Keep the Flame Alive

This is our last Paralympics-focused episode before the Paris 2024 Summer Games start! We're excited to bring you our remaining interviews from athletes we met at the Team USA Media Summit (with links to their Instagram accounts): Para triathlete Grace Norman Para shooter Marco DeLa Rosa Para cyclist Dennis Connors Goalball player Calahan Young Para powerlifter Bobby Body Runner Jaydin Blackwell Sitting volleyball player Kaleho Kanhelo Maclay In Paris 2024 news, we talk about the swimmability of the Seine--someone's one-upped Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo by hopping in the water first! We also have some hospitality house news--keep up to date with House Party! If you're in Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee is hosting three Team Canada FanFests across the country. Learn more about them here, and if you go to one, let us know what it was like! In news from Team Keep the Flame Alive, we have a bunch of event results and Paris 2024 team announcements. Plus, some TKFLASTANIs were at the nation's 4th of July party. We'll be heading to Paris later this week and look forward to sharing the Games experience with you! There's still time to get your Paris viewing guide, Olympic and Paralympic travel journals, and merch! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=36040 Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We are getting in boats today and going on the water! At the Team USA Media Summit, we talked with Olympic kayaker Evy Leibfarth, canoeist Nevin Harrison and rower Michelle Sachser. All three competed at Tokyo 2020 and have qualified for Paris 2024. Evy competes in canoe slalom (whitewater) and this year will compete in canoe single, kayak single, and kayak cross, which is a new event for Paris 2024. Nevin will be defending her gold medal in the 200m women's canoe sprint. Michelle will compete with Molly Reckford in lightweight double sculls rowing. This will be the last Olympics for lightweight rowing events, and it'll mark the end of Michelle's elite rowing career as well. Follow these athletes on social: Evy: Insta, X Nevin: Insta, X Michelle: Insta, X In Paris 2024 news: Paris has folded and has ordered some air conditioners. The largest military base in Paris since WWII is up and running. There may be an airport worker strike on July 17. Animal rights groups are upset about OnLocation's use of foie gras in VIP meals. A major performer's been snubbed and won't be at the Opening or Closing Ceremonies. New Zealand has an official Olympic Games Glossary in Maori. Various National Olympic Committees are releasing facts about their teams--and we learn that no one can agree on how many sports there are on the Olympic Program. In Milan-Cortina 2026 news, the ticketing portal is open for registration. Nothing will happen for a few months, but we break down the process anyway. We also have news from TKFLASTANIs Samantha Bosco and Katie Moon! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Para taekwondo was first on the Paralympic program at Tokyo 2020, and it's looking to make a big statement at Paris 2024. On this episode, we talk with American para taekwondo fighter Evan Medell, who competes in the K44 class of the men's 75+ kg weight class. At Tokyo, Evan broke his foot during his semifinal match against Asghar Aziziaghdam and lost that bout. However, he came back that same day and defeated Francisco Alejandro Pedroza Luna for the bronze medal (on a broken foot!). We talked with Evan about the sport, those fights at the 2020 Paralympics, and what he's looking forward to at Paris 2024. Follow Evan on Instagram! In Paris 2024 news, we learn that there's actually a plan B for marathon swimming, should the Seine be too polluted. Triathlon may follow the same plan--or become a duathlon (neither of which is an optimal choice). In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Artistic swimmers Jacqueline Simoneau, Daniella Ramirez and Megumi Field Sprinter Kenny Bednarek - find out more about foster care adoption at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Author Andrew Maraniss - find Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World - Maya Moore at our Bookshop.org affiliate site. Table tennis player Millie Tapper Don't forget to enter our giveaway--sign up for our newsletter and share for entries to win a sweet swag pack! