Stay ConnectedAt Olympics.com, we tell Olympic stories year-round.
Come along with us for in-depth interviews with the inspiring individuals who capture the world’s imagination every two years as they go faster, higher, stronger – together. Host Nick McCarvel is joined regularly by one-of-a-kind guests – including athletes themselves, coaches, sporting legends – as well as Olympics.com producers and contributors – and more.
Catch new episodes on Wednesdays every other week.
"The payoff is definitely worth it," Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles tells Olympics.com reporter Scott Bregman of her mental health work in a one-on-one sit-down on this episode of the podcast. It's an all-gymnastics episode, as Bregman joins host Nick McCarvel to give his takeaways from Biles' triumphant Paris 2024, and shares further interviews with Jordan Chiles, Ellie Black and Jade Carey.
"My perspective has totally changed," says Alysa Liu, the 2022 world bronze medallist who retired over two years ago at 16. The American star joins host Nick McCarvel on this episode of the podcast to reveal how skiing (yes, skiing) brought her back to skating - and much more. Plus, Canada's two-time Olympian Kaitlyn Weaver on the many hats she wears in the skating world post-competitive life.
Lacrosse is set to return to the Olympics at LA 2028 as a medal sport for the first time since 1908. American Charlotte North is one of the standout stars of the game, and speaks one-on-one with host Nick McCarvel about how the Olympic platform could help lacrosse grow, and why she thinks the sport is so well-suited for the Games.
With the Paralympic flame extinguished at Paris 2024, we wrap up our coverage from the city of light with sit-down interviews with wheelchair fencer Bebe Vio, swimmer Abbas Karimi and the dynamic husband-wife duo of Hunter Woodhall and Tara Davis-Woodhall. Hosted by Nick McCarvel; interviews: Lorena Encabo.
The Paralympics are in full swing for Paris 2024. Olympics.com sits down with athletics star Nick Mayhugh and wheelchair rugby players Sarah Adam and Chuck Aoki to hear how they're shifting perspectives on Para athletes - while chasing the podium.
The Paralympic Games Paris 2024 are here! Host Nick McCarvel previews some of the top storylines to watch for with Olympics.com producer Lena Smirnova. Plus, wheelchair tennis star Dana Mathewson on how to grow the para movement - and what she's learned about resiliency.
As the Olympic Games Paris 2024 come to a close, host Nick McCarvel is joined by Olympics.com producers Andrew Binner and Ash Tulloch to discuss their lasting memories from the Games. Ash details the surfing in Tahiti, while the trio also chat about Leon Marchand, Antoine Dupont, Novak Djokovic - and their favourite moments from a memorable Games.
Every athlete at Paris 2024 has a story. In this episode, we explore two of them, as Cindy Ngamba wins a first-ever Olympic medal for the Refugee Olympic Team. Host Nick McCarvel also speaks with Canadian Taekwondo medallist Skylar Park on how her bronze was the effort of her entire family.
Adventure rock climbers Alex Honnold and Chris Sharma are legends in the outdoor movement, scaling some of the most famous walls in the world. They've come to Paris 2024 to witness Olympic sport climbing in person, and tell host Nick McCarvel it's a historic moment for the sport.
We're nearing the business end of Paris 2024, and with it the medal rounds of the men's and women's basketball events. NBA star Grant Williams of the Charlotte Hornets joins host Nick McCarvel for his breakdown of what he calls an electric atmosphere on the Olympic stage - and makes a bold prediction for the European squads in 2032. Plus, more on Cole Hocker, Arisa Trew and the USWNT football outlook.
Paris 2024 is full of athlete stories. American Noah Lyles announced himself on the global stage with the biggest (and closest!) of victories: Gold in the men's 100m final. Andy Murray, on the other hand, bid farewell to the Games - and to tennis. He sits down one-on-one with host Nick McCarvel. Plus, Eleanor Lee interviews swim rivals and friends Ariane Titmus and Katie Ledecky.
We've reached the halfway point to the finish line at Paris 2024. In the pool, Leon Marchand has made himself into a national icon with four golds in four individual finals. Host Nick McCarvel catches up with Olympics.com editors Mary Byrne and Fabrice Deschamps, while Eleanor Lee interviews canoe slalom medallist Evy Leibfarth and BMX racing winner Saya Sakakibara.
It was a night to remember inside Bercy Arena as Simone Biles reclaimed her individual all-around crown in women's gymnastics. Olympics.com reporters Scott Bregman and Sheila Vieira join host Nick McCarvel to break down Simone's win, as well as historic medal efforts from Rebeca Andrade and Suni Lee. Plus, Nick catches up with Alex Ohanian on his investment in female sport - and how it can grow even more.
"That is the evolution of skateboarding," says the legendary Tony Hawk in our one-on-one sit-down about the growth of his beloved sport, which is now in its second staging at an Olympics. We hear from Tony, as well as American street skaters Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston after their medal-winning performances. Plus, gymnastics reporter Scott Bregman analyzes the women's team final for us.
In a special episode of the podcast, we join host Nick McCarvel for a live Olympics.com Q&A with Olympic champion gymnasts Nadia Comaneci and Aly Raisman. They discuss Simone Biles' return, gender parity among athletes at Paris 2024 and their love for artistic gymnastics. Plus, Nadia and Aly take questions from fans around the world.
The Games are open! Friday's glittering Opening Ceremony was also an historic one, and Olympics.com producers ZK Goh and Eleanor Lee join host Nick McCarvel to break it all down... from the lighting of the Olympic cauldron to Celine Dion's stunning performance on the Eiffel Tower. ZK and Eleanor also give their stories to watch in Paris. Plus, Nick heads to Katie Ledecky's press conference to ask the living legend of the pool what she's learned from the Games.
The Olympics are here! Host Nick McCarvel has touched down with Paris, and gets the lay of the land from social media team member Julian Polo, an Argentine-turned-Parisian. Charlotte Hornets star Grant Williams, an Olympics.com contributor, breaks down the men's basketball event, while Aly Raisman interviews Jordan Chiles one-one-one.
Adventure-seeker Alex Honnold is perhaps the biggest climbing star in the world. But the outdoor enthusiast says he would barely be able to get off the ground in today's competitive sport climbing climate. Host Nick McCarvel sits down one-on-one with Alex for the Olympics.com podcast to discuss the event's Olympic evolution. Plus, chats with Paris 2024-bound climbers Brooke Raboutou, Adam Ondra, and Sam Watson.
The storylines are aplenty in track and field as we enter the Olympic month. We sit down with Olympic champions Andre De Grasse and Faith Kipyegon for exclusive one-on-ones, and get a Paris prediction from the legendary Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
For World Refugee Day, this Olympics.com podcast special focuses on the inspiring IOC Refugee Olympic Team, which is set to feature 36 members at the Paris 2024 Games. Athletes Masomah Ali Zada and Cyrille Tchatchet discuss their journeys, and the Olympic Refuge Foundation's Jojo Ferris shares more on the project's wider impact. World Refugee Day is marked on 20th June each year.
Our focus turns to the pool as Olympic champion Caeleb Dressel discusses his comeback, fatherhood and more. Host Nick McCarvel is joined by Olympics.com swimming reporter Andrew Binner, who gives his insights on Dressel, Summer McIntosh, Adam Peaty, Leon Marchand, Emma McKeon and other swimming stars. Listen now.
With the Olympic Games less than two months away, Olympics.com gymnastics expert Scott Bregman joins host Nick McCarvel for an in-depth chat about Simone's comeback and form, with updates on reigning Olympic champion Suni Lee, Brazil's Rebeca Andrade and more. Listen to the full interview now.
France's 16-year-old breaking star dreams of taking part in her sport's Olympic debut at Paris 2024.
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The 17-time Paralympic gold medallist, who grew up as an orphan in Ukraine, shares her powerful story with us.
Ahead of her second Olympic appearance this summer, the 25-year-old told the Olympics.com podcast where she got her competitive side from and why she's not intimidated by reef surfing. Listen to the full interview now.
The two-time Australian BMX Freestyle national champion Sarah Nicki loves her sport, which is evident throughout our exclusive interview for the Olympics.com podcast. Hear her inside guide to the upcoming Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) events in Shanghai and Budapest, which you can watch live on Olympic Channel. She shares how urban sports athletes are preparing for that crucial Paris 2024 qualifier, plus her dreams of success on her bike.
The 2023 Pan American Games gold medallist, currently ranked number two in the world, goes in depth into the art of weightlifting and shares what it takes to excel in her sport.
The 26-year-old has pushed barriers in taekwondo to become the number-one-ranked athlete in Africa, earning a spot for her country at Paris 2024.
After leaving Cameroon at the age of 11, Cindy has survived many abuses and is now chasing her Olympic dream as a member of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Listen to her inspiring story.
Ahead of the World Championships in Doha, the 32-year-old reflects on his career and reveals why he doesn't rule out competing at Los Angeles 2028. Check out the exclusive interview with the Olympics.com podcast.
There were many unforgettable moments at these 2024 Youth Olympics in Gangwon: Great Britain winning their first Alpine medal at a Games, Nigerian curlers beating the odds and the U.S. men's ice hockey team clinching gold. Listen to this exclusive Olympics.com podcast for more.
Top Canadian U-16 men's hockey player Daxon Rudolph relishes the chance to compete for his nation's first Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) gold at Gangwon 2024. He spoke to us on the eve of Canada's opening game at the Youth Olympics in the Republic of Korea, which you can watch on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympic app. Listen to this exclusive podcast interview for more.
Team GB Olympic curling gold medallist and Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Athlete Role Model Dodds shares her Beijing 2022 experience, her role at Gangwon 2024, and her hopes for Milano Cortina 2026. Listen for more of this Olympics Podcast exclusive interview.
Ski Mountaineering star Emily Harrop grew up in the French mountain resort and shares her love for the region.
One of the highlights of the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands was Jordan Evans-Tobata's emotional reunion with her father after nine years. Olympics.com caught up with the track athlete to learn more.
The clinical psychologist and World Health Organization expert shares tools to help manage pressure and mental health, explaining the WHO's Stress Management Guide in detail, and how it applies to all athletes pushing to qualify and compete at Paris 2024.
In an exclusive chat with Olympics.com, Mike Krzyzewski reflects on his journey from Dream Team assistant to coaching Team USA to three consecutive Olympic titles. Coach K also expresses deep respect for international basketball and reveals what Team USA does better than the rest of the world.
Guyana's first table tennis Olympian, Chelsea 'Chelo' Edghill, tells the Olympics.com podcast about how living her dream at Tokyo 2020 in 2021 was bittersweet for the flagbearer due to her father's passing. She's determined to make it back to the biggest stage at Paris 2024. Plus she shares next-level mental health mindfulness tips and why she's giving back to her nation's sports infrastructure. Edghill competed in the mixed doubles and singles events at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Chile.
The two pole vaulters reflect on their decision to share gold at the last World Athletics Championships and share how they deal with mental recovery. Listen to the exclusive interview.
As part of World Mental Health Month, former NBA star and now Atlanta Hawks assistant coach Ekpe Udoh discusses mental wellbeing strategies with Dr. Kristoffer Henriksen (University of Southern Denmark).
In this exclusive interview, the Olympic champion reflects on her pro career abroad and how she plans to help the next generation of American volleyball players.
Kenya's pioneering female Olympian in boxing shares her insights on resilience, mental health, and her journey as a single mum.
Former NBA star Deng, a London 2012 Olympian, tells the Olympics.com podcast how it feels to lead his homeland South Sudan to the 2023 FIBA World Cup as the president of their basketball federation. He believes their journey is more than just sport, and is targeting a Paris 2024 qualifying berth for the African nation.
This episode is a basketball men's world cup deep dive preview with Sergio Scariolo, coach of defending champions Spain, plus we hear from French national team members. Who is favourite to lift the FIBA crown? Spain, even without Ricky Rubio? Is this France's time? Are the USA squad too inexperienced? We discuss that and more in the latest edition of the Olympics.com podcast.
It's exactly one year to the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games, and we celebrate the milestone with the face of women's wrestling: Olympic medalist and six-time World Champion Adeline Gray. The American talks about mothering twins, mental health, the Olympics in France, and her advocacy for women's rights and equality throughout sports. Listen to the full interview right here on the Olympics.com podcast.
100m Breaststroke Olympic champion reflects on stunning gold medal at 17, Aquatics World Championships, Mental Health concerns, life in Alaska... and her own Bobblehead.
Olympics.com podcast with Tennis personality Patrick McEnroe, younger brother of famed star John McEnroe.
This podcast does a deep-dive into the Olympic eSport Series player through the eyes of mental health coach and provider, trained to work with the sports psyche.
Paris 2024 features the debut of Breaking, a blend of sport and art. In this podcast, the world's number one b-boy, Phil Wizard, is joined by Olympic Channel Breaking commentator, b-girl Candy, as they explain why this discipline is no longer just niche entertainment.
Brisa Hennessy opens up about overcoming personal challenges. Star surfer has qualified for her second Olympics. See you at Paris 2024.
The Londoner, known as 'Zee' quit her job as a neo-natal nurse to pursue her dream of representing the England women's rugby team. She's living up to her 'Bulldozer' nickname: "Being a Black Muslim woman in rugby, I'm smashing stereotypes and breaking those barriers. And if you look at it deeply, nobody expects a nurse to be playing rugby. Nobody expects a mother of three to be playing rugby. Nobody expects a career woman to be playing rugby." Listen for the full story on the Olympics.com podcast.
The incredible journey of Bobbi Gibb - a lawyer, scientist, artist, and runner who became the first woman ever to complete the Boston Marathon. Listen to our extended podcast interview delving deep into the pioneer's mindset and life-long journey of self-discovery.
Darragh aka DISH is a popular gaming live-streamer, who has built a dedicated following and become a phenomenon. Listen to DISH's incredible journey on the Olympics.com Podcast.
Paralympic gold medalist Erin Kennedy's informative and inspiring story. Every step of her breast cancer survival right here on Olympics.com podcast
Olympics.com podcast, 18 year old French Sport Climber Oriane Bertone. From remote island of La Reunion, she’s scaling amazing heights now with an eye on representing her country at her “home” Games, Paris 2024.
Olympics.com latest podcast. Saluting Int’l Women’s Day with iconic Indian tennis player Sania Mirza. Four-time Olympian, six-time Grand Slam Champion, mother using an immense social media presence to further gender equality of opportunity for women worldwide.
Our new podcast focusses on mental health issues facing elite athletes, Olympians, and all of us! We checked in with Cecile Landi, Simone Biles' coach, Italy's short track speed skating legend Arianna Fontana, and human performance consultant Dr. Craig Manning.
Remember Jimmer Fredette? Basketball and #YouTube sensation? The former NBA player is re-inventing himself for the U.S. 3x3 basketball team. We caught up with him in our latest podcast as he embarks on his journey to hopefully represent Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Jimmer-mania all over again?
Olympic skateboarding bronze medalist Jagger Eaton joins Tom Kirkland on the Olympics.com podcast. The American shares his pathway to the Paris 2024 Games, why he is hoping to still be around for LA 2028, and what's up with him listening to country music. Plus hear the Team USA star talk through the skateboarding Olympic qualification process ahead of the Park and Street World Championships 2023 in the UAE.
Two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Christian Taylor is making his comeback to triple jump after an Achilles rupture a year ago, ended his hopes of defending his Olympic title at Tokyo 2020.
The American caught up with Ash Tulloch to discuss his journey back to competition and the challenges he faced along the way, including depression, doubt and questioning if he should continue in the sport at all.
Taylor shares why Kobe Bryant's Mamba mentality has helped him as he works towards the athletics world championships in Oregon and Paris 2024. Vulnerable, honest and inspiring. This is a meaningful and uplifting conversation you don't want to miss.
Olympic champion and 5-time Olympic silver medallist Duncan Scott is more than just Great Britain's most decorated Olympic swimmer.
The three-time world champion is also passionate about food, fun, and family.
Scott had been a hot favourite to add to his medal haul at this week's FINA World Championships in Budapest, but has had to withdraw after catching Covid three weeks ago.
