What do you think?
Rate this book
Redemption: From Iron Bars to Ironman
Redemption: From Iron Bars to Ironman is the fascinating, frightening, and inspirational autobiography of former career criminal, now world-record holder and endurance athlete John McAvoy. Born into a notorious London crime family, his uncle Micky was one of the key players in the legendary Brinks-Mat gold bullion caper. John bought his first gun at 16 and carved out a lucrative career in armed robbery. At one point he was one of Britain's most-wanted men. It took two spells in prison and the death of a friend on a botched heist to change his path. During his second stint in jail he discovered a miraculous natural talent while serving life in the Belmarsh high security unit—where fellow inmates included Abu Hamza, the hook-handed extremist cleric, and the 7/7 bombers. John broke three world rowing records while still an inmate and since his release has become one of the UK's leading Ironman competitors. Redemption is the ultimate story of sporting salvation.
320 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2019
27 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 11, 2025
Mostly when I read non-fiction, it can be a bit of a drag. Rarely do I get completely hooked on a non-fiction book but I did with this. I couldn’t put it down. I constantly wanted to read it wherever I was. If I wasn’t reading it then I was reflecting on it or talking to people about it.
This isn’t just a boring sports autobiography, it has heists, court cases, an inside perspective on prisons and the criminal justice system as well as sport. The sport sections aren’t boring and you aren’t bored with endless training logs and figures.
I also found the book flowed really well and chapters were left on cliff hangers to keep you hooked.
I thought this was an excellent book. I was recommended to read this book by my dad and I wasn’t convinced so it sat on my shelf for a while. The recommendation was an excellent one and I am already trying to convince others to read this.
If you are still in doubt as to whether to read this book - just do it.
This isn’t just a boring sports autobiography, it has heists, court cases, an inside perspective on prisons and the criminal justice system as well as sport. The sport sections aren’t boring and you aren’t bored with endless training logs and figures.
I also found the book flowed really well and chapters were left on cliff hangers to keep you hooked.
I thought this was an excellent book. I was recommended to read this book by my dad and I wasn’t convinced so it sat on my shelf for a while. The recommendation was an excellent one and I am already trying to convince others to read this.
If you are still in doubt as to whether to read this book - just do it.
March 22, 2021
Utterly astonishing book...
As a keen triathlete I was aware of John but had never got round to reading his story until it was given to me as a Christmas present, completely by chance. More fool me for not reading this book earlier...
Not many books make me think about them when I'm not reading them, but I became obsessed with finding out how John got through to where I knew of him as an Ironman and watched him develop, making the mistakes we all do in this brutal sport we all love. It was was his redemption and I am so glad he found it as he comes across as a really decent guy but I think it's fair to say he paid a high price to get there.
Even if you aren't a triathlete, or even from a sporting background, you should read this book to discover how people really can change if they want it bad enough.
Absolutely love this book...
As a keen triathlete I was aware of John but had never got round to reading his story until it was given to me as a Christmas present, completely by chance. More fool me for not reading this book earlier...
Not many books make me think about them when I'm not reading them, but I became obsessed with finding out how John got through to where I knew of him as an Ironman and watched him develop, making the mistakes we all do in this brutal sport we all love. It was was his redemption and I am so glad he found it as he comes across as a really decent guy but I think it's fair to say he paid a high price to get there.
Even if you aren't a triathlete, or even from a sporting background, you should read this book to discover how people really can change if they want it bad enough.
Absolutely love this book...
January 20, 2018
Good one. I m sure we will see movie about it. It is kind of showing how we are living in equal world combined with deep inequalities. Commitment to be best at what you do best got me. Worth to have a look.
January 16, 2026
I am still crying while writing this, because this book has become one of my favourite books ever.
At the beginning, I was rolling my eyes, shaking my head, almost screaming at John and begging him to see reason. By the end of it, I was, just like his coaches and friends, beyond proud of him.
Inmates are often seen as the ones who will never change, never rehabilitate, never deserve a second chance. Truth be told, some won't. I still hope to understand a better way to help those who are beyond help, and to assist those who made a choice in their past but are deserving of a new future.
I thought of my two friends who incarcerated in the US, living in what I call 'the other side of the wall,' and more often than not my heart sinks wondering if they are still safe sharing a space with people who also believe they are beyond help and, therefore, have nothing left to lose.
REDEMPTION shows that if someone is willing to try, and receive a chance, they can succeed. It doesn't say GIVE EVERYONE A CHANCE 'CAUSE THEY ALL CAN MAKE IT - no, it invites to have an open mind and open heart and believe that, despite the odds, a precious pearl can be found in the sewers.
10/10.
At the beginning, I was rolling my eyes, shaking my head, almost screaming at John and begging him to see reason. By the end of it, I was, just like his coaches and friends, beyond proud of him.