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Team USA BMX cyclists join us to talk about what's in store for Paris 2024! We start with BMX freestyle and Olympian Hannah Roberts, who won silver at the sport's Olympic debut in Tokyo. Hannah tells us how BMX freestyle courses are built (keyword: janky) and attempts to explain the sport's judging. Then we move over to BMX racing with Olympic legend Alise Willoughby and first-time Olympian Cam Wood. Alise will be heading to her fourth Olympics in Paris and looking for her second medal (she won silver at Rio 2016). Alise talks with us about how experience helps navigate competition. Cam tells us what to look for on the track at Paris 2024. We also have the latest updates from Paris 2024, including some Canadian events during the Paralympics, which you can find out about here.The Canadian Cultural Center at the Canadian Embassy in Paris also has an exhibition called "Composition for an ensemble, or The Spirit of The Games" by Clive Holden, which is on display until September 8, 2024. Canada will also be illuminating over 50 landmarks and buildings around the country on July 9 to celebrate the Paralympics. See the full list here (and send us pictures!) We love talking uniforms, and Paris 2024 has released the medal bearers kit and medal trays from Louis Vuitton. See them at WWD. In news from TKFLASTAN we hear from: Rugby sevens player Perry Baker USA Fencing Marketer Alexis Schaefer Author Warren Perrin For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

In our look at the 100th anniversary of the very first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France, Alison dives into the speed skating competition, which pitted two very different global styles against each other. Add an uncooperative Mother Nature, and you've got a doozy of an event! Special thanks to listener Manu for his contributions to this episode. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2024, these episodes explore the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/keep-the-flame-alive Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod X: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Paralympian Samantha Bosco joins us today to discuss her story as a Paralympic track and road cyclist. Samantha won two bronze medals at the Rio Paralympics, in the C5 3km pursuit on the track and the C5 time trial on the road (C5 riders include those with movement affected at a low level in one arm, moderately affected in one leg, or the absence of all, or part of an arm). Samantha had planned to compete in her second Paralympics at Tokyo 2020, but a month prior to the start of those Games, she crashed in a training ride, causing severe injuries including a skull fracture and brain contusion. We talked with Samantha about her accident and her recovery--after a lot of work and therapy, Samantha returned to bike racing and has been a force to be reckoned with on the para cycling circuit, adding many wins to her resume, including three medals at the 2023 Parapan American Games. She is looking forward to competing at the Paralympics in Paris later this year. Learn more about Samantha at her website, and follow her on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Plus, news from Paris 2024 and TKFLASTAN -- so many of our past guests were at Olympic and Paralympic Trials this week! And Team Australia has its own Paris 2024 song. Don't forget to register for our fabulous giveaway and the chance to win some Olympic and Paralympic swag! Register here by July 15 For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We're in the thick of Olympic and Paralympic Trials for Team USA! On this episode, we're featuring some of the gymnasts who will be vying for slots on the Team USA's artistic gymnastics team this weekend. Yul Moldauer and Brody Malone talked with us at Team USA's Media Summit in April, and they'll be competing to get onto their second Olympic team. Learn more on how to watch the gymnastics trials here. Follow Yul on Insta and X, and Brody on Insta and X. Also joining us is rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas. Evita has already qualified for Paris 2024, which will be her second Olympics. Follow Evita on Insta and X. Then we have Alison's interviews with the women who will compete for the US in épée fencing: Kat Holmes, Anne Cebula, Margherita Guzzi Vincenti and Hadley Husisian. Follow Kat, Anne, Margherita and Hadley on Insta. Thanks to USA Fencing for having Alison to their Media Day! Need swag to celebrate the upcoming Games? We're having a giveaway -- sign up for our newsletter, and you'll be entered to win a great prize pack. In Paris 2024 news, more hospitality houses and pavilions will open their doors, and luckily there maps to help. Parc de la Villette has a map, and Paris 2024's map is here! France Television is also ramping up its coverage of the Paralympics. SKIMS is continuing its collaboration with Team USA. Find the collection here. LA 2028 has announced a new sport for the Paralympic program. In our news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Para powerlifter Louise Sugden Former biathlete Clare Egan For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod TeePublic merch: https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=36040 Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