Join host Ash Tulloch and swimming expert Andrew Binner as the Brit swim star chats about his mindset, passions away from the pool, his historic performance at Tokyo 2020 in 2021, and how he plans to continue his dominance in the sport. We also shed light on what other stories he's excited about at the world champs in Hungary from June 18.
India's Srikanth Kidambi is this week’s Olympic Channel podcast guest who talks about captaining his team to historic victory in the Thomas Cup and how momentous it was for the country.
He shares his love of film with Ash Tulloch and explains who he would like to play him in a film about the Thomas Cup. The badminton star also reflects on missing out on Tokyo 2020 and discusses his ambitions for the Commonwealth Games and Paris 2024.
India's Srikanth Kidambi is this week’s Olympic Channel podcast guest. The badminton star talks about captaining his team to an historic victory in the 2022 Thomas Cup and how momentous it was for the country.
He tells host Ash Tulloch about his love of film and shares who he would like to play him in a movie about the recent men's team event success. The 29-year-old also reflects on missing the men's singles at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021, and discusses his ambitions for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
Paul Gasol is giant in stature and in mind.
For 18 years he played professional basketball in the NBA and for Spain’s national team. He retired in 2021 with two NBA championship rings and three Olympic medals to his name. He joins the Olympic Channel podcast to chat about life and all things basketball, including his thoughts on the NBA finals between the Golden State Warriors, and Boston Celtics.
He tells Ash Tulloch how he continues to honour the legacy of his friend Kobe Bryant and what it means to be a girl dad now that he is a father himself. The retired Spanish star gives his take on the future of for his former team, the LA Lakers and discusses what we can expect from new coach Darvin Ham.
Pau also takes a trip down memory lane reflecting on his five Olympics and explains how the Games have had such a big impact on his life. Plus, find out which NBA franchises has he been working with this season.
Olympic gymnastics champion Shawn Johnson East takes us inside the life and mind of an entrepreneur, Olympic gold medallist, mother, and digital media mogul.
The Team USA star gets candid with Olympic Channel presenter Ash Tulloch about her feelings towards the age limit in gymnastics, keeping in mind that she was just 16 years old when she took home gold and three silvers from Beijing 2008 for the U.S.. Her thoughts may surprise you.
As well as her life as a gymnast, we discuss her body image journey, becoming a YouTube parenting sensation with her husband, NFL star Andrew East, plus being a co-owner of North American women’s football team Angel City FC, and how they plan to make a positive impact in women’s soccer and influence other sports, to "help every athlete in the world have a voice.’”
From humble beginnings in Serbia to becoming a tennis icon, Ana Ivanovic has had a remarkable journey so far.
In an open and insightful interview, she speaks with Ash Tulloch about society pressures, life, motherhood, guilty pleasures, athletes she’s excited about and the 2022 French Open.
Ana was just 20 years old when she won the trophy at Roland Garros, becoming the number one women’s tennis player in the world. Since retiring in 2016, she’s had two boys with husband, German football star Bastian Schweinsteiger, and been working on personal projects to help improve the lives of children worldwide.
Brazilian swimmer Bruno Fratus is many things. As well as being the 50m freestyle bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020, he's humorous, honest and epitomises resilience.
After making 3 consecutive 50m free Olympic finals, in Japan he finally won the medal that had eluded him for so long.
Ash Tulloch had a revealing chat with Bruno about his journey in and outside the pool. They discuss everything from putting on 10 kg after the Tokyo Games, his wife and coach, fellow Olympian Michelle Lenhardt, plus Formula 1 icon Ayrton Senna and the mission on the horizon - Paris 2024.
Olympic champion basketballer Chris Bosh, Olympic runner Alexi Pappas, and Paralympic champion Birgit Skarstein offer up their most memorable pieces. Plus, a bit of memorable fun with skateboarder Lizzie Armanto in our host Ed Knowles' farewell podcast.
The snowboarding legend and three-time Olympic champion retired from the sport he became synonymous with after coming fourth at the half pipe competition at Beijing 2022. Shaun White sat down for an emotional interview that day with Ash Tulloch. We are also joined by his physical therapist Esther Lee and his coach JJ Thomas.
Paralympian and motivational speaker Amy Purdy talks to IOC Young Leaders about their own journeys and how they’re driving change in the areas of gender equality, peace building, inclusion and sustainability. This sample of the 'We Have a Goal' podcast series showcases the four episodes supported by Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Panasonic. Listen to all of them at Olympics.com/podcast
Nelson 'Chris' Stokes was one of the original members of the 'Cool Runnings' Jamaica bobsleigh team who captured the world's imagination at Calgary 1988. Now, it's his mission to make his country genuine top 10 contenders in the world.
Paula Moltzan is a US skier who specialises in slalom. She learnt how to ski on the same slope as Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn. In 2015, Paula became the junior world champion but her lifelong dream of being a pro skier was put under threat when she was cut from the US team. She decided to go to college and continued racing. Eventually - her determination and skill earned her a place back on the team. At Beijing 2022, she became an Olympian.
We spoke to her during Beijing 2022 to talk about her friendship with Ryan Cochran-Siegle and his silver medal win, why Lindsey Vonn is an inspiration, and much more.
Gus Kenworthy is an Olympic silver medallist freeskier. After a long career, representing both USA and Great Britain, he has retired the from sport. We talk movies, being an Olympian, and more.
Elana Meyers Taylor's journey to Beijing 2022 was incredible. After taking a break from the sport to become a mother, she returned to take a silver and bronze Olympic bronze medal home to the USA from China. She continued to breastfeed her son Nico, battled against a positive COVID test on arrival to the Games, and aged 37 - remains one of the toughest competitors in the bobsleigh.
Speed skater Brittany Bowe of the USA made headlines across the world before the Olympics. An act of incredible sportsmanship saw her give up her place earned at U.S. trials to her friend Erin Jackson. She talks about her own Olympic bronze medal and why she claims no part in Jackson's gold.
Plus, we hear from Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron of France who won the Olympic gold medal in style in the ice dance ahead of the word championships in Montpellier from 23 March.
International Paralympics President Andrew Parsons sat down with us just before the closing ceremony at Beijing 2022. We speak about peace through sport, widening female participation, and more. Plus, Andrea Macri from Italy's para ice hockey team outlines why his goal for gold at Milano Cortina 2026 will be very difficult.
Oyuna Uranchimeg saw a quote on Facebook one day. 'You never know how strong you are until that's the only choice you have,' it said. Nothing sums up her feelings towards her life more than this.
Exactly 22 years ago, she was visiting the United States from Mongolia when she suffered a life changing car accident. She has spent the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Oyuna only took up wheelchair curling six years ago but she has excelled in the sport. So, aged 48, she goes to her first Paralympic Games with Team USA.
Oyuna speaks lucidly about her mental struggles with accepting her disability, how her children saved her life, and her surreal experience in becoming an athlete later in life.
Mike Schultz from the USA is a Paralympic gold medallist snowboarder. He was a professional snocross racer - where snowmobiles race in a motorcross style - but a bad accident saw him become an amputee and start a new life as an adaptive athlete. He applied his racing mind to maximising prosthetic equipment and he launched Biodapt. It's not uncommon for Mike to line up against a competitor with his equipment.
After the Olympics in 2018, both Jason Brown and Evgenia Medvedeva decided to move to Canada to train with legendary coaching team Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson. They made friends and, despite the pandemic, stayed in touch when life put them down different paths. They were reunited (briefly) at Beijing 2022 in person. But we decided to get them together for a catch up with journalist Katerina Kuznetsova.
A final bonus podcast from Beijing 2022. We catch up with five time Olympic champion biathlete Martin Fourcade of France about Paris 2024 plans. And we speak to Frida Hansdotter about her new position on the IOC Athletes' Commission.
It's the last day of competition at Beijing 2022 and the daily podcast from the Winter Olympics is all about figure skating. We hear from 2018 Olympic champion Alina Zagitova who is in China as a reporter. Plus, top U.S. finisher in the women's competition Alysa Liu. And also a wrap-up of all the figure skating action with our on the ground reporter Nick McCarvel.
It's a bumper daily podcast episode from the Winter Olympics in China today. Slovenian snowboarder Gloria Kotnik took an Olympic bronze medal in the parallel giant slalom. It was her best ever result in a career spanning 137 world cup races and three Olympic Games. After the last Olympics, she was burnout and in 2020 she took a career break to have a baby. Find out why it was the best decision she ever made.
The daily Olympic podcast from Beijing 2022 has the two impressive women heading up teams in the two-woman bobsleigh which starts today. Elana Meyers Taylor is four-time Olympic medallist for the USA who has found herself revitalised since becoming a mother - despite the big challenges she faces. Plus, Kaillie Humpries picked up her first Olympic gold medal since switch from Canada to the USA. We hear about her amazing victory in the monobob.
Blog: https://olympics.com/en/news/sport-blog-elana-meyers-taylor-bobsleigh-olympics
The daily podcast from the Winter Olympics in China today contains two incredible skiers. Eileen Gu of China is looking to pick up her third Olympic medal of the Games in the women's freeski half pipe. She explains how she has coped mentally with the pressure in the past. Plus, Slovenia's Ursa Bogataj picked up two Olympic gold medals in ski jumping putting her on a par with alpine skiing great Tina Maze. Find out the ups and downs of her career finally led to elation.
Two amazing alpine skiers join our daily podcast from the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Dave Ryding cemented his place in British sporting history with a first ever FIS World Cup event win for Great Britain earlier in the season. It means he's in contention for the podium today. Plus, Norway's Lucas Braathen explains why he's so interested in the Japanese practice of kintsugi.
The daily podcast from the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China today welcomes Norwegian freeskier Birk Ruud. He won Olympic gold in the men's big air and made an emotional dedication to his late father. Find out why his dad is still an inspiration to him. Plus, Austria's Anna Gasser won the inaugural women's big air snowboard competition in PyeongChang 2018. She's competing in the slopestyle today with a completely different mindset than the last Olympics. Full Anna Gasser chat: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-anna-gasser
There's love in the air from the official daily podcast at Beijing 2022. We celebrate Valentine's Day with the story of how Sofia Prosvirnova and Viktor Hald Thorup fell in love. Plus, Olympic champion Meryl Davis outlines her reasons why romance may well have evolved into something more sophisticated in figure skating's ice dance discipline.
The daily podcast from the Winter Olympic Games in China today has three of the best athletes from the United States. Kaillie Humphries shares the difficulties facing women competing in bobsleigh ahead of the monobob. Shaun White takes us through his emotional last day. And alpine skier Paula Moltzan explains why you should never give up on your passion.
The daily podcast from Beijing 2022 today showcases the USA's Olympic gold medal winning trio from the mixed team aerials. Ashley Caldwell, Chris Lillis, and Justin Schoenefeld live and train together. Find out just how these close bonds were formed through a love of sport. Plus, Three-time Olympic champion ski jumper Kamil Stoch of Poland gives his views on how to handle pressure.
Full Kamil Stoch episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-kamil-stoch-ski-jumping-champion-interview
Our daily podcast from the Winter Olympics in China today welcomes three-time Olympic champion Shaun White. The chances of him capturing a fourth Olympic title seem difficult. But we've seen him beat the odds before. He explains why he decided to give it one last shot. Plus, we hear from figure skating expert Jackie Wong following Nathan Chen's victory in the men's singles.
Two incredible athletes are featured on the daily podcast from Beijing 2022. Reigning Olympic champion in the women's halfpipe snowboard is Chloe Kim of the USA. She had a rough time after winning at PyeongChang 2018. But she's recovered to be one to watch today. Plus, Jaelin Kauf took a silver medal for Team USA in the women's moguls but she's also keen to convince people to go plastic free as much as they can. Listen now for some gentle encouragement...
The daily podcast contains two snowboarders today. Australia's Tess Coady took a bronze medal in slopestyle - four years after she tore her ACL in a practice session at PyeongChang 2018. And Jenise Spiteri slept in a van without a heater for two winters to make her half pipe Olympic dream come alive. Get ready to be inspired!
Our daily podcast from the Winter Olympics in Beijing continues with figure skating superstar Nathan Chen who talks about how he loses himself in music during competition. "[Music] helps me just stay grounded, stay here and into what I'm trying to attempt," he said. Plus, Jakara Anthony reflects on her AMAZING women's moguls win as Australia celebrate their best day ever so far at the Winter Olympics.
Full length Nathan Chen here: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-nathan-chen-beijing-2022
The daily podcast from the Winter Olympics in China is PACKED today. Short track speed skater Maame Biney of the USA shares some techniques for turning anxiety into joy. Plus, American team-mate Red Gerard talks about how he fell in love with contest snowboarding since becoming Olympic champion in slopestyle back at PyeongChang 2018.
Our daily Beijing 2022 podcast continues with the USA's Jamie Anderson who is a double Olympic champion snowboarder from the USA. Jamie shares some tactics for feeling good, why it's ok to find support sometimes, and her hopes for the Winter Olympics in China.
If you liked this - be sure to check out the full length episode.
Our daily podcast from the Winter Olympics in China features brothers Shaoang and Shaolin Liu. The pair became Olympic champions in the 5,000m relay at PyeongChang 2018. They are hoping to build on that success at Beijing 2022 as well as receive some support from the host country. Both brothers can speak fluent Mandarin due to living and training in China as youngsters. Also, find out every Olympic gold medal that can be won today!
The daily podcast this time features reigning world champion figure skater Anna Shcherbakova. At 17, could she quad jump her way to Olympic glory? The ROC medal hopeful talks about how she is friends with her competitors, her first Olympic memories, and more. This is the third of our daily podcasts for the Winter Olympic Games at Beijing 2022, published on Friday 4th February, the day of the Opening Ceremony, and start of the skating Team Event.
The daily podcast continues with a throwback to the interview with Canadian mogul skier Mikael Kingsbury who has recovered from a spinal injury and is looking to retain his Olympic title.
Team GB curler Bruce Mouat opens up about how coming out as gay eight years ago helped his confidence. Plus, we hear from Australian mixed doubles pair Tahili Gill and Dean Hewitt on the difficulties they've faced just making it to the Olympic rink. The first day of Olympic action is starting at Beijing 2022. The Olympic Channel Podcast is going daily for the duration. Let's go!!!
Olympic champion Mikael Kingsbury is widely regarded as the most accomplished mogul skier in history. The Canadian has perfected the balance between style and speed that has led to a decade of dominance. Ash Tulloch joined Mikael for a chat about his recovery from a fractured vertebra, being recognised in Quebec, and how he mastered mogul skiing ahead of the Winter Olympics in China.
Red Gerard blasted onto the snowboarding scene as 17-year-old at PyeongChang 2018 when he won gold in slopestyle. Four years later, he's matured into one of the leading names in the USA team. He spoke to Ashlee Tulloch about the incident with his missing jacket, maturing on the circuit, and snowboarding culture.
Maame Biney is a junior world champion short track speed skater from the USA. Back in 2017, Maame made history. She became the first Black woman to qualify for the U.S. Olympic speed skating team. Aged 18 - she went to PyeongChang 2018 also as the youngest member of the team ever. She was disappointed with the results but, four years later, she's ready for Beijing 2022.
Kamil Stoch is a three-time Olympic champion ski jumper from Poland. But he's not immune to feeling the pressure despite his incredible career. Ashlee Tulloch spoke to Kamil in November 2021 for a talk about why he cheers for Roger Federer and Liverpool football club, the valuable lessons contained in losing, and his dream dinner party.
Birgit Skarstein is a Paralympic champion in rowing. She is also planning to represent Norway at Beijing 2022 and compete in cross country skiing. Her positivity is infectious . She likes to laugh and live life to its absolute fullest. She joins the podcast to talk about her plans for the Olympics, the viral video clip of her performing on Norway's version of Dancing with Stars, and mindset.
Figure skating has never been so breath-taking. Rising star Anna Shcherbekova and double Olympic silver medallist Evgenia Medvedeva break down why this Olympic season is one of the best we've ever witnessed.
