Michelle Ford-Eriksson MBE from Sydney, Australia was an Olympic gold and bronze medallist in swimming in 1980, and dual world record holder. She is a University of Southern California graduate with a master’s degree in Sports Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in business communication. She has held directorships of the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Sports Foundation, and Swimming Australia. Michelle was a member of the first IOC Athletes Commission, Australia’s first member of this important Commission, alongside the current IOC President, Thomas Bach, and Sebastian Coe, President World Athletics. Michelle was a member of the first IOC Athletes Commission, Australia’s first member of this important Commission, alongside the current IOC President, Thomas Bach, and Sebastian Coe, President World Athletics. Craig Lord is an award-winning swimming and Olympic correspondent who has been writing for the Times and Sunday Times for more than three decades. Described by the World Swimming Coaches Association as “the conscience of swimming”, Craig has been at the forefront of breaking news on doping, governance scandals, and how those impact the lives of athletes, coaches, parents and communities.
"A significant contribution to Olympic history. A must read. Anita de Frantz, IOC Member, ex-Senior Vice President of the IOC and Chair of the Women and Sport Commission ""An important read for all athletes!"" Claudia Bokel, ex-Chair, IOC Athletes' Commission and Member IOC Executive Board Michelle Ford's book, Turning the Tide, is a valuable and insightful recollection of her years as an upcoming and elite athlete. What she had to endure, and what she overcame, is definitely inspiring. Her stories are crisp, clear and accurate, and should provide food for thought for anyone interested in the value and future of sport. John Naber, Olympic Champion, Broadcaster and Author Reading Turning the Tide brought back many memories of the 1980 Olympics and the boycott, and rekindled my admiration for Michelle and her colleagues who travelled to compete in Moscow. It is a great reminder to anyone that the path to success is often laden with obstacles, and I am thrilled that Michelle has pledged to use her voice to advocate for swimmers who were denied opportunities due to doping and boycotts. Let this story be a lesson that politics and drugs have no place in sport.Congratulations Michelle on another wonderful achievement!Tracy Stockwell OAM (n�e Caulkins), Olympic and World Champion swimmer Even though we were involved in a different sport, Michelle Ford was a role model and inspiration to me for her achievements, dedication and resilience. They are all important traits in the Olympic journey and this book tells a wonderful tale that I hope all young aspiring athletes and swimmers will read. Cathy Freeman OAM, Olympic and World Champion 400m athlete"