The U.S. Paralympic Swimming Trials are just around the corner, so we're talking with para swimmer Jamal Hill. Jamal is a freestyler, specializing in sprints. At Tokyo 2020, he competed in the 50m freestyle S9, where he won the bronze medal, and in the men's 100m freestyle S10 class, placing 6th. He was also part of Team USA's men's 4x100m freestyle 34 points relay and men's 4x100m medley 34 points relay. We talked with Jamal about how he doesn't breathe (much) during his 50m, how he starts, and his foundation Swim Uphill, which is dedicated to teaching low and middle income people of color how to swim. Jamal's work has attracted the attention of the United Nations--he's part of the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth program. Follow Jamal on X, Facebook and Insta! Don't go to Paris without your Keep the Flame Alive gear--how else will we find you in the crowds? We've got a new TeePublic store link for your merch needs. Jill recaps her final night at the US Olympic Swimming Trials--how did the record-setting crowd react to tonight's races (including one women's 1500m freestyle, featuring Katie vs. Katie)? Also, Mizuno has created some innovative kits for Team Japan's female athletes in certain sports--you'll hate the reason why. LA 2028 has announced some venue changes, which includes a major shift in the Games' schedule. Plus, some sports are moving out of California. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from Hammer thrower DeAnna Price Sprinter Kenny Bednarek Swimmer Bobby Finke Diver Andrew Capobianco B-boy Jeffro Ski historian, writer and podcaster Tom Kelly For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Team USA Wheelchair Basketball player Brian Bell joins us to talk about the ins and outs of this Paralympic sport. Brian has been part of Team USA for the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, both of which were gold-medal-winning performances. Brian and Team USA will be looking for the three-peat at Paris 2024. Follow Brian on social! He's on Insta and X. Also, Jill is at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Indianapolis, so she has a full report from Lucas Oil Stadium, where 17,000-20,000 people are packing the stadium to cheer swimmers on in the biggest meet in the country. Read more about it on our blog. In news from Paris 2024, rain is disrupting water quality in the Seine. Again. The Opening Ceremony finally had a practice of the boat parade. And Korea House will be a go--look for it at Maison de la Chimie. The International Olympic Committee Executive Board voted to have an official eSports Games. This proposal now goes in front of the IOC Session for a full vote, but we could have another Olympic event on the docket. In our trip to TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Track cyclist Mandy Marquardt. Learn about her 5K@ADA Virtual Challenge here. Diver Andrew Capobianco Artistic swimmers Jacqueline Simoneau, Megumi Field, and Daniella Ramirez Swimmers Lydia Jacoby and Bobby Finke Listeners Patrick from Chicagoland and Lorry For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thank you so much for listening–and until next time, keep the flame alive. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We're getting aquatic on this episode, sharing Team USA Media Summit interviews with all sorts of swimming athletes. We've got (athlete links are Instagram accounts--follow them!): Water Polo Ben Hallock - Captain of the U.S. Men's Water Polo team. Paris 2024 will be his third Olympics Maggie Steffens - Captain of the U.S. Women's Water Polo team. Paris 2024 will be her fourth Olympics Ashleigh Johnson - Goalie for the U.S. Women's Water Polo team. Paris 2024 will be her third Olympics Swimming Bobby Finke - Olympic gold medalist, 800m freestyle; also swims the 1500m freestyle Lydia Jacoby - Olympic gold medalist, 100m breaststroke Diving Andrew Capobianco - Olympic silver medalist, 3m synchronized springboard Artistic Swimming Megumi Field - duet and team Daniella Ramirez - team The naming of the U.S. artistic swimming team included a big surprise, which we get into (along with Caitlin Clark being left off the U.S. women's basketball team). In Paris 2024 news, ticket scams abound. Plus, you can eat airplane food at the Air France pavilion (reservations here: https://airfrance.invityou.com/air-france) LA 2028 proposes adding a sport to the Paralympic program. The International Olympic Committee is one step closer to officially naming the hosts for the Winter Olympics in 2030 (France) and 2034 (Salt Lake City). In TKFLASTAN news we hear from: Wheelchair tennis player David Wagner Karate-ka Tom Scott Sitting volleyball player Lora Webster Former hurdler Dawn Harper-Nelson Former diver Laura Wilkinson Olympics travel expert Ken Hanscom, who was on a digital roundtable with listener David: https://youtu.be/euF71DxdwMw?si=ZEeRLaIE0oCh2XfJ If you're going to U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, look for Jill there! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