Jamie Anderson is a snowboarder from the USA who is a double Olympic champion. She has won the coveted slopestyle title twice. Heading into the season, nearly four years on, she remains one of the top performers . In 2020, she became the female with the most medals in the history of the X Games. Away from snowboarding, Jamie is into yoga and meditation as ways to switch off. Ash Tulloch joined Jamie for a chilled-out chat.
Evgenia Medvedeva is a two-time Olympic silver medallist figure skater. Recently - she's taken a step away from competition to concentrate on some incredible shows in Russia. She sat down with Katerina Kuznetsova at the Rostelecom Cup to talk about missing competition, her relationship with social media, and who she would invite to her dinner party.
Tom Daley, Max Whitlock, Aimee Fuller, and Chemmy Alcott reflect on 2021 and look forward to Beijing 2022 from the red carpet at the Team GB Ball 2021.
Anna Gasser is an Olympic champion snowboarder from Austria. She took up snowboarding aged 18 after training as a gymnast. Just a few years later - she was at the Olympics competing in slopestyle in 2014. She qualified in first place, but a fall saw her podium chances diminish. Four years later - she was one of the big favourites and managed to win an Olympic gold medal in big air at PyeongChang 2018. Now aged 30, she goes into the Olympic cycle as one of the most thoughtful, inspiring, and downright dazzling athletes in competition. Ash Tulloch spoke to her about mentality, her biggest fears, Simone Biles, and her dream dinner party.
GU Ailing Eileen is her official name on the Olympic start list for freestyle skiing. American-born but representing China - she is one to look out for ahead of the Winter Olympic Games. 2021 has been epic for her and included her becoming the first rookie to win three medals at X Games.
Away from the snow, the 18-year-old appeared on the cover of Vogue, went to the Met Gala, and got accepted to her dream college of Stanford. Ash Tulloch spoke to her about her incredible 2021 and looked forward to the new Olympic season.
Three-time Olympic medallist Elana Meyers has enjoyed a stellar career. After PyeongChang 2018, Elana considered leaving the sport. But since giving birth to her son Nico - she felt invigorated and wanted to continue as an athlete. Evelyn Watta spoke to Elana about finding balance, the new Olympic discipline of monobob, and her activism.
It's not often that you share an Olympic title win with your brother. Hungary's Shaolin and Shaoang Liu took gold in the men's 5,000m relay in short track speed skating back at PyeongChang 2018. Marina Dmukhovskaya spoke to them about Beijing 2022, their hopes of finding some local Chinese support at the Olympics, and Shaolin's infamous eyebrow / wink camera trick.
Interview: https://olympics.com/en/news/short-track-stars-shaolin-and-shaoang-liu-interview
Top five things to know: https://olympics.com/en/news/olympic-short-track-speed-skating-at-beijing-2022-top-five-things-to-know
With 100 days to go until the Winter Olympic Games officially start in Beijing, China, snowboarding legend Shaun White talks about his decision to attempt to make a fifth Olympic Games. The three-time Olympian spoke about spending time with his new girlfriend: Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev. Plus, the 35-year-old talks about how he plans to take care of his body during the unforgiving U.S. Olympic qualification process.
Figure skating superstar Nathan Chen of the USA has won the world title three times, picked up a team Olympic bronze medal, and took home the Grand Prix Final title three times. He somehow manages to find time to train on the ice, skateboard and play a little bit of guitar. For the moment, he is truly focused on Beijing 2022 and the start of the Olympic season. Nathan joined Nick McCarvel to play a few tunes on his guitar and have a chat.
Simone Biles' decision to prioritise her own mental health was one of the biggest talking points of the Olympic Games in Japan. She joined Scott Bregman to talk about mental health and what to expect from her tour. Plus, we read her some 'sweet tweets'.
Video: Simone Biles for World Mental Health Day
Article: Simone Biles on sparking mental health conversation: "We're going through it together."
Article: Simone Biles delivers powerful message in Gold Over America Tour
The man who caused one of the biggest Olympic upsets of all-time: Chad Le Clos. The South African looks back on his famous victory in the 200m butterfly against swimming legend Michael Phelps at London 2012. Chad is joined by team-mate Calvyn Justus and sports broadcaster Cindy Poluta. Plus, a little a cameo from Chad's dad Bert. This is the final episode of three 'Time Machine' pods hosted by Nick McCarvel.
As the gymnastics season ends, we take another trip in our 'Time Machine' to relive Olympic champion gymnast Nastia Liukin's famous victory from Beijing 2008. The American is joined by double world medallist Ellie Downie of Great Britain, and gymnastics expert Scott Bregman. This is the second of three 'Time Machine' episodes hosted by Nick McCarvel.
As the figure skating season begins, we take a trip in the 'Time Machine' to remember U.S. figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi's incredible win from the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville. Kristi is also joined by Olympic bronze medallist Adam Rippon and Olympic champion Meryl Davis. This is the first of three 'Time Machine' episodes hosted by Nick McCarvel.
Allyson Felix won her 10th and 11th Olympic medals at Tokyo 2020 making her the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete of all-time. The 400m bronze plus the victory in the 400 x 400m relay come after a challenging period for Felix. A life-threatening birth experience plus problems with sponsors made her success taste all the sweeter. We catch up with this living legend to talk legacy and future plans.
The Paralympic Games have ended and one of the star performers was road cyclist Oksana Masters who won two titles for the USA. She reveals just how hard it was to even be on the start line after undergoing surgery with exactly 100 days to go to the Games. Plus, she gives some mental health tips and gives context to her incredible Players' Tribune video about the physical and mental abuse she endured as an orphan from Ukraine.
Players' Tribune piece: https://projects.theplayerstribune.com/oksana-masters-the-hard-part-out-loud
Two incredible guests from Team USA. Wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden went into Tokyo 2020 as the proud owner of 17 Paralympic medals including seven gold medals. She beat the odds to make the start line here in Japan after surviving some life-threatening blood clots in 2017.
Plus, Haven Shepherd was born in Vietnam. Her parents took their own lives by strapping bombs in a family suicide attempt. Haven somehow survived was adopted by a US family and started to smile for the first time in an American swimming pool . She's now a Paralympic swimmer for the USA.
We hear both life stories in full...
Italian wheelchair fencer Bebe Vio screamed with emotion when she won her Paralympic title back at Rio 2016. She recalls that iconic moment. Away from sport, Bebe is a world famous model who has graced the cover of Vanity Fair and other international magazines. She talks about her life after he huge win, her goals for the Paralympics, and her future plans.
Elliott Stewart episode: https://olympics.com/en/original-series/episode/podcast-elliot-stewart-judo-paralympics
Lauren Steadman took a silver medal home from the Paralympics at Rio 2016. A less nervous and more mentally resilient athlete five years later, the British para-triathlete opens up about her big swimming mistake, learning from her starring roles on massive UK TV shows, and resetting when things go wrong.
Full Melissa Stockwell Podcast episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-melissa-stockwell
Olympic silver medallist Grant Holloway joins the Olympic Channel Podcast to reflect on becoming an Olympian for the first time and how he's picked up golf.
The USWNT came away with an Olympic bronze medal from the women's football at Tokyo 2020. Megan Rapinoe reflects on the ups and down of the tournament. Plus, reigning men's marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge, sent an inspiring message ahead of the big final race.
High jumper Mutaz Barshim of Qatar takes us through his incredible Olympic moment where he shared the gold medal with Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi. Plus, Olympic gold medallist Chris Bosh reveals his Olympic experience ahead of the men's basketball final between France and USA.
Chris Bosh - full episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/chris-bosh-redeem-team
Nine-time Olympic medallist Allyson Felix runs in the 400m final. But just making it to start line has been an ordeal for U.S. sprinter - she exaplains how she's coped. Plus, the Dina and Arina Averina are in action in the rhythmic gymnastics. Rio 2016 all-around gold medallist Rita Mamun explains why these two are so special.
No time for slacking! We have world record breaking Grant Holloway of USA give his motivations ahead of his 110m hurdles final. Plus, some inspirational words to get you fired up from Sakura Kokumai. And how many calories does an Olympic champion shot putter have to eat? Ryan Crouser has the answer.
Full episode Grant Holloway: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-grant-holloway-world-champion-record-holder-positive-thinker
Full episode Sakura Kokumai: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-sakura-kokumai-olympics-coronavirus
Full episode Ryan Crouser; https://olympicchannel.com/en/podcast/detail/podcast-ryan-crouser/
Lizzie Armanto represents Finland in skateboarding. She is one of the best ever and the only female skater to conquer Tony Hawk's infamous 360 loop. She speaks highly of fellow competitor Sky Brown (who we also hear from in the podcast!) Plus, Emma Coburn of the USA is in the 3,000m steeplechase final. She talks about what can be learnt from athletics in terms of gender parity.
Full Lizzie episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-lizzie-armanto-tony-hawk-skateboarding
Full Emma episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-emma-coburn
Full Sky Brown episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-sky-brown-great-britain-gb-skateboarder
The Free Solo star and climbing legend Alex Honnold gives an in-depth rundown of what to expect from climbing as it appears at the Olympic Games for the first time at Tokyo 2020.
2019 episode with Alex: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-alex-honnold-free-solo-climbing-olympics
Shaunae Miller-Uibo's iconic dive / fall made her an Olympic champion at Rio 2016. She explains the fall plus the reasons why she's switched focus to the 200m. Also, the wrestling is underway - we hear from Team USA medal hope David Taylor.
Full episode from Shaunae Miller-Uibo: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-shaunae-miller-uibo-and-maicel-uibo
USA weightlifter Katherine Nye is a world champion. But her successful 2019 coincided with a diagnosis with Bipolar II Disorder and mild ADHD. She speaks lucidly about her mental health journey ahead of the 76 kg competition. And 100m sprinter Trayvon Bromell is aiming to be the fastest man in the world. He opens up about his inspirations - including a talk with the 'hip hop preacher' Eric Thomas.
Katherine Nye - full episode: https://olympics.com/en/video/podcast-katherine-nye-on-mental-health-medals-weightlifting
Trayvon Bromell - full episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-trayvon-bromell-100m-tokyo-2020
Mondo Duplantis represents Sweden and has pushed the boundaries of the pole vault event. He goes into the Olympics as the world record holder. Mondo joined the podcast to talk about nutrition, his baseball obsession, and his backyard training situation. Plus, the women's 400m hurdles promises to be one of the marquee events of the whole Games. We hear from the top two contenders: Dalilah Muhammad and Sydney McLaughlin.
Full episode with Dalilah: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-dalilah-muhammad-talks-400m-hurdles-world-record-doubt-and-kobe-bryant
Full episode with Sydney: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-sydney-mclaughlin-mindset-olympics-and-the-400m-hurdles
The track and field stars are aligned and ready for Tokyo 2020. We have exclusive chats with double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, world champion Dina Asher-Smith, and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei. The athletics starts today and we have a lot more coming up so subscribe and tell your friends.
Dina Asher-Smith full episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-dina-asher-smith-the-world-champion-team-gb-sprinter
Joshua Cheptegei full episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-joshua-cheptegei
We hear from Simone Biles who spoke with stunning honesty at a news conference following her withdrawal from the team event. Since then, she announced that she isn't going defend her all-around Olympic title. Reporter and gymnastics expert Scott Bregman gives us his analysis and reaction from Tokyo. Plus, super heavyweight boxer Frazer Clarke of Great Britain talks about surviving a knife attack in 2016.
Full Frazer Clarke podcast: https://apps.olympicchannel.com/en/podcast/detail/podcast-champion-boxer-frazer-clarke/
Nigeria men's basketball coach Mike Brown describes how activist Nelson Mandela has inspired his team and GB boxer Lauren Price shares how her fancy footwork is aided by her footballing past. Plus, Australian surfer, and Olympic bronze medallist, Owen Wright describes his road back from a traumatic brain injury.
Full Owen Wright episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-surfer-owen-wright-traumatic-brain-injury
USA swimmer Lilly King gives some tips on how to be super confident. USA's triathletes have a VERY early alarm call but that's not all Taylor Knibb and Summer Rappaport are worried about. Plus, Malaysian diver Pandelela was thrown into the deep end on her first diving lesson - literally!
Lilly King full episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-lilly-king
Pandelela full episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-pandelela-malaysia-diver
Diving superstar Tom Daley of Great Britain is aiming to bring down an Olympic gold medal for Britain with partner Matty Lee in the 10m synchro today. Daley is a two-time Olympic medallist and seems more relaxed than ever. Could this be his year? Olympic champion gymnast Laurie Hernandez gives us some insider tips on watching gymnastics. Plus, Somalian boxer Ramla Ali speaks about her aims to inspire African women to take up sport.
Tom Daley - full episode: https://olympics.com/en/video/podcast-tom-daley-and-the-gb-diving-team
Ramla Ali - full episode: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-ramla-ali
Number one ranked street skater in the world, Nyjah Huston of the USA, joins the Olympic Channel Podcast as skateboarding becomes an Olympic sport for the first time. Nyjah gives his assessment Olympic skateboarding. Plus, Felipe Gustavo of Brazil never gave up on his skateboarding dream. His dad sold his car to fund Felipe's first USA contest trip. He gives us the story in full. We also have a brief word from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk.
Nyjah episode in full: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/nyjah-huston-skateboarding-usa-tony-hawk-interview-podcast
Felipe Gustavo episode in full: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-felipe-gustavo-brazilian-skateboarding-dad-olympics
When it comes to successful sporting mindset, few people speak better than French judoka Clarisse Clarisse Agbegnenou and British swimmer Adam Peaty. Clarisse is an Olympic silver medalist who is using her past disappointments to fuel her desire in Japan. Adam goes into the Games as a world record holder and defending Olympic champion. But he has the self-awareness to realise that there's more to sport than winning.
The Opening Ceremony is today! We have two of the biggest stars in the Olympic world to kickstart our countdown to the big show. We look back at Rio 2016 with four-time Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles. And sprint legend Usain Bolt opens up about his career, advice for athletes on the way up, and who to look out for in the men's 100m.
The full lowdown on what to watch from Olympic champion gymnast Laurie Hernandez. After missing out on the U.S. trials due to injury, Laurie has managed to secure a spot in Tokyo as a commentator for NBC. She shares her insights on the USA gymnastics team, Simone Biles, her amateur karate past, and her somewhat inconsistent culinary skills. Warning: this podcast contains a lot of laughter.
Link to Joe Fraser Podcast: https://olympics.com/en/podcast/podcast-joe-fraser-gymnastics-world-champion-emotions-believing-interview
It's the first day of action at Tokyo 2020. We have a daily podcast of the best interviews, the most interesting news, and the most fun from the Olympics. The women's football kicks off with Team GB taking on Chile. We speak to Chelsea and Team GB defender Millie Bright about mental health and becoming and Olympian. Plus, what's it like to give out Olympic gold medals? Four-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero has received and given out medals. We get her perspective on that honour and her reasons why women's sport is unmissable. Let's go!!! #StrongerTogether
USA's Katherine Nye is a world champion weightlifter heading to the Olympics aged 22. In 2019, during one of her most successful year as an athlete, she was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder and mild ADHD. Nye talks about why it's so important to her to speak publicly about her mental health, her hopes for Tokyo 2020, and why looking strong is different to being strong.
British gymnast Joe Fraser became world champion in the parallel bars in 2019. From a little boy watching London 2012 with the Olympic Rings shaved into his hair, he goes into Tokyo 2020 as one of Team GB's medal hopes. Joe talks about letting out emotions, how he copes with setbacks in the gym, and his hopes for Tokyo 2020.
The LGBTQ+ community officially welcomed three Olympic figure skaters when they came out on June 11 2021: Jason Brown, Kaitlyn Weaver, and Paul Poirier. Nick McCarvel joined the three skaters to talk about why they chose this moment to share, why it's more important than ever to do so, and both the support and challenge figure skating offers in this space.
Benjamin Azamati set a new national record of 9.97s in his first race of the 2021 season to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. To celebrate Olympic Day, we talk to Benjamin about his career, becoming NCAA division two champion, and his heroes in sport.
