an individual both nationally and internationally. It follows the transition from crew sculling and rowing to single sculling.”

Leon, who attended Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club, was an Under Twenty Three World Champion in 1986 and a member of the Great British Squad. He was coached by Bill Mason of Imperial College, Mike Spracklen, Dan Topolski in the Olympic squad, Hugh Matherson and Mark Lees.

Later a graduate in Philosophy and Psychology from City University, the book offers insight into identity and motivation in a simple way that everyone can understand.

Leon is currently working on his second novel and is planning on also writing a third. He said: “The books are interlinked but they can stand alone. I am planning on the second and third novels being more philosophical and literary.

“The second book focuses on the themes of free will, destiny and fate, inspired by my Philosophy degree. I am able to bring out these ideas in an easy way which everyone can understand but there are lots of funny tales in there too about my past experiences.”