Inmates are often seen as the ones who will never change, never rehabilitate, never deserve a second chance. Truth be told, some won't. I still hope to understand a better way to help those who are beyond help, and to assist those who made a choice in their past but are deserving of a new future.
I thought of my two friends who incarcerated in the US, living in what I call 'the other side of the wall,' and more often than not my heart sinks wondering if they are still safe sharing a space with people who also believe they are beyond help and, therefore, have nothing left to lose.
REDEMPTION shows that if someone is willing to try, and receive a chance, they can succeed. It doesn't say GIVE EVERYONE A CHANCE 'CAUSE THEY ALL CAN MAKE IT - no, it invites to have an open mind and open heart and believe that, despite the odds, a precious pearl can be found in the sewers.
10/10.
July 23, 2024
Top book! Both on his criminal background with insane dedication, insights into the criminal world from UK to Marbella, the ins-outs of the prison system, and how John leveraged this drive in his athletic career with a remarkable physiology to achieve big things. Lots of interesting parallels between the mental aspects around truly excelling in things whether it’s armed robbery, business, or ironman.
January 17, 2025
More Man than Bars for a 5
March 23, 2020
Very inspirational read, what a guy!
November 5, 2024
this book changed my brain chemistry 🥹
i’ve known about john’s story for a while now as my brother interviewed him back in the day for work, and i’ve also heard him on dr chatterjee’s podcast a few years ago. i remember being blown away at the time, and when i saw his book on my dad’s shelf i had to take it home with me !! i was instantly hooked - john’s story from having a life sentence in prison to becoming one of the uk’s leading ironman triathletes is most of the time beyond belief. i almost felt weirdly at home when he spoke about his time behind bars, having felt to some extent some of his emotions through my work with the guys.
i can’t explain quite how powerful this book is, i really felt the highs and lows that john has experienced. i would really love to meet him someday but for now, if you are reading this review then you must read his book! any of my friends who want to read i’m happy to lend it to you hehe x
i’ve known about john’s story for a while now as my brother interviewed him back in the day for work, and i’ve also heard him on dr chatterjee’s podcast a few years ago. i remember being blown away at the time, and when i saw his book on my dad’s shelf i had to take it home with me !! i was instantly hooked - john’s story from having a life sentence in prison to becoming one of the uk’s leading ironman triathletes is most of the time beyond belief. i almost felt weirdly at home when he spoke about his time behind bars, having felt to some extent some of his emotions through my work with the guys.
i can’t explain quite how powerful this book is, i really felt the highs and lows that john has experienced. i would really love to meet him someday but for now, if you are reading this review then you must read his book! any of my friends who want to read i’m happy to lend it to you hehe x
December 4, 2020
As she faded away I picked up the handle again. I tried to look in front of me, to raise my head. Darren was talking in the background but his words failed to register. Through the darkness DCI Currie from the Flying Squad appeared, smiling at me in all his smugness and self-satisfaction.
And then the judge.
Suddenly I was rowing, stronger than before. Pulling with the back and pushing with the arms. ‘Fuck you, Currie,’ I thought, gritting my teeth. ‘Fuck all you cunts.’
"Listen me old mate and listen well. You are fucked. Well and truly. You do know that don’t you?"
And then the judge.
"I have no option but to pass down two life sentences."
Suddenly I was rowing, stronger than before. Pulling with the back and pushing with the arms. ‘Fuck you, Currie,’ I thought, gritting my teeth. ‘Fuck all you cunts.’
November 8, 2023
Deeply inspirational. If you think you have hit rock-bottom, this book is a good reminder that life could have dealt you a much harder hand of cards, and for me, it helped me find a sense of gratitude that I had lost. A strange sentiment, perhaps, but one that was very comforting to me in hard times. If you feel burnt out on life, this book may be your reminder that you can dig deeper still to find the endurance and the willpower to move forward with your life, and that if you work hard enough, you can succeed in changing your story.
An easy, conversational read.
An easy, conversational read.
October 12, 2020
Absolutely incredible book, I read it in 3 days.
A true life account that shows that what happens in a persons life is down to lack of opportunity, inequality and environment and not just personal choice. But also of his life can be turned around and that someone isn’t always their past.
An absolute must read, even if you don’t follow triathlons.
I’d recommend also if you’re a Social Worker and/or work with people who have been in the prison system .
A true life account that shows that what happens in a persons life is down to lack of opportunity, inequality and environment and not just personal choice. But also of his life can be turned around and that someone isn’t always their past.
An absolute must read, even if you don’t follow triathlons.
I’d recommend also if you’re a Social Worker and/or work with people who have been in the prison system .