Sydney McLaughlin trains with six-time Olympic champion sprinter Allyson Felix. The 400m hurdler is one of the big medal hopes for Team USA at Tokyo 2020, Ahead of the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials, we caught up with Sydney about her mindset, Olympic memories, and much more.
Tom Daley is heading to his fourth Olympic Games as a diver for Team GB. He took Olympic bronze medals home from both London 2012 and Rio 2016. We joined Tom and diving team mates Matty Lee and Grace Reid for a quick chat.
Skateboarder Sky Brown will represent Team GB at the Olympics in Tokyo and is set to become Britain's youngest ever summer Olympian. Despite her age, she's a genuine medal contender. She joins the Olympic Channel Podcast for a tour of the Olympic Museum in Switzerland.
Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu shocked the world when she beat four-time Olympic champion Serena Williams in the final of the 2019 US Open. Now, she's firmly established herself as one of the world's most exciting tennis players. She's visualised becoming Olympic champion so we caught up with her ahead of a hectic summer of the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Olympic Games.
Dalilah Muhammadof the USA is the reigning Olympic and world champion in the 400m hurdles. She opens up about the doubts she felt as a young runner, the inspiration she takes from late basketball star Kobe Bryant, and her targets for the Olympic year.
The Olympic 100m final is one of the most iconic events on the entire planet. Trayvon Bromell set an early world leading time of 9.88 in May 2021. His whole life he has beaten the odds to become one of the favourites for Olympic glory in Tokyo.
Canadian footballer Jordyn Huitema is gearing up for one of the biggest summers of her life so far. The 20-year-old's club, Paris Saint-Germain, are flying both domestically and in Europe. Plus, Canada want to improve on their Rio 2016 podium place by taking home a gold medal in the women's football tournament. She talks about being authentic online, playing checkers with boyfriend Alphonso Davies, and much more.
Australia's Cate Campbell is a swimming legend with two gold medals from three trips to the Olympic Games. But she wants to win the 100m freestyle Olympic title. We caught up with Campbell to talk Tokyo 2020, her new pandemic hobbies, and how she's bounced back from disappointment.
USA's Nyjah Huston is one of the greatest skateboarders of his generation. His goal to become the very first male street skateboarding Olympic champion. We spoke to Nyjah about his perfect skate crew, his Olympic dream, and dealing with pressure. Plus, how it feels to play as himself in the Tony Hawk video game.
Legendary skateboarder Felipe Gustavo joined the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk about his career, how his dad sold his car to fund his first big contest entry, and why staying humble is so important.
To celebrate the release of Olympic Channel's latest edition to the acclaimed Five Rings Films series 'Rulon', Olympic gold medallist wrestler Rulon Gardner sat down with the Olympic Channel Podcast to catch up. He talks about his epic (and unexpected win) at the 2000 Olympic Games, how to build the mentality of an Olympic wrestler, and much more about his incredible life. You can watch the full documentary for free right now at www.OlympicChannel.com
USA hurdler Grant Holloway is setting himself up for a memorable 2021. He has already broken the indoor world record in the 60m and is promising to be one of the biggest gold medal hopes for the US track and field team. he talks about his mentality, tips for visualisation, and his top three favourite music artists.
Illness and injuries have meant double Olympic silver medallist Evgenia Medvedeva has struggled to recapture her top fitness and form. It meant she's didn't qualify for this year's world championships in Stockholm. Ahead of that competition starting, we talk to one of the world's most popular figure skaters about her difficult year and her future plans.
Ryan Crouser is the reigning Olympic champion in the shot put. He joined the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk about setting a new indoor world record, his diet, and growing up in Oregon, USA.
Christiane Endler is a goalkeeper who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and captains her national team of Chile. During the 2019 World Cup legendary U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo called her best female goalie in the world. Chile are on the verge of qualification for the Olympic Games for the first time. Before that difficult, and long-delayed Olympic play-off against Cameroon, Endler spoke to David Childs about her Olympic memories, her season with PSG, and her thoughts on International Women's Day.
Kayla Imrie competes in the canoe sprint for New Zealand. Ashlee caught up with the three-time world championship medallist to chat about how her condition, menorrhagia, affects her competitive life as an elite athlete.
Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo and her husband Maicel are an athletics power couple. They shared a special moment at the World Athletics Championships in 2019 when they both received silver medals for their performances in the 400m and decathlon, respectively. Shaunae reveals why her focus is shifting to the 200m, who is fastest sprinter in the family, and how her long-held ambition to try heptathlon may become a reality soon.
Skateboarder Candy Jacobs is one of the most exciting street skaters on the contest scene. She's set to represent the Netherlands at Tokyo 2020. Find out how a DM from skating legend Tony Hawk changed her life and more.
The U.S. skier Breezy Johnson is one of the most resilient athletes in international competition. The injuries she has suffered have been severe and career threatening. A fractured leg and several knee ligament issues may have ended her career. Instead, she kept going. Breezy is in the form of her life with four world cup podium finishes in downhill ahead of the world championships in the legendary Italian resort of Cortina. She talks cliff jumping, facing your fear, and why being brave is just a state of mind.
Olympic bronze medallist Bradie Tennell became the U.S. national champion for the second time in 2021. With a year to go until Beijing 2022, Tennell recounts how much she has grown since her lastWinter Olympic experienceat PyeongChang 2018, why new coach Tom Zakrajsek has been so important to her new success, and why a break from figure skating was exactly what she needed. Plus, the Americanbuilds the 'perfect figure skater' and gets excited for the upcoming showdown between Hanyu Yuzuru and Nathan Chen at the 2021 ISU World Figure Skating Championships.
World champion 1,500m runner and Olympic bronze medallist Jenny Simpson is looking to make her fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo. She gives some tips for those who have just started running, the highlights from an incredible career, and her excitement for Olympic competition in 2021.
Alexi Pappas an award-winning filmmaker and author who also is aiming to run the marathon at Tokyo 2020 for Greece.
Since becoming the Olympian and breaking the Greek national record in the 10,000m at Rio 2016, she became clinically depressed.
She speak to the Olympic Channel Podcast about what worked for her mental health, an idea for how to improve marathon events, and why it's never too late to find a mentor.
It was a whirlwind 2020 for Sara Hall. She didn’t meet her number one goal: qualify for the Olympic Games in the marathon for the USA. The setback set off a series of events – She became runner up at the London Marathon and then clocking the second fastest female marathon time for an American ever. Sara talks honestly about the problems she faced and how she managed to keep a smile throughout the ups and downs.
The first podcast of our Olympic year is with Emma Coburn - a world champion steeplechaser from the United States. She is an Olympic bronze medallist and an eight-time U.S national champion. Emma speaks about a range of subjects including her new project with Christian Taylor called the Athletics Association, her specific goals for 2021, and why loves the crowd in London.
British snowboarding star Billy Morgan recovered from a career-threatening knee injury to triumph in the Big Air competition in PyeongChang 2018. He came away with an Olympic bronze medal. He talks to the podcast about how to stay calm under pressure, the importance of friends, and why you should be out in a garden.
Chris Bosh won it all during an illustrious basketball career - including an Olympic gold medal and two NBA titles. In an honest and open chat, Chris talks about how to have fun at an elite level, tips on staying grateful, and how supporting can sometimes be more challenging than leading.
"We have to sacrifice to be a part of a team. I don't care what team you're on."
Elena Hight is a two-time Olympian who never fulfilled her dream of making it onto a half-pipe podium at the Olympic Games. She joined the podcast to talk about her new film called Blank Canvas that focuses on the fresh challenge that's ignited her passion to achieve great things: backcountry snowboarding.
French choreographer Benoit Richaud works with some of the best figure skaters in the world to shape their ideas into medal winning performances.
Olympic bronze medallist Daisuke Takahashi, 2019 Grand Prix Final winner Rika Kihira, and U.S. national champion Bradie Tennell are just three of many skaters who have benefitted from his advice.
He outlines his life and philosophy in an in-depth interview about artistry, music, why you should listen to your feelings, Beijing 2022, and how he's adapted to 2020's challenges.
Elite athletes in biathlon are amongst the most physically fit people in the entire world. They must combine this with an extreme calm when shooting to reach the top of the podium. Three-time world champion and two-time Olympic medallist Dorothea Wierer has dominated the sport in 2020. She joined the podcast to talk about why she avoids being 'fake' online, the glory of becoming world champion, and her struggles at PyeongChang 2018.
Olympic champion and two-time World Cup winner Kelley O'Hara uses her Olympic memories as a launch pad to talk about the winning mentality in the United States Women's National Team. She believes elite mindset can be learned, and a good team spirit doesn't just happen without work. Plus, she sums up some of her teammates in one word.
It's been a long and torturous time on the sidelines for Clarisse Agbegnenou. The Olympic silver medallist and four-time world champion is back in action at the European Championships this week. She sat down with the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk horoscopes, her dramatic start to life, and the difference between confidence and ambition.
Article about the 2020 European Judo Championships.
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Father of three, Andy Wright, stepped away from tennis for six years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
A chance meeting with Tristan Hessing led to a community tennis project. Now, Andy is back playing.
We talk friendship, kindness, and how playing sport can have unexpected consequences.
“[You have to] find a way to manage and cope and move forward.
“I hope that's what I've done. I hope I can do it again.”
Find more episodes and ways to subscribe at OlympicChannel.com/Podcast
Fencer Monica Aksamit grew up in New Jersey in the USA. Against the odds, she took an Olympic bronze medal home from Rio 2016. She's crowdfunded plane tickets, competed with a fractured back, adopted stray dogs in Peru, and has her eyes focused on success at Tokyo 2020.
Her fast-talking personality recounts a life story filled with laughter, dedication, and kindness.
"Stubborn is a quality most people don't really want. But I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my stubbornness.... I definitely don't give up."
Head to OlympicChannel.com/Podcast for more.
She landed a backflip at the Olympics in 1998 to cap a memorable career. French figure skating legend Surya Bonaly wants to be remembered as a pioneer - not as a rebel. She talks about her refusal to go on the podium in 1994 World Championships, discrimination as a black skater, and why she never gave up.
"It is important to follow what you think is good for you... even if it's hard."
Subscribe at OlympicChannel.com/Podcast
We spoke to 2020 U.S. National silver medallist Mariah Bell, Olympic medallist Adam Rippon, Olympic champion Meryl Davis, and figure skating expert Jackie Wong to find their views on a question that has dominated the sport for decades.
Londoner Anita Asante has travelled the world as a professional football player. She's a Champions League winner who has picked up trophies in England, Sweden, and the USA - even meeting Barack Obama. The 2012 Olympian is an engaged supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and is currently playing for Aston Villa in the WSL.
She spoke about her all-conquering Arsenal side, the recent incident with San Diego Loyal coach Landon Donovan, and more.
If you like this week then try our other episode with Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger
For most inspirational stories from the Olympics, head to the OlympicChannel.com/Podcast
Olympian and life coach Michelle Griffith-Robinson has made her life full of positivity. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, she shared some practical and easily implementable tips for self-improvement.
Double Olympic champion, former marathon world record holder, and athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie gives his assessment of the highly anticipated face-off between Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele at the 2020 London Marathon.
Plus, he talks about his famous win at Sydney 2000 against his rival (and friend) Paul Tergat and his thoughts on new 5,000m world record holder Joshua Cheptegei.
For more interviews head to OlympicChannel.com/Podcast
South Africa's Bianca Buitendag qualified for the Olympics as surfing makes its first appearance at the Games at Tokyo 2020. Bianca talks about the 'terrifying' world of professional surfing, coming back from family tragedy, and surfing in Japan.
Head to olympicchannel.com/podcast for more than 100 episode featuring surfers like Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, and Owen Wright.
Mind games are everywhere in sport but swimming offers the chance for reflection like no other sport. Hours spent in the pool every day led to double Lilly King honing some winning mental techniques.
"I like to win the race before it starts."
Find out the story behind the world records, the Yulia Efimova finger wag, and more.
He's never content with his achievements. So even after setting a new world record in the 5,000m, Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei is looking for the next challenge. He speaks about uploading his runs to Strava, how he struggled for motivation during the pandemic, and why Olympic gold is his number one dream. Plus, tells us why his idol is Olympic champion marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.
Head to olympicchannel.com/podcast for more.
Melissa Stockwell became the first US female soldier to lose a limb in the Iraq War in 2004. In 2016, she realised a dream by standing on the podium in Rio to receive a Paralympic bronze medal in triathlon.
"I look back at the last 16 years after losing my leg, and I have done more with my life with one leg than I ever would have done with two."
She opens up about her epic sporting career, emotional heartaches, and shares some mental techniques for coping with difficult situations.
For more episodes - head to OlympicChannel.com/Podcast
Four-time Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles joined the Olympic Channel to talk about her COVID-19 challenges, receiving a call from Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and what she has been working on since her return to the gym.
The interview was part of our one year to go celebrations. For more interview with Simone and over 100 more amazing Olympians - head to olympicchannel.com/podcast
The list of challenges that taekwondo Team GB star Lutalo Muhammad has faced is long: selection controversy, hate mail, a last gasp defeat at Rio 2016 and changing weight divisions.
Lutalo gave some lucid advice in how to take responsibility in order to be a top achiever.
This episode is the final in a special series with Olympic champion decathlete Daley Thompson as co-host. To celebrate 40 years since Daley won his first Olympic title in Moscow, we've chosen one athlete from each decade - the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010 - to see how they chase their dream, no matter what.
The Olympic Channel Podcast is brought to you by Bridgestone - Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partner.
Head to olympicchannel.com/podcast for more information.
Britain's most decorated female Olympian, Katherine Grainger, chats to Bridgestone ambassador Daley Thompson about her rowing career, why she never uses the word 'sacrifice' and how she chases her dream, no matter what.
Daley is joining the podcast as co-host for special series of four episodes. One athlete from each decade, the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010s.
The Olympic Channel Podcast is brought to you by Bridgestone - Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partner.
Head to olympicchannel.com/podcast for more information.
Olympic champion heptathlete Denise Lewis is joined by Bridgestone ambassador, and friend, Daley Thompson for an in depth chat.
Daley is joining the podcast as co-host for a special series of four episodes. One athlete from each decade, the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010s.
Denise talks about her battle against serious injury to win gold in 2000, her mental struggles with the British media before 2004, and how she chases her dreams, no matter what.
The Olympic Channel Podcast is brought to you by Bridgestone - Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partner.
Head to olympicchannel.com/podcast for more information.
He inspired generations of athletes from across the world. Double Olympic champion Daley Thompson joined us to celebrate 40 years since the Brit won his first Olympic gold medal in decathlon at Moscow 1980.
The Bridgestone ambassador takes a look back on his glittering career, explains how to become resilient, and why he never stretches.
Daley is joining the podcast for special series of four episodes. One athlete from each decade, the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010s, will give their insights on how they chased their dreams, no matter what.
The Olympic Channel Podcast is brought to you by Bridgestone - Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partner.
Head to olympicchannel.com/podcast for more information.
Rugby 7s player Carlin Isles is so fast that he wants a place on the USA track team. Isles gives insight into his 'warrior mindset' and how the USA rugby bankrupcy is affecting the team. Plus, we ask him how he balances all his training for his huge goals.
Artists have been drawn to sport as inspiration for generations. The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to South African-based artist Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi about how sport and art intertact, Simone Biles, Serena Williams, and racism.
"These public figures who are under scrutiny and they are excellent... can we also allow them vulnerability? Can we allow them rest? Can we allow them to be human?"
For more episodes - head to OlympicChannel.com/podcast
Russia's Svetlana Romashina has dominated her sport for over a decade. After Rio 2016, she gave birth to a daughter and is aiming to make a comeback to win more Olympic titles at Tokyo 2020. The five-time Olympic champion talks mentality, winning, and her favourite figure skaters.