While you wouldn't think para swimming is much different from able-bodied swimming, the Paralympic classification system makes it a more complex sport to follow. Classification helps level the playing field (although we learn here that it's not the most perfect system), but the diversity of swimmers and abilities means that there are a lot of classes in this sport. Case in point, our three guests for this episode. We talk with Jessica Long, 5x Paralympian; McKenzie Coan, 3x Paralympian; and Olivia Chambers, Paralympic hopeful about para swimming, nuances of their classifications, and how the Paralympics has changed over the years. Follow Jessica, McKenzie and Olivia on Insta! Jessica and McKenzie also have websites to check out for more information. The 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials will be on June 27-29, 2024 in Minneapolis. There are less than 50 days until the start of the Paris Olympics, and to celebrate that milestone, the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee adorned the Eiffel Tower with the Olympic rings. We have that news and more from Paris 2024. In our TKFLASTAN update, we have news from: Wheelchair rugby player Chuck Aoki Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng Rugby coach Ben Ryan And Jill has a full report from the Katie Moon Pole Vault Classic, where she got to see TKFLASTANI Katie Moon vault from about 12 feet away! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We're exploring team sports on this episode of Keep the Flame Alive. At Paris 2024, there will be 11 purely team sports: artistic swimming, basketball, basketball 3x3, beach volleyball, football, handball, hockey, rowing, rugby sevens, volleyball, and water polo. Athletes don't just have to be in top physical shape, they also have to work well with their teammates in order to achieve success. As we read in If Gold Is our Destiny, if players can't come together and play as a team, they're going to fall apart. At the Team USA Media Summit in April, we talked with a number of team players who are ready to make their contribution in order to achieve victory and stand atop the podium, and we bring you those interviews here (links to follow them on Insta): 3x3: Jimmer Fredette, Canyon Barry, Dylan Travis, Kareem Maddox Field Hockey: Abby Tamer and Kelsey Bing Rugby Sevens: Perry Baker Football (Soccer): Emily Sonnett We also have news from TKFLASTAN and: Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng Wheelchair fencer Ellen Geddes Speed skaters Erin Jackson and Ryan Shane Equestrian Phillip Dutton Pole vaulter Katie Moon - Get your ticket to the Katie Moon Pole Vault Classic! Be sure to show your TKFLASTAN pride at Paris! Get your Keep the Flame Alive gear here. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We're hopping on a horse and riding along with Paralympian Beatrice de Lavalette on this episode of Keep the Flame Alive. Beatrice competed for Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in para dressage, finishing 5th in Individual Championship Test - Grade II - Open) and 6th in Individual Freestyle - Grade II - Open. We've talked about para dressage for visually impaired riders, so with Beatrice we were able to explore and better understand the sport for para classes that involve missing limbs. We also talk about choosing a horse and how they feel on competition day. Learn more about Beatrice at her website and follow her on Instagram! Jill recently went to her a conversation with boxer Morelle McCane, who's qualified for Paris 2024. You can watch that discussion here (which should include a familiar voice during the Q&A). Also, Jill will be speaking at the Lakewood Public Library on June 5, 2024 at 7pm about Cleveland's Olympic History. Come out and see her! In Paris 2024 news: The International Boxing Association is going to pay all athletes who make it to the podium, plus also a little something for 4th and 5th places Microsoft Threat Analysis Center released a report about Russian campaigns to influence the Games The French Interior Ministry thwarted a planned attack on a football stadium Free Opening Ceremonies tickets are being distributed There will be 10 medal reallocation ceremonies at Champions Park to honor athletes all the way back to Sydney 2000 whose results were changed due to doping violations More museum exhibits at the Pantheon and the National Museum of Australia In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Race walker Evan Dunfee Pole vaulter Katie Moon - get your tickets for the Katie Moon Pole Vault Classic here. Former BMX cyclist Connor Fields Superfan Sarah and Listener Meredith For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Olympic sprinter Kenny Bednarek joins Jill and Alison for a discussion about sprint starts, running the curve on a track, and the