William Hill Sports Book of the Year: 2020 Winner Announced

After announcing the Shortlist in October, the time has come to announce the winner of this year’s William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

And the winner is… Dr Grigory Rodchenkov, with his tell-all book – The Rodchenkov Affair.

The William Hill Sports Book of the Year judging panel, chaired by Alyson Rudd, stated there was simply no contest for the top honour given the stunning revelations, captivating narrative and far-reaching effects of Rodchenkov’s book.

Rodchenkov will receive the £30,000 winner’s cheque and a leather-bound copy of his book in becoming the 32nd winner of the prestigious literary award.

Alyson Rudd, Chair of the Judging Panel said, “This year produced a particularly strong shortlist was born out by the intense and passionate debate among the judging panel. The Rodchenkov Affair was praised for its searing honesty and bravery”

Drummond Moir, Deputy Publisher Ebury – Penguin Random House UK and editor of The Rodchenkov Affair said, ‘We’re thrilled that this unique book has received such a prestigious award. Grigory Rodchenkov’s memoir offers readers the full, unadulterated story that was first glimpsed in Bryan Fogel’s award-winning documentary Icarus, in Grigory’s own voice and words. He’s created a breathtakingly candid memoir, one that takes the reader on a journey through a rigged system of flawed individuals and moral choices.”

Rodchenkov is one of five authors to have been shortlisted for the award, the world’s oldest and richest sports literary prize, including Ruqsana Begum, Ian Ridley, Scott Ellsworth and Ashley Gray. Rodchenkov joins an impressive list of past winners including three-time winner Duncan Hamilton, Nick Hornby, Brian Moore, Marcus Trescothick, and two-time winner Donald McRae.