British Cycling Great “Beryl” Reigns Supreme Once Again
Jeremy Wilson’s work Beryl has won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.
The story of British cycling great Beryl Burton took top honours at the 34th annual William Hill Sports Book of the Year awards in London. Author Jeremy Wilson, who made the trip back from Qatar and his assignment at the World Cup, was on hand to accept the award.
From 158 entries the field was cut to a shortlist of just five and, in the end, much like in her racing career, Beryl came first. Wilson was not only grateful for the award but that the judges responded to such an amazing story.
“I felt such a responsibility to tell this story, Beryl made history and delivered this incredible story, and I was fortunate to tell it. I share this award with her,” Wilson said in his acceptance speech.
Burton was a racing cyclist born in Leeds, West Yorkshire. From the 50s to the 80s, she dominated women’s cycling in the UK, winning more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles, while also setting numerous national records.
For nearly 25 years (between 1959 and 1983), Burton was the British Best all-rounder. Beryl Burton died at the age of 58 from a heart attack as she was riding her bike near her Yorkshire home on 5 May 1996.
Joining Wilson’s tribute to Beryl Burton were four other books and authors all worthy of their shortlist status. “Be Good, Love Brian: Growing Up with Brian Clough”, by Craig Bromfield.”God is Dead: The Rise and Fall of Frank Vandenbroucke, Cycling’s Great Wasted Talent”, by Andy McGrath. “My Hidden Race”, by Anyika Onuora. And “Expected Goals: The Story of how Data Conquered Football and Changed the Game Forever”, by Rory Smith, who also flew back to London from Qatar and his assignment at the World Cup.
Each offering provided a detailed look and gave amazing insight into a variety of topics inside the world of sport. A searing and emotional revelation from one of the UK’s great athletics competitors to the fall of Belgium’s next cycling prodigy. The judging panel admitted this year was particularly difficult to choose a winner according to William Hill Judging Chair, Alyson Rudd.
“This was a tough year for the judges, having had a record 158 entries. We had five incredible books on the shortlist, and selecting a winner was no mean feat. Congratulations to our other shortlisted authors and everyone who entered.”
Wilson becomes the 34th winner of the prestigious award which has taken place annually since 1989. This year’s winner received praise for superb writing and exhaustive research and for what the judges called, “righteous fury” in bringing to light the story of an athlete that has been referred to as the “Muhammad Ali of British cycling.”
Submissions for the 35th William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is now open. For further details on the award and how to submit go to the link here.