principles Kung Fu Kenny lives by. Follow Kenny on Insta, X, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok! The latest news from Paris 2024 has a transport focus, including shuttles to remote venues and updates on Uber policies during the Games. Plus, more tickets will drop every Thursday at 10am Paris time until the Games start. Also, Casa Columbia joins the mix of hospitality houses. Still on the fence about going to the Games? With the influx of tickets, and this news about hotel prices dropping, maybe they'll get to be within budget! In TKFLASTAN news, we hear from: Pole vaulter Katie Moon Hammer thrower DeAnna Price Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Commentator Rob Snoek Sleep research Dr. Renske Lok Cyclist Coryn Labecki - this finish, whoa: https://www.youtube.com/live/tuRk9VxkmNo?si=6fnXWLdhF9FjJCC3&t=2165 For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Have you heard our latest patron-only episode with Alison's genius idea for 2028? Get it here. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

On this episode we're bringing you more tape from the Team USA Media Summit, and we're talking with three Paralympians: Multi-Paralympic medalist wheelchair tennis player David Wagner, para judo athlete Liana Mutia and gold medal-winning para table tennis player Ian Seidenfeld. David talks with us about clay courts. Liana tells us how she had to entirely relearn how to compete in judo after losing her vision. Ian explains how his paddle extender works. Follow David, Liana, and Ian on Insta! In Paris 2024 news, be on the look out for a scam involving Paralympic Opening Ceremony tickets. In IOC news, reports are that Toyota will end its TOP sponsorship. In TKFLASTAN news, we hear from: Wheelchair rugby player Chuck Aoki Karate-ka Tom Scott Para javelin thrower Justin Phongsavanh Have Kindle Unlimited? Check out our Paris 2024 Viewing Guide for free! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We're happy to have Ben Waterworth, one of the hosts of Off the Podium join us. Off the Podium is an Australian/Canadian collaboration, so we wanted to get their view on what's going on with Paris 2024. We preview some of the big sports and names and look forward to the excitement that awaits us this summer. Also, Ben tells us the issues with the Gabba, Brisbane 2032's proposed stadium. Find Off the Podium wherever you get your podcasts and follow them on all the socials at @offthepodiumpod. In Paris 2024 news, the podiums have been released--and like all elements of these Games, there's a lot of symbolism in them! And the official film will be directed by Jules and Gédéon Naudet. You might know them from their documentary on 9/11 (if you haven't seen it, make some time to do so!) Plus, Mattel has released nine new Barbies to honor trailblazing athletes from around the world. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Para shot putter Noelle Malkamaki Karate-ka Tom Scott Table tennis player Milly Tapper Commentators Olly Hogben and Blythe Lawrence For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We are 100 days out from the start of the Paris 2024 Paralympics! We think there's no better way to celebrate than by throwing things. We got to talk with Paralympian Justin Phongsavanh at the Team USA Media Summit for a few minutes and are thrilled that he had time to come on the podcast for a longer interview. Justin competes in para javelin in the F54 class (competes while seated) and won a bronze at Tokyo 2020. Getting on the podium was fun, but it wasn't enough, so Justin is continuing his quest for gold. Follow Justin on Instagram and cheer for him at the Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan this coming Friday, May 24th. In celebrating 100 days out, the International Paralympic Committee released a promo video. Short version here Long version (hold onto your hats) here. Plus news from Paris 2024 and TKFLASTAN, and the IPC has voted on a new Classification Code. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

It's a well-know fact that we love surface talk! Why? You'd be surprised at the research and engineering that goes into courts for specific sports. Today we're talking with Alise Kessler, Head of Volleyball for the FIVB, volleyball's international federation, and Lionel Arlin, Sports Federation and Events Manager for Gerlor, the manufacturer of volleyball--and many other sport--floors at Paris 2024. Follow FIVB on Insta, YouTube, Facebook, and X, and follow Gerflor on Insta and X! We also talk with 3x Olympian Jordan Larson, who we met at the Team USA Media Summit. Jordan won silver at Lon 2012, bronze at Rio and gold at Tokyo, where she was captain and got the last kill to beat Brazil in the final. She's going for Olympics #4 at Paris. Follow Jordan on Insta! In Paris 2024 news, if you're going to the Games this summer, the ticketing app is up and running, and you can access your tickets there. The ticket resale platform is also up, so if you didn't get an event you really wanted to go to--or haven't even gotten tickets yet--there are opportunities to do so! In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Coryn Labecki, who's currently competing at the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships in Charleston, WV (home to a great taco and burrito joint!) Para archer Matt Stutzman Commentator Rob Snoek Sports historian Dr. Victoria Jackson For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

