'My ultimate aim is to be heavyweight champion of the world' Audley Harrison Audley Harrison captured the hearts of the nation when he became an Olympian at the Sydney Games in 2000, becoming Britain's first gold medallist in boxing since 1968. Six days after returning home, Harrison announced his intention to turn professional, and to do so on home ground. From amateur sportsman to professional heavyweight, Realising the Dream is the story of a true British Champion, who presents a very real challenge to the world of international boxing. Audley Harrison only took up boxing at the age of 19. He learnt his ring craft at the Repton Boys Club in London's East End, and won gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Even before his gold medal-winning success in Sydney, Harrison was receiving offers in excess of 100,000 pounds to turn professional. But he was determined to make his mark at the Olympics. He also wanted to complete his education - he now has a degree in Sports Studies from Brunel University. Supremely confident, full of self-belief and dedication, Audley Harrison is at the centre of the future of boxing. An Olympic hero and an inspiration to sports fans everywhere, in this captivating book he reveals the motivation behind his decision to follow his Olympic dream and he talks openly about the family support that has backed his campaign. Audley still lives within a few miles of Wembley, where he grew up. Having embarked on his professional career from his home town, in Realising the Dream he reveals for the first time the fascinating chain of events that got him there.