Henley-on-Thames is set to host a significant literary and personal event as the renowned Leander Trust Library welcomes Olympian and decorated rower Tim Crooks for a special book talk. The event, scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, will delve into Crooks’ powerful memoir, “Driven by Demons: Bipolar Olympian,” offering a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the intersection of elite athleticism and mental health.
A Pillar of Rowing Excellence
Tim Crooks is a name synonymous with rowing achievement. A celebrated Olympian, he earned a silver medal in the Men’s Coxed Eights at the 1976 Montreal Games, adding to his earlier fifth-place finish in the Double Sculls at the 1972 Munich Olympics. His prowess on the water extended to multiple victories at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta, including the coveted Diamond Sculls, and success at World Rowing Championships. Over an eight-year career representing Great Britain, Crooks solidified his status as a true rowing legend.
‘Driven by Demons’: An Unflinching Look at Mental Health
Crooks’ personal narrative, “Driven by Demons: Bipolar Olympian,” bravely chronicles his lifelong battle with bipolar disorder. The book details his experiences with intense mood swings, depression, and anger, exploring how he harnessed his exceptional talent and engaged in physical risk-taking as a coping mechanism. His journey, marked by unpredictable behaviour that sometimes unsettled teammates, ultimately led to extraordinary triumphs in the sport. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his forties, Crooks wrote the book not only to share his story but also to educate the wider medical community and the public, fostering greater understanding and reducing stigma.
The conversation around mental health in elite sports is increasingly trending, with athletes like Tim Crooks playing a crucial role in bringing these often-hidden struggles into the open. Their willingness to share their vulnerabilities helps to break down the pervasive stigma that can prevent athletes from seeking much-needed support.
Leander Club and the Trust’s Enduring Mission
The host venue, Leander Club, is itself a titan of rowing history, founded in 1818 and celebrated as the world’s most successful single-sport club, boasting an impressive 159 Olympic and Paralympic medals. The event is organised in conjunction with the Leander Trust, a registered charity dedicated to advancing the education and physical education of young people through rowing. The Trust provides crucial support, including grants and facilities, to young athletes who might otherwise be unable to access or sustain their involvement in the sport due to social or economic circumstances.
Attendees at the book talk will have the opportunity to enjoy a finger buffet and meet the rowing icon himself. Additionally, a presentation will highlight the vital benefits and work of the Leander Trust, underscoring the club’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting athletes both on and off the water. [Initial Context, 12, 19, 28]
A Conversation for Our Times
This event offers a compelling platform to explore the multifaceted pressures faced by elite athletes, where the relentless pursuit of perfection can coexist with significant mental health challenges. Tim Crooks’ candid account serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of mental well-being, contributing significantly to the ongoing, vital dialogue in the world of sport. The news of this book talk marks an important moment for the rowing community and beyond, encouraging broader engagement with these critical issues.
The book talk is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Leander Club, Henley-on-Thames.
