GOING FOR GOLD is based on a true story and charts Frankie's journey as he tries to navigate the politics of boxing, his dreams and ambitions and the needs of his family.

 

Set in London in the 1970’s, we meet the people that steer Frankie’s path and those that live in his heart.

When everything around him fails, who and what does he hang onto?

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When Frankie, aged 17, wins the National ABA middleweight title in 1972 and again in 1973 he assumes he will represent England at the Commonwealth Games.

But Team GB have no place for him, and if he wants to compete he’ll have to do it for the island of his birth - Saint Vincent. So that’s what he does.

Trouble is he is the ONLY member of the St Vincent team.

Frankie wins Gold anyway and smiles as Team GB are one gold medal short of winning the Commonwealth Games. He returns to the UK in his prime and full of fire, ready to become a champion and provide for his son. At 21 he turns pro, taken on by the legendary trainer of champions, George Francis.

Sadly, at 26 Frankie exits alone, sectioned and in an ambulance.

 

In and out of hospitals, he disappears out of public sight, presumed dead. But like all the greats, he resurfaces to reclaim his family: his son, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

 

Frankie’s story asks us to consider the meaning of success, legacy, belonging and home.

 

Going For Gold explores what we are willing to fight for and what we leave behind.