The unlikely NBA star who hated sport and his body, part 2

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Part two of John Amaechi's story follows him as he makes it to America's National Basketball Association - the best basketball league in the world. But life on the court had its complications. The schedule and injuries could be relentless. Decisions weren't straightforward - he famously turned down a $17 million contract. He was also gay and aware of the prejudice he could face if the basketball world knew. After John retired from the game in 2003 he became the NBA's first player to come out, and pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a psychologist. John Amaechi has recently published a book on leadership called It's Not Magic. The search for the lost music of Costa Rica's late 'King of Calypso'. Walter Ferguson spent many years serenading people with his songs and recording individual cassettes for adoring fans, but they were often the only recordings of his work. Much later a music producer realised all those cassettes contained one-off musical treasures and so began an international campaign to find Walter's lost songs. This interview was first broadcast in 2019. Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: May Cameron Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: John Amaechi wearing a black T-shirt and striped green trousers, sits on the floor and looks into the camera with a slight smile across his face. Credit: Getty Images)