Find more episode at www.olympicchannel.com/podcast
After the spread of COVID-19, Olympic champion and Virtual Tour of Flanders winner Greg Van Avermaet thinks top-level indoor cycling is here to stay. As elite sport returns, we ask how the coronavirus pandemic has changed competition. We speak to two-time Olympian Ashleigh Moolman Pasio about the unexpected benefits to women's cycling. Plus, tech guru Wim Sweldensgives his reasons why the indoors will never replace the outdoors.
Skater Lizzie Armanto is the first woman to complete Tony Hawk's incredible 360 loop. She joins the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk Finland, skateboarding, and Sky Brown. Plus, we have the best bits from our Olympic Day workouts. Go to OlympicChannel.com/Podcast for more episodes and to subscribe.
Coronavirus has meant families have spent months apart. These three IOC Refugee Athlete Scholarship-Holders have spent years without seeing their loved ones
To celebrate World Refugee Day, Tokyo 2020 hopefuls Yonas Kinde, Abdullah Sediqui, and 'Taking Refuge' athlete Khaoula share their reasons why sport has helped them through the tough times.
Head to OlympicChannel.com/Podcast for more episodes
Gymnastics coach and French Olympian Cecile Landi works with four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles at her gym in Houston, Texas. She spoke about the Tokyo 2020 postponement, why she's prouder of her coaching career than her athletic career, and the all-around strength of Biles.
The 2019 freestyle wrestling world champion is partially deaf and suffered from depression but has found a way to thrive. Speaking before the protests in the USA, J'den talks candidly about Tokyo 2020 postponement, mental health, and his rivalry with team-mate Kyle Snyder.
For more go to olympicchannel.com/podcast
Pride month is usually a time for parades and parties. But COVID-19 means most events are postponed or cancelled. To help sooth the sadness, we have found some of the most inspiring stories across the Olympic world to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. Featuring Adam Rippon, Amber Glenn, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, and Keala Kennelly.
For more amazing interviews head to olympicchannel.com/podcast
British triathlete and double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee is usually very busy. With all competition paused, he found time to join the podcast for a look back on an incredible career and his epic moment of brotherly love. Plus, how to make the perfect cup of tea.
For more episodes go to olympicchannel.com/podcast
Athletes and coaches have spoken to us from isolation about their inspiring stories and techniques for staying calm. We speak to runner Derek Redmond, figure skater Mirai Nagasu, gymnast Laurie Hernandez, coaches Brian Orser and Jerzy Gregorek.
For more information and episodes go to olympicchannel.com/podcast
Claressa is an undefeated professional boxer and two-time Olympic champion. Her life story is being made into a Hollywood movie. It's no surprise.
Her early life in Flint, Michigan, was not easy: a speech impediment, sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Just a few years after taking up boxing, Claressa became Olympic champion for the first time aged just 17.
After her second Olympic title, she turned pro and remains unbeaten after 10 fights. She is, simply, one of the greatest boxers of her generation.
"I look like I haven't been through anything when I've endured a lot."
For more information head to www.olympicchannel.com/podcast
Imagine not spending one birthday with your family for over a decade. This was the price of success for Malaysian diver Pandelela Rinong Pamg. Her life on the road has left her lonely. The two-time Olympic medallist has been on coronavirus lockdown with her brother - catching up on some overdue family time.
For more episodes, videos, and more: https://www.olympicchannel.com/podcast/
The world record at the 2020 London Marathon looked to be under threat. But the world will have to wait for another attempt after the coronavirus pandemic meant a postponement of the race until October 4. The Olympic Channel Podcast caught up with Kipchoge and his rival Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia to talk future plans and world record attempts.
More info at: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/olympic-channel-podcast/
The Ireland Rugby 7s team have a celebrity in their ranks. Greg O'Shea won top UK reality TV show 'Love Island'. But rather than cash in on his new celebrity status, Greg has stuck with his Olympic dream. He wants his country to qualify for the Olympics in Rugby 7s for the first time.
Find out more here: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/olympic-channel-podcast/
Paralympic sprinter Scout Bassett was nearly eight years old when she left the Chinese orphange she called home. She moved to a small town in Michigan where she was the only person in the country with a disability. The American has beaten the odds to become a successful athlete. But she's clear: this is no Cinderella story. Speaking from her apartment during the coronavirus lockdown, Scout gives us some tips on how to face adversity.
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The sporting world is on pause due to the coronavirus. Like with most other sports, there are no surfing events at the moment. But Stephanie Gilmore spoke to us before the COVID-19 situation became so serious. In a wide-ranging interview, she talks about fighting for gender equality, how she stays smiling, and how she recovered from a physical attack in her home in 2010.
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The coronavirus pandemic has changed the plans of the globe. Massive parts of the population have been advised to stay at home. The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to karate athlete Sakura Kokumai of the USA. Like countless other athletes across the planet, she's training from home now. Sakura talks about losing her sensei to pancreatic cancer and gives an amazing monologue about why you should never give up.
"I know that once things clear up, opportunities will show. That's one thing I really, truly believe in."
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British boxing star Nicola Adams won everything there was in the sport: double Olympic champion, world champion, and undefeated as a professional. She retired from boxing but has retained her winning smile. We remember the epic London 2012 final with a blow-by-blow account. Plus, the Olympic Channel Podcast challenges Nicola to gargle her favourite songs.
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Olympic medallists Evgenia Medvedeva, Adam Rippon, Javier Fernandez, and Meryl Davis gave their advice on dealing with the drama of competition in figure skating. The Olympic Channel Podcast wanted to know how they retained their focus to win their Olympic medals.
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U.S. gymnasts Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez were part of the all-conquering 'Final Five' at Rio 2016. We have exclusive interviews with both ahead of their big Olympic year. Biles talk about her 2020 goals, the double double into the sea, and not remembering records. Laurie has been away from gymnastics for two years but is hoping to make the Olympic team.
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South African athlete Luvo Manyonga specialises in long jump. He's an Olympic silver medallist and a world champion. But an addiction to methamphetamine meant his life on and off the field came close to irreversible ruin.
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The Ukrainian boxing legend joined the Olympic Channel ahead of the Tokyo 2020 qualification tournaments to talk about his memories from Atlanta 1996, Muhammad Ali and Anthony Joshua.
Dina Asher-Smith is often pictured with a huge smile. The British runner had plenty to smile about in 2019. A fantastic season was capped by becoming a world champion in the 200m in Doha. Dina spoke to the Olympic Channel Podcast about Tokyo 2020, the new plans for the Diamond League, and jazz singer Billie Holiday.
The most powerful man in world football, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, joined the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk video assisted referees (VAR), how the women's game could be developed, and his plans for the Olympics in Japan. Plus, a random last question about golf.
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The crowd went wild for Mariah Bell at the 2020 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships. Her routine had the audience on their feet and Mariah with tears of joy. Coach and mentor Adam Rippon joined her on the Olympic Channel Podcast to dissect how the 23-year-old has gone from second alternate for PyeongChang 2018 to top U.S. pick for the world championships.
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The next Winter Olympic Games will be in China. We take a look at some of the athletes, like freeskier Gu Ailing Eileen, who will light up the competition for the host country. Plus, we explore how preparations are taking shape.
Swiss ice hockey goaltender Florence Schelling gave her advice on how to survive the tough times. Swedish freeskier Jennie-Lee Burmansson talks what makes her sport so special. And we have a last question about Johnny Depp.
Hungarian speed skater Viktor Knoch explains how to comeback from a major setback. Plus, we spent the day in Leysin watching the women's halfpipe snowboard and freeski.
Gu Ailing Eileen of China is a freestyle skier with a Youth Olympic silver medal and went to Paris Fashion Week in her spare time. We also catch up with Estonia's Kelly Sildaru who won the slopestyle freestyle skiing. Plus, two-time Olympic champion curler John Morris gives some tips on how to calm your nerves.
After one of her biggest achievements, Olympic bronze medallist Emma Terho of Finland nearly left her sport. She explained why she decided to continue at her talk at the Chat with Champions event. Plus, find out why US halfpipe snowboarder Tessa Maud is excited to get started at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
We find out what trick Kiernan Fagan would love to land at the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Plus, we sent influencer Tobi Jizzle down a luge and tested his Olympic knowledge at the same time.
USA men's luge doubles team, Sam Day and Sam Eckert, talk about their big ambitions for their career. Plus, two Afghan volunteers who are living in Lausanne tell their incredible stories. Plus, a last question with some of the British curling team.
On finals day of the mixed gender event, two-time Olympic gold medallist John Morris explained why the sport of curling is so popular in Canada. Plus, successful Spanish ski mountaineering medallists Maria Costa and Ot Ferrer on their historic achievement. Also, would you rather eat cucumber for a week or never taste chocolate again? Find out what the Norwegian curling team said about that.
Five-time Olympian cross-country skier and cancer survivor Kikkan Randall spoke at the Chat with Champions event about how to combat negative thoughts. Plus, a last question with figure skater with figure skater Kate Wang.
We've packed as many sports into today's episode. There are updates from curling, biathlon, speed skaitng and alpine skiing. Plus, men's figure skating champion Kagiyama Yuma stopped by to give his reaction.
Olympic gold medallist Patrick Chan and two-time European champion Nathalie Pechalat on how to savour the moment. Plus, we hear the pre-game team talk for a mixed nationality ice hockey team here at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Switzerland.
The Swiss athletes are off to an amazing start at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne. Twin brothers Thomas and Robin Bussard were first and second place in the ski mountaineering. Thomas said it was the best day of his life! And we caught up with alpine skier Amelie Klopfenstein who came off the reserve list to take first gold medal of the Games.
Two-time Olympic champion alpine skier Aksel Lund Svindal gives a good luck message to those competing at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne. Plus, Pakistani alpine skier Mia Freudweiler on her hope to inspire more women to ski in her country and a last question with Lausanne mascot Yodli.
It’s day one of the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Olympic silver medallist Stephane Lambiel gave us his opinion on who to look out for and opened up about his new coaching link up with Japanese figure skater and Olympic silver medallist Shoma Uno. Plus, some other athletes to look out for and we chat to Lausanne 2020 Olympic medal designer Zakea Page.
We’ve all the info you need for the start of Lausanne 2020... There's a good luck message from eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, a walk through the historic St Moritz track with Olympic silver medallist Chris Mazdzer, and much more...
High achieving athletes and Olympians guide you through the techniques they use to stay on top of their mental game. We spoke to Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medallist Jordan Burroughs, Olympic javelin champion Thomas Rohler, Rio 2016 badminton silver medallist PV Sindhu and teenage swimming world champion Ariarne Titmus about meditation, motivation, and visualisation.
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To celebrate our most popular episode of 2019 - we are replaying our chat with Simone Biles. We caught up with the history-making four-time Olympic champion gymnast at her gym in Houston for an exclusive interview. We also spoke to Olympic champ Nastia Liukin about why she thinks Simone is the greatest of all time.
There have been so many medical conditions, Finnish 100m hurdler Annimari Korte has lost count. Two rare conditions meant she couldn’t even swallow water and suffered pain similar to a heart attack. Slowly, she made a physical recovery and her dreams came true when she qualified for Tokyo 2020. But mentally, after all the trauma, she found it difficult to accept success.
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Figure skater and two-time world champion Nathan Chen sat down with Olympic champion Meryl Davis to talk about how he recovered from his 2018 Olympic performance to winning his third Grand Prix Final in 2019.
He beat Yuzuru Hanyu in Turin but the pair share a mutual respect and love competing against each other.
“(He) really fires me up, makes me want to take my jumps more and makes me want to be a little bit more aggressive with my skating. I think that's something that I don't feel quite as much when he's not competing with me.”
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The 11-time world champion surfer still has a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The Olympic Channel Podcast sat down with surfing legend Kelly Slater to look back his career which has stretched out for nearly 30 years.
Battling cyclones, family deaths, relationship problems, and mysterious magic curses – Ben Ryan’s time in charge of Fiji’s men’s 7s team was truly inspirational. He gives insight into the difficulties he faced and also how he had to develop his own mindset to draw out the best from his players.
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The 400m runner Salwa Eid Naser took a silver medal at the Youth Olympics in 2014 wearing a hijab and a full body suit. Fast forward to her incredible performance at the 2019 World Athletics Championships – she wasn’t wearing a hijab but now has nine tattoos and five piercings.
“I don’t really care what people think. It’s my life and I do what I want.”
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Team GB hockey captain Kate Richardson-Walsh had a year from hell in 2014.
“I started to ask myself some really big life questions. Why am I here? What is my value?”
After breaking her jaw in the first game of the 2012 Olympics, she took a bronze medal on home soil.
The quest for an Olympic gold seemed to be impossible after a disappointing performance in the 2014 World Cup. But the team did become champions at Rio 2016.
So, how did she make her dreams come true?
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US long jumper Lacey Henderson seemed like a dead cert for Rio 2016. But some personal issues came up and her performance dipped. A phone call when she was on holiday completely changed her life - and her outlook. Lacey is an amputee cancer survivor with a wicked sense of humour. She shares her story ahead of the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.
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Two Olympians were invited by Olympic Channel to run in the North Korean capital. Winter athletes Aimee Fuller and Mirjam Jaeger took to the rarely seen Pyongyang streets as the city opened its doors for an internationally-recognised marathon. The podcast explores how the trip came about, what the two women took from the experience, and future hopes.
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He was challenging for the world title in 2015 when Owen Wright’s world changed forever. The Australian suffered a severe concussion that meant bleeding on his brain. It’s been a long and difficult road to recover but, now, he’s a contender for the team at Tokyo 2020 after winning a WSL event in Tahiti.
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Two figure skating legends on one Olympic Channel Podcast. From his tough times in his coach’s basement to becoming a cultural icon, Olympic champion Meryl Davis speaks to her friend and USA teammate Adam Rippon about his epic life story.
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She was the second woman to score a 'Perfect 10' at the Olympic Games.
Now, Nellie Kim is a senior judge in gymnastics – it’s her job to analyse just how perfect things really are.
The Olympic Channel spoke to the five-time Olympic champion about Simone Biles, the wider gymnastic field, and her own Perfect 10 experience.
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She was the only athlete to compete for Russia in either track or field at Rio 2016.
Her Olympic experience was not enjoyable.
Darya Klishna had to take a break from long jumping in 2018 to recover mentally.
The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to her as she prepares for action at the IAAF World Championships in Doha.
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Double Olympic champion South African 800m runner Caster Semenya won’t be at the IAAF World Championships in Doha.
New rules means athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) can’t compete in the 400m, 800m, and the 1500m.
The three athletes who took Olympic medals home from Rio 2016 are all affected by the regulations.
In this episode, Olympic medallists Margaret Nyairera Wambui and Francine Niyonsaba tell their stories.
With world exclusive interviews, we’ve travelled the globe to track down people affected by this important legal case.
Two-time Olympian and five-time French national champion Mae-Berenice Meite captured the world’s attention by skating to Beyonce at PyeongChang 2018.
But her complicated relationship with her body meant she sometimes couldn’t enjoy her career.
“I didn’t like my body.
“I got lost for a very long time… now I have more of purpose.”
Mae also talks about her friend Adam Rippon, Yuzuru Hanyu, quads, and Evgenia Medvedeva.
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U.S. wrestler Jordan Burroughs joins viral gymnast Katelyn Ohashi for an in-depth chat.
Jordan won Olympic gold in 2012 but suffered a huge shock at Rio 2016 when he came away empty handed.
The pair talk what defines success and failure and why he’s gunning for glory in a different manner now.
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Everything you need to know about the 2019 Wrestling World Championships
British boxer Frazer Clarke missed out on the Olympics in 2012 and 2016. Now, after being stabbed three times in 2016, he has a renewed focus and determination. He aims to continue the success of British Olympic medallists Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce in the superheavyweight division.
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He’s broken over 15 bones, ruptured his spleen, and suffered several concussions. Tory Nyhaug still wants to get his hands on an Olympic medal. With anxiety so bad he literally felt like his skin was ‘on fire’, the Canadian BMX racer opens up about depression and his hopes for Tokyo 2020.
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We caught up with the history-making four-time Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles at her gym in Houston for an exclusive interview. We also spoke to Olympic champ Nastia Liukin about why she thinks Biles is the greatest of all time.
