The unlikely NBA star who hated sport and his body, part 1

John Amaechi always felt uneasy in his body even though he played in the best basketball league in the world. Today he's a psychologist making sense of his and others' lives.

Part one of John's story follows him from his childhood as a tall, mixed race boy growing up in 1980s Britain who felt uneasy in his body - people always commented on his stature and appearance. He loved reading books alongside a mother he adored. Inspired by some of the work she did as doctor, he wanted to be a psychologist when he grew up. Sport was the furthest thing from his mind. But when John was a teenager he was scouted to join a local basketball team and realised his body could be an advantage. Within just a few years John was embarking on a career in America's National Basketball Association, making headlines and breaking new ground along the way.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen

Producer: May Cameron

Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: John Amaechi wearing a blue and white basketball vest looking straight into the camera in front of a plain blue background. Credit: Getty Images)