We're going onto the field with para shot putter Noelle Malkamaki to learn more about the sport from a para athlete angle. New to the para sport world, Noelle competed at Para Athletics World Championships in 2023 and won a gold medal with a world record-breaking throw. Noelle breaks down the sport for us, talks technique, and shares some of the adaptations she makes for training. We also discuss what it's like to compete in both able-bodied and para sports, finding pants that fit muscular thighs, and traveling with shot puts. Follow Noelle on Insta and TikTok! In our Paris 2024 update, we have more kit news! Stella Jean has designed the uniforms for Team Haiti -- check them out here. Two corporate hospitality houses will open up in Paris (but may not be open to the public). Paris news that's more Team USA-focused: iHeartMedia will be NBC's official audio partner. Steve Kornacki is joining NBC's illustrious list of analysts. And Flavor Flav is the U.S. women's water polo team's latest hype man. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Saliors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng Para shooter McKenna Geer Superfan Sarah, who has spotted Team Cheerios The dulcet tones of Jason Bryant Listener Dan Thank you to everyone who supports the show -- please tell a friend to check us out! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

What happens when your event is dropped from the Olympics, but you're not ready to retire? Race walker, Olympic bronze medalist and TKFLASTANI Evan Dunfee returns to the show to talk us through that process. Follow Evan on Insta and X! In news from Paris 2024: The Olympic flame has arrived in France! The torch relay cauldron has been unveiled The Games' official theme music has been released (make sure you listen along with us) That rainwater catchbasin that will help keep pollution out of the Seine is up and running. Will it be enough? If you're going to the Games, check out our Olympic and Paralympic travel journals! Also, the World Games has selected its host city for 2029! In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have updates from: Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Boccia player Alison Levine Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea Pole vaulter Katie Moon Retired bobsledder Lauren Gibbs - check out her new workbook here Rich Perelman - Check out his AIPS Sports Media Award recognized piece! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thank you so much for listening–and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Ice hockey made its second Olympic appearance at the first Winter Olympics (yes, you read that right). Alison shares the details about the eight-team tournament (all men, of course), the dominance of Canada and the US, and some of the characters who made Olympic history. Sources: The Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canada-at-the-1924-olympic-winter-games Olympics.com: https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/chamonix-1924/results/ice-hockey/ice-hockey-men International Hockey Wiki: https://internationalhockey.fandom.com/wiki/1924_Winter_Olympics The Pink Puck: https://thepinkpuck.com/2019/02/03/this-day-in-hockey-history-february-3-1924-gold-at-chamonix/ NPR: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/07/1078270098/taffy-abel-medaled-in-the-1924-olympics-few-knew-of-his-indigenous-heritage USA Hockey https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2937749-1924-chamonix-olympic-winter-games National Post https://nationalpost.com/sports/olympics/the-stubborn-amateur-harry-watsons-journey-from-great-war-ace-to-olympic-hero-scoring-36-goals Chamonix-Mont_blanc https://en.chamonix.com/espace-pro-presse/1924-les-premiers-jeux-olympiques-d-hiver For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo: IOC Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2024, these episodes explore the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod X: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Breakdancing--or breaking--is the new sport at the Paris 2024 Olympics. If you're like Jill, you're mesmerized by it but can't figure out how it's judged. What are they looking for, and how does a b-boy or b-girl win? Lucky for us, we've got breaking icon--and judge for Paris 2024--Ivan "Flipz" Velez joining us to break