January 10, 2022
Excellent book as good or better than some that he read & inspired him like James cracknell & Graeme obree
Great to read about someone achieving to a high level from humble beginnings. Having indoor rowed & done an Ironman myself (to rubbish standards) I would have been interested to have an appendix showing his times at various things that is my only thing I think would improve the book (but I am a sad statistics nerd so not needed for most people)
Great to read about someone achieving to a high level from humble beginnings. Having indoor rowed & done an Ironman myself (to rubbish standards) I would have been interested to have an appendix showing his times at various things that is my only thing I think would improve the book (but I am a sad statistics nerd so not needed for most people)
February 18, 2022
"The only person you can never lie to is yourself. With a coach, there is always room for deception. You can smash a personal best in training and delight your coach, while within yourself you know that you eased up at one point and could have gone even faster.
My biggest fear isn’t crashing this bike at 85mph and losing my skin. It’s sitting in a chair at 90 and thinking, I wish I’d done more.” - Graeme Obree, The Flying Scotsman.
My biggest fear isn’t crashing this bike at 85mph and losing my skin. It’s sitting in a chair at 90 and thinking, I wish I’d done more.” - Graeme Obree, The Flying Scotsman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
Gripping read that tells an inspirational and true story. Does an amazing job of getting across three different lives: armed robber, long term prisoner and endurance athlete. And how they link and flow into each other. Felt honest about how felt at different times and about the problems still had. Self congratulatory but fair enough when he has made such an incredible journey. Brilliant yo think what he is doing now, both sport and outreach. Written well enough that could zoom through.
November 24, 2020
Must read
This book is superb. Possibly one of the best books I've read and shows what can be achieved if you want something bad enough. Extraordinary story and beautiful too in equal measures. Inspiring.
This book is superb. Possibly one of the best books I've read and shows what can be achieved if you want something bad enough. Extraordinary story and beautiful too in equal measures. Inspiring.
July 5, 2022
I found the first half of this book very gripping. John has a way with words and has a very interesting story to tell. They were very inspiring elements. However I found the final third dull as it was about competition after competition he took part in which just isn’t my thing!
October 22, 2022
For those who are gunning to attempt an Ironman, John's words of wisdom will definitely help. He shares what kind of discipline, endurance and being is needed to be a 'completer'. He has got some freaking legends to tell. What an inspirational journey he has led.
January 4, 2023
You never think you could connect to someone like this but then you do. McAvoy’s autobiography definitely brings you in. This book gives you insight on what it’s like to become an athlete from zero. It’s about how he invests negative energy and makes it so he rises above his circumstances.
November 9, 2023
I found this book an amazing read and really interesting. It is amazing to hear the story how John went from an armed robber to a professional triathlete and goes to show anyone can turn there life around if they found something they are passionate in and have the right attitude.
December 11, 2024
A moving tale of McAvoy's journey from violent crime into elite sport. A great reminder that, to break a habit, one love has to be placed by a greater one for something else - as well as profound questions for the penal system.
April 19, 2025
You can change
A great book about transformation from criminal to legend. A man born into a criminal family & a life of crime does some bad stuff but eventually sees the light & changes to become an inspiration for all.
A great book about transformation from criminal to legend. A man born into a criminal family & a life of crime does some bad stuff but eventually sees the light & changes to become an inspiration for all.
October 6, 2025
An easy but very inspiring read!!
Despite it being a very easy book to read it was very inspiring and am amazed with what he had achieved in his life! Just goes to show you that with determination and will power anything is possible!!!! Well done John!!!
Despite it being a very easy book to read it was very inspiring and am amazed with what he had achieved in his life! Just goes to show you that with determination and will power anything is possible!!!! Well done John!!!
November 19, 2017
Enjoyed this read
September 18, 2018
Incredible story. Brought even more to life by hearing John interviewed
February 20, 2019
listened to the podcast with Russel Brand and it captivated me, finished the whole book in about 9hrs and its firmly in my top 10.
February 1, 2020
Inspirational
What a fantastic. Inspirational man - and what a turnaround - everyone deserves a second chance and this proves it 👍
What a fantastic. Inspirational man - and what a turnaround - everyone deserves a second chance and this proves it 👍
April 11, 2020
Great read A+++++
Great red for anyone interested in turning their lives around. Would recommend to anyone looking to see how you can smash your goals. A++++++++++
Great red for anyone interested in turning their lives around. Would recommend to anyone looking to see how you can smash your goals. A++++++++++
May 26, 2020
The very insightful and inspiring autobiography of an criminal who turns professional athlete.
July 22, 2020
Inspirational
A gripping read. Don’t normally leave reviews but this book was a real virtual page turner. Couldn’t wait to get out in the turbo go read the next instalment!
A gripping read. Don’t normally leave reviews but this book was a real virtual page turner. Couldn’t wait to get out in the turbo go read the next instalment!
September 1, 2020
I have never read a book quite like this! Such an honest read and truly inspiring that you can be anyone and anything you set your mind to!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews