An international radio and television commentator who is well known in the world of athletics has released his first novel.
Somerset West resident Ian Laxton, who has been a commentator as well as an athletics writer and print journalist for more than 30 years, is elated that his novel, The Final Lap, will be available nationwide as of next month (May).
“It is essentially a South African story, although much of the action takes place in London,” he described it.
“It is set in the world of high-level international track athletics, and the main character is a 24-year-old female runner, Abby Dennison, who is ranked number 1 in the world over the 1 500 metre distance.
“She grew up in Johannesburg and from an early age showed remarkable talent as a runner. However, at age 15 a sudden tragic event in her family changed her whole outlook on life and motivated her to become the world’s best middle-distance runner.”
The book not only has an interesting storyline, but the reader is taken into the fascinating world of international sport, where records, accolades, fame and fortune await those who reach the very pinnacle of success.
“At the same time, Abby and her small support team have to deal with challenges other than just the other athletes on the track: a lifestyle based on continual travelling, the relentless training regimen needed to stay at the top and the ever-present risk of injuries.
“But there’s more: doping, intentional or accidental, can derail an athlete’s career in an instant.
“Abby also becomes aware that being a beautiful, iconic international female role-model attracts unwelcome and even dangerous attention. Criminality is the dark, hidden threat she has to face.”
Laxton is a heavyweight in covering athletic events and has worked at three Olympic Games, three World Athletics Championships, many other international events and numerous local South African track and road events, including 30 Comrades Marathons and 28 Two Oceans Marathons.
He is also married to a former national track, cross-country and marathon champion and internationally ranked runner, Sonja Laxton.
The couple have lived in Helderberg Village, Somerset West, since February 2020.
Laxton states that in any middle-distance track race, especially the 1 500 m, the final 400 m, better known as the final lap, is where everything reaches the race’s climax.
The tactics, the endurance, the speed and the mental strength of the athletes all come together to decide who wins and who does not win. This is why the book is called The Final Lap.
“The book is published by Guide Book Publications. The publishers and I are currently planning a full national launch to coincide with wide availability in bookstores nationally in May,” said Laxton.
“The book will also be available online through the Runner’s Guide website as well as in store. Although national availability will only be in May, currently the book is available though direct contact with me at ianlaxton@yahoo.com.
“It is also available at the Sage & Thyme Village Coffee Shop in the Circle shopping centre in Caledon Street.”