it down for us. Flipz talks about the culture of breaking within hip hop and its evolution to an Olympic sport. He also points out what breaking judges look for during a battle. Surprisingly, it's not like other judged sports, but once Flipz breaks it down for us (get it?!), it's a lot easier to watch a battle and see for yourself. Learn more about Flipz at his website, and follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. We also hear from Bboy Jeffro, who we spoke with at the Team USA Media Summit. He's got some interesting thoughts about flexibility and the differences between b-boy and b-girl battles. Follow Jeffro on Instagram. In news from Paris 2024: Samsung has released details on its brand showcase Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung LVMH will have a "cultural path" across some of its retail locations There will be an African House called Station Afrique at the Robert-César stadium NBC has more Olympic shows coming to Peacock--and a price increase We have an update on that Chinese swimming doping issue from last week. WADA has issued a timeline related to the event that lays out the position it took. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Wrestler Alejandro Sancho Cyclist Mandy Marquardt Para shooter McKenna Geer Boccia player Alison Levine Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Wheelchair rugby player Chuck Aoki Commentator Olly Hogben The Montreal Olympic Park -- it's having a contest for reuse of the stadium roof materials. More info here. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

When we think of athletes being professionals, we often think of the big bucks that are in major sports. But for most Olympic and Paralympic sports, the pot of money is pretty small and that's because the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) behind them are running on shoestring budgets. On this episode we talk with Ramsey Baker about the challenges small NGBs face and how they think about sponsorship and broadcast rights in working to increase their budgets. Ramsey is a SVP at Aggregate Sports, a consulting firm that helps NGBs find sponsors and broadcast partners. Prior to joining Aggregate Sports, Ramsey spent 18 years at US Figure Skating in various leadership roles including Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Director. Also, a doping case has rocked the swimming world. The World Anti-Doping Agency just confirmed that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for TMZ ahead of Tokyo 2020, but took those positives to be inadvertent and dismissed the cases. However, this has many up in arms. We have plenty of news from Paris 2024, including: More hospitality houses An installment of our new medal-payment novela, in which the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations is furious with World Athletics (get your popcorn for this one!) Intel has an number of AI initiatives ready for Paris A Russian modern pentathlete wants to go neutral, and gets a rude awakening NBC will give some athlete parents heart monitors so TV viewers can see their reactions Paris police have cleared out another group of refugees In our visit to TKFLASTAN, it's been a slow week, but race walker Evan Dunfee has some great news! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of Ramsey Baker. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Often considered to be the precursor to biathlon, military patrol was one of the more unusual competitions of the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. In this event, teams from six countries competed in a 30-kilometer ski race combined with a shooting segment that involved balloons. The weather and some unforeseen illnesses made it tough for the competitors, but one did emerge victorious. Of course, it wouldn't be an Olympics without some colorful characters, and from this competition that includes Vaino Bremmer, the Finnish officer who competed in modern pentathlon in the 1924 Summer Olympics and was known for his aviation exploits. Sources: olympics.com https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/chamonix-1924/results/military-patrol/military-patrol-men https://olympics.com/en/news/switzerland-land-military-patrol-gold Olympedia https://www.olympedia.org/results/1615 Inside the Games https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1118962/fact-of-the-day-mens-military-patrol CBC Sports https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.722/1924-chamonix-france-1.812439 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc https://en.chamonix.com/espace-pro-presse/1924-les-premiers-jeux-olympiques-d-hiver For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2024, these episodes explore the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod X: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Note: In this episode, we discuss discovery, treatment, and