Book interview: 'The Power of Belief' by BMX gold medalist Bethany Shriever

Oct 19, 2022

Written by Bart de Jong

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Title of the book: The Power of Belief
Author: Sarah Juggins / Bethany Shriever
Date published: 12th September 2022
Pages: 272

When were you approached to do a book?
Bethany Shriever: Start of the year!

How long was the thinking process before you decided to get to work on the book?
Bethany Shriever: Not that long really, it’s not often you get offered the opportunity to write your own book about your journey in sport (so far).

Did you have things lined up and organized as far as photos were concerned?
Bethany Shriever: We went through old photos my dad had kept on his computer from when I first started. The rest was fairly easy as there are some amazing photographers out there who get some great shots, like ProperCycling magazine and Navada BMX Photography.

How many days have you spent creating the book?

Bethany Shriever: Its a fairly long process but thanks to Pitch Publishing and Sarah Juggins, the process was pretty seamless and it only took a few meetings with Sarah for her to have enough to get writing!

What audience is it aimed at?
Bethany Shriever: It’s aimed at everyone! It’s got some lovely insights not only from myself, but from my amazing family and support network behind it all. Plus, there’s a few tips in there to help with people interested in starting BMX Racing.

Is the book your story of how you live(d) BMX with the Olympics being the highlight?
Bethany Shriever: Yes, it’s about my journey from when I started off as an 8 year old with my two brothers, to making it to the Games and winning that incredible medal.

Is the book a personal project or more a way to document BMX as it is/was?
Bethany Shriever: I’d say more of a personal project, as I hope to produce more books in the future documenting my journey on from the Games. I suppose it is like a capture of that time in my life and how special it was.

Who are some of the photographers that helped with pics in the book?
Bethany Shriever: There are loads, my dad, Navada BMX Photography, ProperCyclingMagazine, SWPix, SJSphotography, Craig Dutton and even more from the early days!

Was it hard to make a selection of photos?
Bethany Shriever: Yes, very hard, as you can imagine we have a huge inventory of photos from throughout the years, but they also had to match with the chapters, so it was key for them to fit the feel.

Who supported the book?
Bethany Shriever: Pitch Publishing, Sarah Juggins and my agent Adam Phillips.

Are you hoping the book will inspire a younger generation of BMX-ers?
Bethany Shriever: I really hope so, it’s there to show people/kids you can do it! And you can do it by also enjoying the journey/process along the way, that’s what it’s all about!

How was the feedback on the book from your audience?
Bethany Shriever: So far so good, I’ve had great feedback, I’m looking to hopefully get some book signings done before Christmas, so I look forward to hearing from everyone then!

Do you think you could do another one in the future?
Bethany Shriever: for sure, I’d love to do another one!

Where can people find more information on the book?
Bethany Shriever: All you have to do is follow the link in my Instagram or Facebook bio to find out more or purchase a copy for yourself!