Picture a British warrior-turned-storyteller who swapped battlefields for bestselling books—meet Ollie Ollerton! A former Special Boat Service soldier, Ollie’s life reads like a thriller, packed with high-stakes missions, personal struggles, and a triumphant pivot to inspiring others. From elite military ops to mental health advocacy, his journey proves resilience is the ultimate superpower.
Now a Sunday Times bestselling author and star of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ollie channels his raw experiences into books and speeches that motivate millions. Curious how a soldier became a literary and wellness icon? Let’s dive into his incredible story!
The Making of Ollie Ollerton
Born in 1970, Matthew ‘Ollie’ Ollerton’s life took a dramatic turn at age 10 when he survived a traumatic chimpanzee attack, a story he later shared in his memoir. At 18, he joined the Royal Marine Commandos, serving in Northern Ireland and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. His grit and skill led to a recommendation for the Special Boat Service (SBS), the naval equivalent of the SAS. Out of 250 candidates, Ollie was one of only five to pass the grueling six-month selection, training as a combat frogman and submersible pilot.
During his six years in the SBS, Ollie led missions in hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian aid, pushing his mental and physical limits. After leaving the military, he faced darker battles—alcoholism and depression—before finding purpose in writing and advocacy, transforming his pain into a platform for change.
Ollie Ollerton’s Unforgettable Stories
Ollie’s books blend raw memoir, practical self-help, and gripping fiction, all infused with his hard-earned lessons on resilience. His debut, Break Point (2019), a Sunday Times number-one bestseller, chronicles his military career and personal struggles, offering readers tools to overcome their own ‘break points.’ Its follow-up, Battle Ready (2020), dives deeper into mental toughness, presenting a ‘Haynes manual for the mind’ that hit number three on the bestseller list.
In fiction, Ollie’s Alex Abbott series—Scar Tissue (2020) and All Or Nothing (2021)—follows an ex-SBS soldier battling addiction and crime, weaving themes of redemption and child trafficking awareness. His 2023 release, How to Survive (Almost) Anything, distills his Special Forces survival tactics into a guide for navigating life’s toughest challenges, from wilderness treks to societal collapse.
Ollie’s writing style is direct, visceral, and motivational, reflecting his no-nonsense military mindset. Whether sharing his own story or crafting thrillers, he emphasizes mental resilience, making his work both thrilling and empowering.
Why Ollie Ollerton Matters
Ollie’s impact transcends books. As a mental health advocate and ambassador for StrongMen and the Royal Marines Charity, he’s a beacon for veterans and civilians alike, openly discussing his battles with PTSD and addiction. Through BreakPoint, his corporate training program, and Battle Ready 360, a wellness app co-founded with Jason Fox, Ollie empowers people to conquer limiting beliefs and build healthier lives.
His SAS: Who Dares Wins role and motivational speaking gigs have made him a global inspiration, proving that even the toughest setbacks can fuel growth. Ollie’s story resonates because it’s real—raw, relatable, and relentlessly hopeful, encouraging readers to face adversity head-on.
About Ollie Ollerton
- Born: 1970, United Kingdom
- Key Works: Break Point, Battle Ready, Scar Tissue, How to Survive (Almost) Anything
- Notable Roles: Directing Staff on SAS: Who Dares Wins, mental health advocate
- Fun Fact: Climbed Ama Dablam (6,812m) with mountaineer Nims Purja in 2022
Ready to tap into Ollie Ollerton’s world of grit and inspiration? Grab Break Point or How to Survive (Almost) Anything and discover why this soldier-turned-author is a game-changer!