Inside the Mind of a Track Runner: “Sprinting Through Setbacks” by Micha Powell is Available Now!

July 1, 2024

Just in time for the Olympics, this memoir from Olympian and track sprinter Micha Powell takes readers behind the scenes

/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – When Commonwealth Games gold medalist Micha Powell wrote her memoir-slash-workbook titled Sprinting Through Setbacks: An Olympian’s Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome, her goal was to inspire the next generation of young women going after their biggest goals on the track and beyond—while she continues to chase her dream.

Micha is a world-class Canadian Olympic sprinter specializing in the 400m, currently running for New Balance. She is also a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist. Born in Montreal to three-time Olympian Rosey Edeh and Long Jump World Record Holder Mike Powell, athletics is a part of her DNA.

The book, co-authored with longtime author (and runner) Molly Hurford, showcases stories from Micha’s decade of professional racing experience, including vulnerable stories of growing up in the shadow of two Olympian parents, navigating injury, and finding the courage to embrace an Olympic mindset.

“I’m thrilled to share my story about how I accomplished my goals while overcoming setbacks and self-doubt as an Olympic athlete,” says Micha. “I want people to take away from this book that it’s not a linear path to success and embrace the imperfect journey to triumph and use that resilience to accomplish their big goals in life.”

After a tough time at Canadian Track & Field Trials in Montreal this past weekend, narrowly missing the Finals for the 400m but with a strong semi-final for the 200m, Micha has her sights set on fully recovering from a hip injury while finishing the season strong.

Stay tuned to Strong Girl Publishing’s newsletter and Instagram for online giveaways, IRL runs and readings in the Toronto area happening in the fall, and make sure you check out our Strong Girl Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages girls to read three books—and try three sports this summer! (Micha’s book is a great one to read for inspiration.)

Readers (and runners) can also check out the accompanying workbook, Sprinting Through Your Setbacks, which takes the journal prompts at the end of each chapter in Sprinting Through Setbacks to the next level so readers and writers can really dive in and learn about themselves, set goals, and be prepared for their next big dream!

Micha Powell is available for interviews, and excerpts of the book / media copies can be obtained by emailing info@StrongGirlPublishing.com.

ABOUT STRONG GIRL PUBLISHING

Strong Girl Publishing creates books and content to inspire girls in sport, written by young women who’ve been there. The new small publishing company was founded by longtime author, journalist, and athlete Molly Hurford, who has been writing stories for young women athletes for years—including the popular Shred Girls series. Strong Girl Publishing aims to increase visibility of girls in sport and outdoor adventure, while also providing an outlet for young women athletes to share their stories authentically.

Reading is one of the best ways for girls to be able to see themselves in sport and in activities traditionally dominated by boys, but girls are wildly underrepresented in books, especially in the middle grade and young adult age range where the dropout rate in sport is highest. Strong Girl Publishing helps girls see themselves in sport and outdoor adventure, inspiring them to try new activities by creating engaging stories around girls in sport, all while holding space for young women athletes to share their voices.

Find out more at StrongGirlPublishing.com

CONTACT: Molly Hurford, info@StrongGirlPublishing.com