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You have to be pretty fearless to climb up the 900m of El Capitan without any ropes. Alex Honnold from the Oscar-winning documentary ‘Free Solo’ joined the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk climbing at the Olympics, how to manage risk, and what really scares him.
“If you fall off the wall, you're going to die…
“I think that when people see a photo of El Cap (they think it’s) risky. That's not the right way to look at it. It's extremely high consequence.”
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Everything you need to know about the Climbing World Championships
In 1986, there was a Sports Illustrated cover. In 1987, there was a U.S. national title. In 1988, the world expected to see Kristie Phillips at the Olympic Games. It never happened. The media speculated it was because she had gained weight.
Distraught and devastated, she stepped away from the sport for nearly a decade. In the end, Phillips returned to competition, made her peace with the sport, and now is a respected gymnastics judge.
On the eve of the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Scott Bregman spoke to Kristie about the 1988 drama, why Simone Biles is the best of all time, and what looks out for as a judge in gymnastics.
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The amazing first episode of All Around
What you need to know about the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships
With just 12 months to go until Tokyo 2020, we set ourselves a task. How many interviews can you squeeze into a podcast? The Olympic Channel Podcast went to New York with UCLA gymnast and viral sensation Katelyn Ohashi. In a crazy day, we spoke to Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Tom Schaar, Brighton Zeuner, Ashima Shiraishi, Alex Johnson, Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson, and Naya Tapper.
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It’s officially one year to go until Tokyo 2020. We invited Olympic champion pole vaulter from Greece Katerina Stefanidi on the podcast with her husband and coach Mitchell Krier. We spoke about how they met, why Katerina struggles with self-belief, and her plans for the World Championships in Doha. Plus, we put their dedication to each other to the test with a game about her star sign.
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South African swimmer Chad Le Clos is one of the few swimmers to beat Michael Phelps at the Olympics. He took gold in the 200m butterfly in 2012. Chad is determined to be mentioned amongst the greats. Rami Anis has been selected for the Tokyo 2020 Refugee Olympic Team. He escaped war in Syria and always held on tightly to his dream of making the Olympics.
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Everything you need to know about the FINA Aquatics World Championships
A day-by-day guide to the FINA Aquatics World Championships schedule
Olympic champions Adam Peaty and Katinka Hosszu say becoming a world record holder is all to do with their mental preparation. As we celebrate our 100th episode, we find out what sets apart two of the world’s very best swimmers ahead of the FINA World Championships.
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Ten of the most motivational episodes of the podcast
Everything you need to know about the FINA Aquatics World Championships
A day-by-day guide to the FINA Aquatics World Championships schedule
Andrea Fuentes has a difficult task. She is hoping to use her experience, as a four-time synchronised swimming Olympic medallist, to qualify an American team to the Olympics. The U.S. hasn’t entered a team since Beijing 2008. The country used to dominate the sport – can they beat the odds and reach Tokyo 2020?
“We are doing in five months what others took years to achieve,” said Fuentes.
Ahead of the Pan American Games and the FINA World Aquatics Championships, we follow a coaching team determined to realise a dream.
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They are one of Canada’s big medal hopes for the FINA World Championships 2019. The diving pair are big friends in and out of the swimming pool. After two fourth place finishes at Rio 2016, Jennifer Abel needed the help of a new partner to put the ‘dark thoughts’ to one side. Melissa Citrini has made diving more fun for Abel. We talk Olympic goals and karaoke songs with the pair (singing included).
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Breaking legend B-Boy Moy was carrying a pistol to school the day his life changed. He discovered breaking at a talent show. After winning countless awards and contests, he’s now a big advocate for taking the sport to the next level: the Olympic Games. We spoke to Moy Rivas about his devotion to dance, hip hop, and positivity.
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Women’s skateboarding, the ultra-competitive USA team, and core skating. There’s a lot to talk about as the countdown to the Olympics is officially on for skateboarding with qualification already underway. We caught up with Dashawn Jordan and Jenn Soto to talk gender equality and equal pay in skating. Plus, will we ever see skateboarding at the Paralympics? Oscar Loreto Jr and Aaron Wheelz Fotheringham are hoping to make that dream a reality.
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We have travelled the world to find the best football stories ahead of the WWC in France. There are two exclusive interviews with senior FIFA officials: Fatma Samoura (Secretary General) and Sarai Bareman (Chief Women’s Football Officer). Plus, we went to Malaga to speak to refugee Ode Fulutudilu about her call up to the South Africa squad. We also took a trip to Orlando, USA, to speak to Jamaican teenager Jody Brown on playing against her idols.
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His vision became impaired but it meant earning a shot at his dream: representing his country at Tokyo 2020. British judoka Elliot Stewart had given up on following his father’s footsteps to become an Olympian. When he lost his sight, he lost his job and was unsure of his direction in life. Stewart returned to judo, came third at the World Championships, and looks to be a strong candidate for the British Paralympic team.
“I lost my vision. But I can do the sport that I love. And go to the place that I’ve always wanted to go which is the Paralympic Games.”
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John McAvoy is an Ironman triathlete. The first part of his life was spent in prison or committing serious crime. Now, he’s broken world records in indoor rowing and had top-level meetings with the UK government the UK government. McAvoy vowed to change his ways when his friend died in a car chase. He left behind a criminal life of chasing money to focus on motivating and inspiring people. “If you gave me the option between winning a gold medal at the Olympics, or sacrificing my whole athletic career to stop one kid going to prison: I’d sacrifice everything,” he said to the Olympic Channel Podcast.
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The Norwegian striker is going for her fourth consecutive Champions League title and has broken goal records consistently. The Olympic Channel Podcast found out about why she’s passionate about equality in women’s football, her Ballon d’Or win, and her ambitions with club Olympique Lyonnais.
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Depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder all disrupted the dreams of American figure skater Gracie Gold.
She won two US National titles as a teenager and took an Olympic bronze medal home from Sochi 2014.
But in 2017 she withdrew from competition to seek treatment for her mental health.
Gracie is now taking a day-by-day approach to recovery as she explains in this honest, open, and raw interview.
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Pita Taufatofua grabbed everyone’s attention when he arrived at Rio 2016’s Opening Ceremony with his bare, coconut-oiled chest. And then he did it again at PyeongChang 2018 in below freezing conditions. From escaping avalanches in Iceland to ending up thousands of dollars in debt, the Tongan took on every problem with a smile. His sporting career started in taekwondo, then he moved to cross country skiing, and now he’s hoping to become a kayaker. Pita’s positivity is infectious so we joined him for in depth chat at his home in Tonga.
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As Alexandra Banfield prepares to represent England at the 2019 ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, the Solihull-based athlete explains how she balances an emotional job as a chemotherapy nurse with the rigours of training for a major competition. Plus, we sent influencer Gina Scarangella to London to see how the sport has grown in the country.
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Everything you need to know about the 2019 ICU World Cheerleading Championships
She’s fast. She’s Jamaican. And she’s coached by four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon. Briana Williams won the 100m and 200m at the U20 World Championships. Now, she is hoping to reach the 2019 World Championships (‘if her coach knows what he’s doing’ – Ato’s words not ours!) and maybe even Tokyo 2020. We spoke to both about sunglasses, Jamaican beaches, and beating FloJo’s long-standing sprint records.
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The question on everyone’s lips was ‘Who is Sarah Sellers?’. The American beat the odds to finish second in the 2018 Boston Marathon. The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to the full-time nurse about what’s changed a year on, her Tokyo 2020 chances, and why she will never pay for a first class flight.
LINKS:
The Ultimate Guide to the Boston Marathon
Olympians hail "incredible experience" of running a marathon in Pyongyang
Coach Brian Orser has some of the best figure skaters in the world training at his famous ‘Cricket Club’ in Toronto, Canada.
Two of the newest additions to the team are Evgenia Medvedeva and Jason Brown.
“They do have a very special chemistry,” said Orser.
“They are from different backgrounds - but they seem to jive really well.”
Olympic champion Meryl Davis spoke exclusively to the pair and Brian Orser about what makes their relationship so unique.
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How to fall in love with a figure skater with Aljona Savchenko’s husband Liam Cross
Her phone totally blew up. After being out with friends, US gymnast Katelyn Ohashi came home to 50,000 more followers on social media.
We hear the full story behind the ‘Perfect 10’ routine that went viral, her friendship with Simone Biles, and the biggest life lesson from legendary coach Valorie Kondos Field.
The Olympic Channel Podcast also spoke to Miss Val about what’s next for American gymnastics and what she’s learnt in her three decades at UCLA.
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The ISU 2019 World Figure Skating Championships in Japan are upon us.
Olympic champion figure skater Meryl Davis talks about what it’s like to compete at the top-level and gives her expert opinion on Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan and Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia.
Plus, the Olympic Channel Podcast put Meryl on the spot to make some predictions about who will come out on top.
President of the Women Sports Foundation and top USA bobsleigher gave an in-depth chat about her career, head injuries and women’s issues.
We spoke to her just before the World Championships where, despite being one of the favourites to win, she crashed out and suffered her fifth concussion.
It’s not clear if she will retire or continue competing but this outspoken interview is evidence of her leadership skills.
Also, Elana spoke well about knowing the limits of your own body.
“A lot of women have this tendency to try to ‘tough it out’. I think (because) there’s a societal stigma that we are weaker sex... we push through things when we shouldn’t necessarily.”
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It’s something to tell your mum about – winning a national championship. But Ramla Ali preferred to keep her boxing career secret. She was a refugee from Somalia who discovered boxing in London’s East End.
“My mum… in her eyes to be a good Muslim girl you have to be fully covered. But I think just different things work for different people.”
We visited her gym in London to talk family secrets and representing Somalia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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Battling online harassment, body image and busting stereotypes with Madison de Rozario
Kristina Vogel, one of the world’s very best female track cyclists, won her record-breaking 11th title at the 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.
Four months later, she was paralysed and in a wheelchair.
A junior Dutch cyclist was practising standing starts when Vogel crashed into him at full speed.
The double Olympic champion feels no resentment.
“I don’t need to forgive (the person because) I have no anger about him.”
She doesn’t know if her family feels the same.
“I have never asked them if they have forgiven him… I am scared to question that.”
The 28-year-old talked about her life-changing accident, acceptance and forgiveness.
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After she was passed over for the USA team for Sochi 2014, Mirai Nagasu was done with figure skating.
“It wasn’t fun… I used to think, ‘I deserve to sit here in my puddle of tears and cry.’”
She vowed to make a comeback and became the first American woman to land a triple axel at the Olympics – and took home Olympic bronze in the team event.
Olympic champion Meryl Davis sat down with her to speak about the 2018 Olympics, the sarcasm of her teammate Gracie Gold and how she landed that big jump.
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Thomas Fogdö was one of the best slalom skiers in the world, but his life took an unexpected turn after he broke his back in a training accident.
Despite now being in a wheelchair, the Swede has continued to give back to the sport he loves so much and help other athletes who have suffered similar injuries.
Great Britain’s Bernice Wilson was a promising young sprinter, but her career took a turn for the worse when she enlisted the services of ex-UK Athletics coach, Dr. George Skafidas.
They began dating and he persuaded Wilson to start doping. She was caught, banned for four years, and vowed to come back clean.
With her ban nearing completion, she tested positive again. But this time Skafidas had been doping the Briton without her knowledge.
Wilson alerted the authorities. Skafidas received a life-time ban from the sport. Three years on she is now a clean competitor and anti-doping campaigner.
She told the Olympic Channel podcast how she made mistakes, was manipulated, and how she's trying to make amends.
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Bobby Clay's promising running future was put on hold because she over-trained and under-ate.
After winning numerous British titles and earning herself a team GB bib, the young rising star's body broke.
''I got to the point where I sat down in the gym and my shin snapped. It’s something we do every day and I couldn’t even do that without breaking. If I can’t do that, how was I meant to run.''
Now aged 21, Clay is competing in the UK national track cycling championships as part of her recovery but still has Olympic ambitions as a runner. She shares her story as a word of warning to other young athletes.
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Kenya's Wilfred Bungei seemingly had it all: Money, fame, and an 800m Olympic gold medal.
However, after retiring he couldn't fill 'the vacuum' that training and competing once occupied, and slipped into deep alcoholism.
On several occasions he almost lost his life, and missed the birth of his child.
"There is only three destinations for an alcoholic: Institutions - which is treatment, you will go to jail because you will do something stupid that will put you in trouble, or you will die."
Now, over seven years sober, he is helping other alcoholics and former athletes avoid making the same mistakes. Olympic Channel reporter Evelyn Watta travelled to Kenya to hear Bungei's emotional story.
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Lucy Davis isn’t your average Olympic silver medallist.
A Stanford graduate with a major in architecture, she’s also a top-level equestrian showjumper.
But even the best athletes suffer burnout, as Davis found out after winning silver in Rio.
“I kind of lost a lot of motivation,” she admits – and it took her two years before she finally found a new calling.
Part of that involves giving back to her sport through her business, PonyApp.
“There is this community of people around the world that love horses and have no outlet for it. So we're trying to galvanise that energy and direct it towards the sport and its exposure.”
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‘His name is Barron’ – Lucy Davis introduces Barron on the Olympic Channel
If you’re looking for some motivation to achieve what you want in 2019, then have a listen to these amazing stories from across the Olympic world.
We hear from Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin, Jordyn Wieber, and more.
Whatever your aim for the new year, we hope these stories from the greats will inspire you on your way to greatness.
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To celebrate our first incredible year, we have put together highlights from some of our most downloaded interviews of the year.
We have an absolute stellar line-up including Simone Biles, John Orozco, Anthony Ervin, Brian Orser and Yuzuru Hanyu.
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Italian Michela Moioli felt nervous ahead of her first Olympic snowboard cross final at Sochi 2014.
Those nerves turned to despair as her medal hopes were crushed when she crashed heavily.
Aged just 18, her career was in jeopardy after suffering a torn cruciate ligament in her knee.
But, she dedicated herself to making a comeback and, four years later at PyeongChang 2018, she won gold.
We spoke to Michela about pasta, post-Olympic blues, and Beijing 2022.
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We sent Olympic champion figure skater Meryl Davis to Vancouver to cover the Grand Prix Final for the Olympic Channel Podcast. And she bumped into a familiar face.
Double Olympic silver medallist Brian Orser is coach to Yuzuru Hanyu, Javier Fernandez and Evgenia Medvedeva.
Davis and Orser chatted about Hanyu’s ankle injury, Fernandez’s European Championships mission and what his opinion on Medvedeva’s inconsistent season.
“I ask everyone for their patience. Please. It will be great. Really great. But there’s no quick fix.”
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British Paralympian David Weir has won more London Marathon titles than anyone on the planet.
But despite his success, he’d never come to terms with his disability. He was born with a spinal cord transection that left him unable to use his legs.
Frustrated by his lack of options in the sporting world growing up, he went on to excel at wheelchair racing.
Even after winning six gold Paralympic medals, by the time he won his record-breaking seventh London Marathon in 2017, he felt no joy.
Weir had to face up to the inner turmoil he had been burying since childhood.
“I never showed my emotions to my family. I never spoke to my mum and dad about my disability... I just bottled things up for years and years.”
The 39-year-old opened up about why he wants to represent Great Britain at Tokyo 2020, the highs of London 2012, and his life-changing counselling sessions.
“It's not popular for men to be emotional in America. Especially black men.”
Family tragedy. Injuries. A new mission in Los Angeles.
You may remember US gymnast’s emotional NBC interview after he qualified for Rio 2016.
He beat the odds to make the team after injuries and the sudden death of his mother.
Orozco never made it to Brazil. Another injury ended his sporting career.
Now, the 25-year-old is looking to become a singer in Los Angeles.
“Hope is not… an empty concept. It's something that you have to create the meaning for - what is your hope?”
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China have sent some of their most promising athletes to Norway to transform them into Winter Olympians.
A set of athletes aged 15-20 have been given an incredible challenge.
They haven’t ever worn skis before but are still hopeful of becoming international level ski jumpers.
