Douglas & McIntyre to Publish John Furlong's Memoir of the 2010 Olympics

Douglas & McIntyre proudly announces it will publish John Furlong’s memoir of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. A Vision Too Far: Inside the Games That Changed a Country will be published with major fanfare on February 12, 2011, a year to the day after Canada welcomed the world with a spectacular opening ceremony.

This is a compelling behind-the-headlines story of vision, determination and leadership. Working with Globe & Mail columnist Gary Mason, Furlong recounts the lead-up to the Games and describes seemingly insurmountable setbacks–such as the death of the Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili and the washed-out snow at Cypress Bowl–to reveal an exceptional story of success, and ultimately a pivotal moment of nationhood. Furlong and his organizing team, including some 25,000 volunteers, orchestrated memorable games: this will be the story of how they did it.

Publisher Scott McIntyre commented: “The extraordinary thing about this story is that John defined a national vision–long before it was widely accepted or politically convenient–and gave it to the world. It is almost un-Canadian to honour winning against long odds, but the 2010 games are worthy of that thought. Furlong gave us all a great gift: a clear vision for a Canadian Olympics; a defiant adherence to the Olympic ideal; and inspired leadership, through thick and thin. The result was a transformative Winter Olympics, one of the best in history.”

Born in Tipperary, Ireland, Furlong arrived in Canada more than 30 years ago. Ever since, he has worked to make his adopted country better. His is an inspiring story of leadership and love of country – and the ability to dream big.