Alan Shipnuck’s unauthorised biography of Phil Mickelson has been announced in the 15-strong long list for the 34th William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award.
A record 158 books were entered into this year’s award, featuring a diverse mix of authors from across a wide range of sports including, tennis, football, athletics, golf, rugby and cycling.
Following a rigorous judging process from a panel including The Athletics’ Nancy Frostick, sports presenter Matt Williams and William Hill’s Neil Foggin, the 15-book longlist features an array of topics including hard-hitting autobiographies and heart-breaking memories, along with harrowing accounts of racism and sexism in sport and never-been-heard before encounters of some of the most compelling figures within the sporting industry. Former sports stars, and first-time authors, Patrice Evra and Steve Thompson have also made the long list.
Shipnuck’s 249-page no-holds barred biography of Mickleson, Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorised) Biography of Golf’s Most Colourful Superstar, was published in June, shortly after the 2021 PGA Championship winner joined the controversial new LIV Golf series. A long-time Sports Illustrated writer and bestselling author, Shipnuck delves into Mickelson’s 30-year rollercoaster career on tour, that has been defined by thrilling victories, crushing defeats, and countless controversies.
Book review panellist and renowned sports broadcaster Matt Williams said: “This year, we received an unprecedented number of great entries from talented authors and publishers, and whittling these down to our top 15 was no small feat. There were many fantastic books which I would pick up and re-read over and over again that didn’t make the cut, which highlights just how impressive and well-written the books that made the longlist are.
“Racism and discrimination in sport, women’s football and the devastating effects of early onset dementia are just some of the diverse themes our longlist authors have covered and are all huge topics in today’s sporting industry.
“It’s been truly an honour to have been part of the judging team for this year’s William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award and be able to read so many inspirational books from the most talented authors, which all should be recognised for their great literature. I look forward to seeing which of our longlist comes out on top.”
The shortlist will be unveiled on October 27, with the winner declared on December 1 at an award ceremony in London. The award has a £30,000 cash prize for the winner and the shortlisted authors will each receive £3,000 and a leather-bound copy of their book.
For the complete list of books long listed for the 34th William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, click here.