We went behind-the-scenes on their first day on the slopes.
Plus, double Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal, 35, joined us to tell about how to achieve longevity in skiing.
Credits:
Chinese Ski Jumping (Reporter: Nicklas Vinde) and Aksel Lund Svindal (Reporter: Alessandro Poggi)
Swimmer Anthony Ervin won Olympic gold aged 19. His life then fell apart. He was homeless for a time, attempted suicide, and drank heavily. By 2016, he had completely turned his life around and won the 50m freestyle at the Olympics.
Aged 35, he was the oldest individual Olympic gold medal winner in swimming.
This time though - he was ready.
“Winning can be a terrible thing that happens to you. It can completely intoxicate you… Winning is a test.”
We spoke about Ryan Lochte, growing up with Tourette’s, and how he wants to compete at Tokyo 2020.
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If any of the topics in this episode distressed you, please talk to some one! Or let us know... In the UK, the charity Samaritans are very helpful.
Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles is now a 14-time world champion. The records fell in Doha with her achievements made all the more unbelievable after she was admitted into hospital on the eve of competition with a kidney stone.
The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to her just after she had won her dramatic all-around title.
Plus, reporter Scott Bregman and gymnastics writer Blythe Lawrence (@rockergymnastic) picked out the best stories from an action-packed world championships.
The consequences for failure in BMX at the Olympics are high. New Zealand’s Sarah Walker knows about this – she’s broken 18 bones over her career.
A big crash meant she missed out on Rio 2016 after her silver medal at London 2012.
She believes that the definition of failure should be reassessed.
“(Society sees) failure as such a bad word. It’s so negative and this thing that you need to avoid (but) I aim to fail every week.
"Then if I have a bigger failure – I have practiced that feeling – and I am more comfortable with it and I am more accepting of the outcome.”
Find out how to make some epic fails – Olympic style.
As we gear up towards the artistic gymnastics world championships in Doha, we sat down with two incredible Olympic gold medal winning gymnasts.
Jordyn Wieber became world champion in 2011 but then missed out on the all-around final at London 2012.
"I felt like I had failed because I didn’t live up to those expectations."
Now, she's at UCLA as a coach and is flourishing.
Plus, we get the inside-track on Simone Biles from her team-mate Madison Kocian.
"I’m really excited to see how she does at worlds, I’m sure she’s going to do well."
Get up-to-speed with the new documentary 'The Golden Generation'. We have interviews from both directors - including with the Oscar-winner Juan Jose Campanella.
Plus, we get the full low-down on why Manu Ginóbili and the rest of this Argentinian basketball team from Athens 2004 were really 'The Golden Generation'.
Waleed Abu Nada set up a weightlifting club in the biggest refugee camp for Palestinians outside of Palestine.
Here was here in Buenos Aires for the Youth Olympic Games as part of the Jordan team.
We spoke about our favourite moments from the past few days and also how he started his club.
Plus, the latest headlines.
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He’s 22 and already considered a veteran in the gaming world.
Jake Lyon says that Esports and the Olympics could learn a lot from each other.
“You could be confined to a wheelchair… you can be a man, woman, young (or) old – all these barriers that would usually require divisions – in Esports they don’t mean anything.”
Plus, we have the latest headlines from Buenos Aires and an athlete to watch.
Are the Olympic Games at risk because of climate change?
Olympic bronze medallist snowboarder Alex Deibold worries it’s a real possibility.
“That’s what is at stake if you don’t take climate change seriously. ... The moments of triumph. The moments of joy.”
Plus, we catch up on the headlines from the Youth Olympic Games and also give you an athlete to look out for here at Buenos Aires.
He is aiming to be Africa’s first goldmedallist at the Winter Olympic Games.
The track prospect swapped sports to skeleton - but some people still didn’t believe in Akwasi Frimpong.
“I definitely know what it feels like to be bullied. I definitely know what it feels to be laughed at. I definitely know how it feels when people tell you to give up.”
Plus, we have all the headlines from the Youth Olympic Games and an athlete to watch.
Olympic champion swimmer Chad le Clos opened up about how he dealt with his parents' cancer diagnosis just before Rio 2016. He argues that you must put everything to one side before stepping onto the blocks to perform.
"You don't cry for losing. You cry for winning."
We also have all the headlines and an athlete to watch for the day too.
Nyjah and Leticia are two of the world's top skateboarders and we asked about their feeds - what do they post and why?
Plus, we tracked down professional dancer Kaelynn Gobert-Harris on what grabs her attention on Insta and tips on how to make it.
We also have the usual headlines and an athlete to watch.
Double Olympic champion Jade Jones is 25 and aiming for a third title at Tokyo 2020. She's travelled to Argentina as an athlete role model to give advice to those competing. With that in mind, we fired some difficult questions about dating and being an athlete. How do you get that balance between your love life and elite sport?
Plus, we have the latest headlines from Buenos Aires 2018 and the day's athlete to watch.
We went behind-the-scenes at the first ever Youth Olympic breaking individual finals. We spoke to Bumblebee, Shigekix, and Emma after they won their medals. Don’t forget the team event will be streamed on OlympicChannel.com today.
Plus, we have all the usual headlines and tips on who to watch.
The 18-year-old cancer survivor playing 3x3 basketball at the Youth Olympic Games.
Yusra nearly drowned in the Aegean Sea when she fled Syria and became a refugee. She steadied a boat with her sister - saving the lives of the people on board. She went on to compete at Rio 2016 and won her swimming heat. We talked to her about her Instagram feed and practical ways people can help refugees.
Kirsty Coventry, Senegal and the Youth Olympic Games
We open our daily podcast from Buenos Aires with a bang as USA's Missy Franklin. She opens up about her body issues when she was a teenager. There’s some sage advice on how to perform under the glare of the world afrom the five-time Olympic champion.
Plus, we speak to Paris 2024 boss and three-time Olympic champion Tony Estanguet on why he has a vested interest in the athletes' performance here in Buenos Aires.
For a live stream from the Youth Olympic Games - head to Olympic Channel now.
The start of Buenos Aires 2018 is almost here.
Over 4,000 elite sporting teenagers are descending on Argentina for the Youth Olympic Games.
Former Youth Olympians include snowboarder Chloe Kim, diving’s Tom Daleyand Spain’s badminton Olympic champion Carolina Marin.
We’ve spoken to four athletes who we think you need to know about.
At 18, Kanak Jha is already USA’s top men’s table tennis player.
“The Youth Olympic Games is the biggest event there is for juniors and (to win) would just be unbelievable,” he said.
World junior champion Aaliyah Powell has all the ingredients for success in taekwondo according to double Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones.
“I think she has got a lot of star qualities.”
Plus, we get the stories behind British gymnast Amelie Morgan and USA rugby 7s captain Junior Waqavesi.
Experience their journey from the start-line and discover the ‘Heroes of the Future’.
The 23-time Olympic champion, Michael Phelps, opened up to the Olympic Channel Podcast about his struggles with mental health. “Being able to be open, to be honest (and) being your authentic self… that’s kind of the equation for success.” Phelps was third place in what was billed as the ‘Race of the Century’. The man who beat him to second place was three-time Olympic champ Pieter van den Hoogenband. Ian Thorpe, Michael Phelps, Grant Hackett and Klete Keller were all in the race – and all have suffered from mental problems at some point. Pieter didn’t. And, once his time competitively swimming ended, he was still ok. “When your career is over, your life is not over. And you are not a medal.” Links: Legends Live On with Ian Thorpe: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/original-series/detail/legends-live-on/legends-live-on-season-season-1/episodes/australia-s-ian-thorpe-extended/ Race of the Century: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/video/detail/thorpe-wins-men-s-200m-freestyle/ Michael Phelps: Athlete Evolution: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/video/detail/athlete-evolution-michael-phelps/
Sarah Storey has won more Paralympic gold medals than any other British woman. She won 14, in both swimming and cycling, across her ground-breaking career. During Rio 2016, she took the decision to breastfeed during competition. She thinks that it’s possible to be a breastfeeding mother and be on the top of your game. After Serena Williams’ coach advised her to stop breastfeeding, Storey also says attitudes in coaching need to change at the highest level of sport. “You have to consider the small person that the athlete mum is looking after and all the other things that come with it.” SUBSCRIBE for the best interviews and biggest talking points around the Olympics every Wednesday.
Rhythmic gymnast Marta Pagnini is an Olympic bronze medallist from Italy who is totally confident with her body. She wants to promote a positive message. “I’m confident with my body and I shouldn’t be judged for my body, I should be judged for my performance as an athlete. And from what I do as a woman, not for my body.” SUBSCRIBE for the best interviews around the Olympics every Wednesday. LINKS: Anatomy Of: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/original-series/detail/anatomy-of/ Marta Pagnini Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martapagnini/?hl=en
Sweden’s Rio silver medallist Nilla Fischer thinks we’re a long way from seeing a big, male star ‘come out’ in the sport. But the first openly gay referee in the English game, Ryan Atkin, believes homophobia is on the decline in football. We want to know what the men can learn from the women’s game about LGBTQ+ inclusivity. SUBSCRIBE for the best interviews around the Olympics every Wednesday. LINKS: Nilla Fischer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=B5q8iORvrlA Ryan Atkin background: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10946184/professional-referee-ryan-atkin-says-being-openly-gay-in-football-should-hold-no-fears
Imagine you’re single. Your date turns out to be an Olympic figure skater. Six months later, you propose. She says yes. Liam Cross went from knowing nothing about figure skating to being physically sick before the Olympic Games in PyeongChang because he was so nervous about his wife’s performance. Together With Bruno Massot, Alonja Savchenko took gold in the pairs from PyeongChang 2018 for Germany. Her husband Liam Cross says that day was the most terrifying of his entire life. Why? Because he's madly in love with a figure skater... LINKS: Tough Girl Podcast: https://www.acast.com/toughgirlpodcast Record-breaking pairs free programme in full: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/savchenko-and-massot-ger-gold-medal-pairs-free-skating
Heptathlete Rebecca Wardell is on a mission to cycle through most of Europe and Asia before hopping on a plane and finishing her journey through New Zealand. After injury forced her hopes for a second Olympic appearance six weeks before London 2012, she’s now embarking on a trip to meet as many Olympians as possible and raise money for charity to get more women into sport. She says, “It’s definitely not as hard physically as you might think.” LINKS: Asian Games: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/events/2018-asian-games--jakarta-and-palembang-idn/ Tim Ferris Podcast with Jerzy Gregorek: https://tim.blog/2017/03/16/jerzy-gregorek/ Long Way Home website: http://www.thelongwayhome.co.nz/
Four-time Olympic medallist, coach, and NBC commentator Ato Boldon remembers Usain Bolt’s incredible world record breaking performance at Beijing 2008. The Trinidad and Tobago sprint legend has been at the stadium every time Jamaica’s Bolt has broken a record. He says that moment was simply iconic. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of a race that won’t be forgotten, we spoke to Boldon about Bolt’s untied shoelace, the man who finished second Richard Thompson, and the celebrations that changed the way people think of running forever. The Olympic Channel Podcast comes out every Wednesday. Think like an Olympian. SUBSCRIBE NOW. LINKS: BACK TO BEIJING 2008: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/back-to-beijing-2008/ RICH ROLL PODCAST WITH DES LINDEN: http://www.richroll.com/podcast/des-linden-375/
Less than three months after winning Olympic gold in cross-country skiing at PyeongChang 2018, Kikkan Randall was diagnosed with breast cancer. The 35-year-old American is receiving treatment and the prognosis is good. But she’s had to shave her hair off. Hair that she used to dye pink to stand out from the crowd. We talk about the colour pink, the dreaded moment she took ‘the call’ and making the most of every day. Remember to subscribe to the Olympic Channel Podcast for more inspiring stories every Wednesday. We want you to think like an Olympian. LINKS: ISAIAH THOMAS VIDEO: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/isaiah-thomas-i-want-to-inspire-small-kids/ SPORTSWEEK: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0070lk9/episodes/downloads GOING OLYMPIC: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/going-olympic-tokyo-2020/sports-chronicles/fukushima-returns-as-one-of-japans-premiere-surf-spots/ BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
Courage is easy to talk about but hard to practise. How can we find the courage to speak out for the right thing? And do you have the courage to face your fears? Greek gymnast Eleftherios Petrounias won gold on the rings at Rio 2016. His journey to that moment was difficult. He was bullied as a child for being short and lost his father two weeks before he became world champion in 2015. We also talked to him about the bravery of US gymnasts – like Aly Raisman - who spoke out against their abuser and recently won an award for their courage. LINKS: Simone Biles article: https://articles.olympicchannel.com/simone-biles-returns-interview/ StopBullying: https://www.stopbullying.gov/ Speaking out: http://www.stepupspeakout.org/
Figure skater Denis Ten died suddenly on 19 July 2018. There was an immediate outpour of emotion after the Sochi 2014 bronze medallist was reportedly attacked and stabbed in Kazakhstan. The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to Olympic gold medallist Aljona Savchenko. She was friends with Ten and gives a moving a tribute. Plus, we dug into our archives to find an interview with Denis Ten that we did before PyeongChang 2018. LINKS: Gamebreakers: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/gamebreakers/core-gamebreakers/how-denis-ten-put-kazakhstan-on-the-map-with-an-unlikely-winter-sport/ Podcast: https://www.ted.com/read/ted-podcasts/worklife
The sun beats down hard on the Madrid street and it’s hot. The ice here is normally in drinks to cool down. The Spanish capital doesn’t seem like a natural first choice for Winter Olympians. That was until Javier Fernandez slowly worked his way to becoming one of the world’s leading figure skaters. He is a two-time world champion and took home a bronze medal from PyeongChang 2018. As a young man, once he reached a certain level, he knew he had to leave his country behind. He has trained with the legendary Brian Orser in Toronto for eight years. As his illustrious career competing comes to a close, he’s back and is looking to teach his skills to a new generation of Spanish skaters. So what does he have planned? Does he have any career regrets? And what does he make of double Olympic champion and training partner Yuzuru Hanyu? SUBSCRIBE for the best Olympic interviews from the podcast every Wednesday. We want you to think like an Olympian. LINKS: Shredding Monsters: Mavericks: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/shredding-monsters-mavericks/ Rich Roll podcast: http://www.richroll.com/podcast/rangan-chatterjee-376/
The swimmer won Olympic gold in 2004 with Michael Phelps and just a few years later he was jobless and living in his car. Klete Keller experienced the highs of beating Olympic swimming legends like Ian Thorpe but, after his winning career was finished, he sunk into a deep depression. Keller lost his marriage and his job over the course of 24 hours. His life fell apart and he spent 10 months living in his car. The American used to blame everyone but himself for his situation but now he has come to terms with his past. He simply struggled with real life once swimming had ended. He says he just got lower and lower. Now, Keller is rebuilding his life and says the biggest lesson he learnt was that life takes a bit of discipline. LINKS: Podcast: Gymcastic https://gymcastic.com/ Flag and Family: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/flag-family/flag-family/boxing-star-kadiru-a-typical-german/
What happens when you are expected to stand on the podium as an Olympic medallist – but you finish fourth? Swimmer Katinka Hosszu was favourite for gold in 2012. (Interview starts at 03:05) During the race, she realised that she was in third position and the person in first couldn’t be caught. She started to be mentally distracted. The Hungarian finished the race and looked up at the board to check her time. She had finished fourth and was ‘devastated’. Some were even advising her to walk away from the sport entirely. Hosszu used this disappointment to become the ‘Iron Lady’ who broke the world record for the 400m Individual Medley in 2016. Finishing fourth was a necessary step on her journey to winning three Olympic gold medals (and also a silver!). That redemption hasn’t happened for rower Emma Twigg (interview starts at 12:04). Or at least not yet! She finished in fourth place in the single sculls twice – in 2012 and 2016. In the boat after her performance in Rio, she vowed to give up the sport. Now, she’s making a run at Tokyo 2020 which would be her fourth Olympic appearance. Yes, she has thought about finishing fourth in Tokyo. And, although she’s aiming for the gold medal, now she’s at peace with missing the podium and proud of what she has achieved. LINKS: PODCAST: Ctrl Alt Delete http://www.emmagannon.co.uk/category/podcast/ BOOK: Hosszu’s book in Hungarian - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11652298.Katinka_Hossz_
It’s time to start thinking about the new Olympic cycle for figure skating. So, we asked two Olympic champions what they think Yuzuru Hanyu and Evgenia Medvedeva should do next. Russia’s Evgeni Plushenko (interview starts at 02:56) says that Hanyu is ‘from a different planet’. And hints that the Japanese double Olympic champion could be capable of doing the quad axel. Plushenko also says that if Medvedeva feels more comfortable training with coach Brian Orser then – why not? We also spoke to USA’s Brian Boitano (interview starts at 11:10) who won gold against Brian Orser at Calgary 1988. He advises Hanyu against taking too much of a break from competitive skating. And he thinks that Medvedeva will become an even better skater after training with Boitano’s former rival Brian Orser. Two exclusive interviews that you won’t see (or hear!) anywhere but Olympic Channel. If you liked this episode, we would love it if you gave it a five star review on iTunes or wherever you found us. SUBSCRIBE and you will never miss an episode of the Olympic Channel podcast. We want you to think just like an Olympian. Links: Hanyu interview in English from just after PyeongChang: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/listen-olympic-channel-podcast-ep20-with-hanyu-solo-wise/ Medvedeva interview in English from Japan: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/olympic-channel-podcast/may/evgenia-medvedeva-a-russian-skater-on-the-move/ Plushenko video interview: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/evgeni-plushenko-talks-yuzuru-hanyu-quads-and-the-future-of-figure-skating/ Foul Play: Dutee https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/foul-play/foul-play/foul-play-dutee/ Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin: https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/heresthething
If you have a look at Yusra Mardini’s Instagram feed – there are clues about what she does: pictures of swimming training and plenty of selfies. She’s clearly an international standard athlete. But her story runs deep – after fleeing Syria and swimming for 10km alongside a boat of displaced people looking for a new start, she ended up in Germany training for the Olympics. She refuses to be defined by her status as a refugee and wants you to reassess what you think about the word too. In a huge act of kindness, marathon runner Gatkuoth Puok Thiep gave up his place on the Refugee Olympic Team. He lost his father, mother and sister to the war in South Sudan. His inspiring story, although tragic, is full of hope about the future. We sat down with both for World Refugee Day. Don’t forget to subscribe for more of the best Olympic talking points every week. And leave a five star review on iTunes and other places if you liked what you heard. We want you to think just like an Olympian. LINKS: SPORTSPIEL: https://sportspielonline.com/ BOOK: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/yusra-mardini/butterfly WE ARE ONE DOCUMENTARY: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/we-are-one/
Everywhere Luka Doncic has gone – he’s won. From the Eurobasket with Slovenia to the Euroleague with Real Madrid, the 19-year-old is hot property for the NBA Draft. But what makes him so special? And could we see Slovenia finally compete and even challenge at the Olympic Games? We speak to ESPN’s Senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski about why basketball dealmakers are so interested. Plus, we hear from to Bostjan Nachbar, who has played in the NBA and in Euroleague. He’s also Slovenian, knows Doncic and the pitfalls facing a young player trying to make it in the USA. Don’t forget to subscribe for the best Olympic talking points each week. LINKS: WOJ POD: http://art19.com/shows/thewojpod BOOK: https://www.mcdbooks.com/news/announcing-kobe-bryant-s-the-mamba-mentality WE ARE ONE DOCUMENTARY: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/we-are-one/
Physical trauma is, on the surface, much harder to stomach than any emotional pain. Imagine choosing between sparring a few rounds with a boxer compared to being called a few names. The choice seems easy. But, as an elite boxer watches cuts and bruises heal after a big fight, they say it's the emotional scars that can last a lifetime. Olympic bronze medallist boxer David Price has faced the worst of both. Price has suffered both internet abuse and brutal knock-downs. He admits to crying (in a positive way!) ahead of his last fight against Alexander Povetkin and argues that physical pain is much easier to handle than the mental. Plus, USA boxing coach Billy Walsh gives us some tips on how to stay in the best mental condition. LINKS: PEOPLE’S FIGHTERS: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/the-peoples-fighters/ PODCAST: https://www.michaelneill.org/podcast/ DOCUMENTARY: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1330059/
When two-time Olympic silver medallist figure skater Evgenia Medvedeva announced that she was leaving her coach to join Brian Orser in Canada, it was a surprise. We managed to grab a word with the two-time world champion about anime, meeting EXO, and her thoughts on PyeongChang. But she also gave us the lowdown on what she thinks of moving to Canada. ***LINKS*** EXO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdssuxDdqKk TRAILER FOR NEW DOC: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/five-rings-films-the-peoples-fighters-official-trailer/ PODCAST RECOMMENDATION: https://armchairexpertpod.com/ BOOK RECOMMENDATION: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16175114-making-mavericks
It’s not every day that you receive an invitation to visit the home of one of the biggest skateboarders around. So the Olympic Channel Podcast naturally leapt at the chance to speak to Nyjah Huston at his apartment in Los Angeles. Why on earth are we concerned about skateboarding? Well, the sport is going to be at Tokyo 2020. And if you have any doubts as to why skateboarding should be at the Olympic Games – this episode should set that straight… LINKS SLS: http://streetleague.com/ Nyjah’s ‘Til Death part: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBgbBrxj2to Danny Lozano profile (in Spanish) http://www.go-skateboarding.com/?p=15858 Joe Rogan Podcast: http://podcasts.joerogan.net/ ATHLEAN-X: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0TLA0EsQbE-MjuHXevj2A
Surfing legend and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater invited us to his new ranch in California, USA. He has created a wave pool that, he claims, produces the best artificial waves in the world. It's located roughly 160 kilometres inland and we took a visit. Olympic Channel podcast reporter Ashlee Tulloch also caught up with six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore who looks, simply, remarkable on Kelly’s wave. Surfing is making its first Olympic appearance at Tokyo 2020 so grab your board (or headphones) and let’s head to the beach (or a state-of-the-art artificial wave pool). Big thanks to WSL for all their help with this week's episode. SUBSCRIBE: Olympic Channel Podcast comes out every Wednesday. LINKS: Kelly Slater Ranch: http://www.kswaveco.com/ Open by Andre Agassi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6480781-open The Nine Club Podcast http://www.thenineclub.com/the-nine-club-show-podcast/
Nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis has some big ideas about how to shake up the athletics world and make the sport even more entertaining to watch in the post-Bolt era. Plus, we hear from the grassroots with ex-sprinter turned Olympic Channel social media don Mathilde Delorme. LINKS: Olympic Channel Podcast: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/podcast/ Far From Home: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/far-from-home/core-branded-far-from-home/ Podcast recommendation: https://soundcloud.com/designmatters Book recommendation: http://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/
Sparkles, music and dancing… the Olympians are already crushing the latest season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’. We went backstage and managed to grab a quick word with some of the contestants like Adam Rippon, Tonya Harding and Chris Mazdzer. Plus, we got the lowdown on what it takes to be a good judge from dancing legend Peter Maxwell from the World DanceSport Federation.
Is the world's future in good hands? Four-time Olympic champion Johann Olav Koss gives his reasons to be optimistic. Plus, Syrian refugee swimmer Yusra Mardini stands as an example to show that her generation can have a ‘no excuses’ attitude. Remember that if you like the podcast - subscribe and leave a five-star review where you can… (Update - we had to resend because of an audio glitch - all fixed now!)
We are all scared of something, aren’t we? But imagine the fear that is racing through the veins of a BMX rider at the Olympics: it’s dangerous and some of your peers have struggled with life-changing injuries. So how can you compete with complete focus? We take advice from Olympic champion Connor Fields who says conquering fear is just part of his job. We also have skateboarder Shuriken Shannon who talks about what spooks him out. Plus, Shannon speaks on behalf of the skateboarding community about their fears about the sport’s inclusion at Tokyo 2020.
Expectations can affect any achievement. Five-time Olympic champion Missy Franklin went into London 2012 without any expectations and had the time of her life. At Rio 2016, she admits her approach wasn’t correct. What are her expectations for Tokyo 2020? Plus, Singapore’s first ever Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling beat the world and Michael Phelps in Rio. How can he manage expectations going forward in his career?
To become the world’s first Olympic champion in skiing and snowboarding was impressive – but how difficult is it to have two passions? Can you balance two things that you love? Ester Ledecka opens up about her dual passion for skiing and snowboarding. Plus, Olympic gymnast turned actor Danell Leyva reveals why he’s walked away from the sport he loved. And what if your passion isn’t paying the bills? Olympic bronze medallist snowboarder Alex Deibold led a chat with some of his US teammates who have to subsidise their sporting careers with jobs on construction sites.
For an Olympian, pushing things to the maximum is normal. But where is the breaking point? We speak to pro-surfer Mick Fanning about when your days of performing at the maximum have passed, sport climber Josh Levin about peaking performance and we put snowboarder Sven Thorgren through his physical paces.
It’s a generational gap of gold as all the guests are gold medal winners. We have 15-year-old Russian figure skater, Alina Zagitova, on why she had to give up sweets to be Olympic champion. Michael Johnson gives us his view on the world of athletics. Plus, why is six-time Olympic champion cyclist Chris Hoy preparing for a very chilly expedition?
Double Olympic champion figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu spoke to the Olympic Channel podcast in English which was an absolute pleasure. Plus, Hope Solo talks about life away from the football field and freestyle skier David Wise opens up about dealing with disaster – both in, and out, of competition.
Olympic Channel is the place where the Games never end and neither does the podcast! These are probably the best interviews we have done here. Both Lindsey and Mikaela were really honest and open and it was an absolute privilege to speak to the athletes from North and South Korea. We'll be taking a short break for a couple of weeks but will be back very soon for even more very, very soon.
We are proud to present a special bonus podcast about our first film from the signature Five Rings Films series. We’ve got an interview with Jaroslav Spacek who was on the team. We speak to a journalist who remembers what it was like back in the Czech Republic. Plus, from Indiana Jones, Jason Bourne, Back to the Future to ‘The Nagano Tapes’... we speak to big time Hollywood movie producer Frank Marshall who worked on this project too.
The Games may be coming to an end but the Olympic Channel is the place where the Games never end... We say goodbye to Olympic Channel volunteer Haeji Kim. Plus, we get some sage advice from the most decorated French Olympian of all-time - biathlete Martin Fourcade.
Norway are having an incredible Winter Olympic Games here in PyeongChang. So we ask two gold medallists and the chef de mission – what is their secret? Plus, in episode 15, we get to speak to the man with the best moustache at the Olympic Games – ski jumper Robert Johansson...
Where’s the party at? Austria threw a fiesta to remember after snowboarder Anna Gasser created history by winning gold at the inaugural Olympic Big Air event. We chilled with another Austrian snowboarder Julia Dujmovits who is into yoga. Plus, can cheerleading make it as an Olympic sport? Olympic channel reporter Alessandro Poggi went to find out. We also sent him to US skier Lindsey Vonn’s press conference. Let's just say that she was a little surprised by our question. Get episode 15 on your headphones immediately.
After a mini break, we are back with Polish ski jumping extraordinaire Kamil Stoch. He won gold here in PyeongChang but he also gives us the details of his chat with Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski. US figure skater Ashley Wagner talks about her different Olympic experience as an alternate to the team. And how does a rugby star go via the NFL to bobsleigh? Australia’s Hayden Smith explains that and much more in Episode 14. A packed show for certain…
Three legends for episode 13: one Iron Man with a gold medal in skeleton for South Korea, a skiing phenomenon with five Olympic medals and a daredevil ski jumper who is still rubbing shoulders with the young guns in his mid-40s.
We are back. After a busy day meant no podcasting, it's a return to some top interviews. Olympic Channel reporter Alessandro Poggi has been on fire speaking to Spanish figure skater Javier Fernandez and surprise Super G Olympic champion Ester Ledecka. We bagged some time with Great Britain's best ever Winter Olympian - Lizzy Yarnold. Plus, it kind of all unravelled for host Ed Knowles as he was given a knitting lesson by Finland's snowboard coach. Episode 12 is a big one...
PyeongChang remains very cold but are we losing the cold in other places? US skiers Ted Ligety and Gus Kenworthy have seen, at first-hand, the changes. Plus, we get the lowdown on the new Olympic event, Big Air, from the man who oversaw its construction. And we caught up with Olympic gold medallist Frida Hansdotter of Sweden after her shock win against Mikaela Shiffrin in the women’s slalom. Episode 11 is another busy one…
Happy New Year from PyeongChang. Olympic Channel volunteer Haeji Kim looked a little glum as she was working away on the podcast and not with her family to celebrate. But we cheered her up with some loud clothing courtesy of Norway's curling team. Plus, what is going on with all those Winnie the Pooh dolls when Yuzuru Hanyu performs? And, we've got a nice little interview with French snowboarder Pierre Vaultier who took gold in a crazy snowboard cross race. Episode 10 is full to the brim and waiting for you right now...
We grabbed some time with Olympic silver medallist snowboarder Ayumu Hirano of Japan. He gave a great interview but made a funny confession (in English) at the end. We hear Erin Jackson's crazy story as she qualified for the US long track speedskating team even though she's more of an inline skater. And the wonderful Olympic gold medallist figure skater Robin Cousins casts his expert eye over the men competing for gold in PyeongChang. Episode 9, people, is here...
Have you ever met someone after seeing their hilarious social media posts and they've been, well, a bit disappointing in real life? Well, US figure skater Adam Rippon is nothing like that. He's great online and in person. Freestyle skier Torin Yater-Wallace has had so many setbacks but his inner strength has somehow got him here to PyeongChang 2018. Plus, episode eight also can't be without a nod to a special day in the calendar- Haeji Kim tells Ed what happens with Valentine's Day here in South Korea. (Re-sent without 10 mins of silence... Sorry about that!)
He finally did it! Skier Marcel Hirscher has added an Olympic gold medal to his already very full trophy cabinet. We catch up with him - plus the three Dufour-Lapointe sisters talk about their difficult year. Olympic Channel volunteer Haeji Kim is back for more on Korean culture - if we can tear her away from her phone. And that's not easy... It's all here on Episode 7.
Tops off time! Tongan flagbearer Pita Taufatofua braved the PyeongChang cold shirtless at the Opening Ceremony but what's the story behind the stunt? Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy gives us a secret about his abs. And Eritrea's first alpine skier Shannon-Ogbani Abeda reveals his lessons from the Youth Games. Episode six is already here...
Fancy doing some freezing surfing? Olympic champion skier Julia Mancuso did! She gave us her expert view on the USA alpine skiing team. It's 30 years since the movie 'Cool Runnings' - now the women's Jamaican team want in on the action - we have an interview with Jazmine Fenlator and Carrie Russell. Plus, what's kimchi? Episode five has all the answers...
The buzz of the Opening Ceremony is still in the air but it's straight back to business for episode number four. Olympic champion skier Lindsey Vonn cried at a press conference plus we have an incredible interview with Ghana's first skeleton slider Akwasi Frimpong.
It's go time! PyeongChang starts to fill up ahead of the Opening Ceremony so we get the lowdown from two-time Olympic champ and France flagbearer Martin Fourcade on how the cold affects the biathlon plus some fascinating perspective from Wim Hof who argues we should embrace the cold. Plus, Ed and Haeji warm up by talking about spicy food.
It was an early start for the Olympic Channel podcast team this morning to bag a place at the news conference for top USA half-pipe snowboarders Shaun White and Chloe Kim. We catch up with them plus get a bit of snowboard history from Hilary Sims. And Olympic Channel volunteer Haeji Kim teaches Ed about Korean superstitions. Beware of the fan at night...
Grab your backstage pass to PyeongChang 2018 for the first episode of the Olympic Channel podcast. We learn the Korean word for 'awesome'. Plus, we sit down with Olympic gold medallist snowboarder Jamie Anderson and Olympic bronze medallist curler Eve Muirhead.
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