life with an eating disorder. If you would like more information about screenings, support, and treatment for eating disorders, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association for more information. Transitioning to life after sport can be complicated and difficult. On this episode, we welcome back TKFLASTANI and Olympian Samantha Schultz, who's one of the subjects in Johanna Garton's latest book All in Stride. After competing at Tokyo 2020, Sammy's transition to non-competitive life has been a big adjustment, and in 2023 she sought professional help for an eating disorder. Samantha shares her journey and continued work in recovery with us and what she's learned from her experience as an elite athlete. You can follow her on Insta and YouTube. We have a lot of other news to bring you up to speed in the Olympic and Paralympic world: Paris 2024 will have another ticket drop on April 17 at 10am CEST - all sports will be available! The Eiffel Tower will be sporting Olympic rings. There are more water quality issues in the Seine, enough that Surfrider has written an open letter to the Organizing Committee about them. Serbia will have its first-ever Hospitality House at Paris 2024. World Athletes dropped a bombshell on the sporting world with the introduction of payments for gold medalists. General Mills Canada is supporting Paralympians -- look for special cereal boxes soon! A fire at the Montreal Olympic Stadium has caused upheaval in the training plans of many Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes/hopefuls, including TKFLASTANIs Alison Levine and Jacqueline Simoneau. LA 2028 will be announcing venue changes to its program over the coming year. The International Olympic Committee is developing a framework around support for under-age (minor) ahtletes. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea Curler John Shuster Race walker Evan Dunfee USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews Author George Hirthler - check out his fictionalized interview with Pierre de Coubertin here. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Note: This post contains affiliate links -- if you purchase something through that link, we may receive a commission. This greatly supports the effort to keep our flame alive. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Documenting different stories of the Games is vital to providing an accurate picture of Olympic history. On this episode, we talk with documentary filmmaker Gabriel Veras, director of the new documentary Athletes of War. The movie looks at the ongoing war in Ukraine from the lens of athletes who are trying to do sport and train for the Paris 2024 Olympics amidst bombed out facilities and the threat of death. We talk with Gabe about how he conceived this idea, made the documentary, and the athletes involved. Athletes of War screens at CIFF on Wednesday, April 10. Streaming will also be available for US and US Territory residents through CIFF Streams from April 14-April 21, 2024. Order your stream here! Keep up with the film and Gabe here. Follow the film and Gabe on Insta! We're less than 113 days from the start of Paris 2024, so there's plenty of news from the City of Lights. The surfingnovela seems to be at an end....but the Seinenovela is heating up. If you're going to Paris, you may want to drop by the Mémorial de la Shoah to see the exhibit Les Jeux Olympiques: Miroir des Sociétés, which looks at history of Games as it reflects trends in societies and is used by country leaders use the Games for for political reasons, in particular Berlin 1936. It runs through November 10, 2024. The International Handball Federation will also have a beach handball showcase from July 27-29, 2024 at the Maison du Handball in Créteil. If you're staying home, you can go to a watch party from your couch. Peacock will have virtual watch parties with Alex Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy. In news from TKFLASTAN, we have updates from: Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea Curler John Shuster Wrestler Alex Sancho Luge coach Jayson Terdiman It's also time to select the Games which will be the focus of our 2025 history moment shows. Go to our Facebook Group to vote for your favorite! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Today we're talking with Johanna Garton, author of the new book All in Stride, which is about the US Army's World Class Athlete Program and two runners who were part of it, Elvin Kibet and Shadrack Kipchirchir. Also featured in the book is TKFLASTANI Samantha Schultz, who becomes friends with Elvin during their Army duty. Sammy gets to know Johanna as well and opens up to her about her struggles with body image and disordered eating. Learn more about Johanna at her website. Get your copy through our bookshop.org storefront! Purchases made through this link will help the show earn money to bring you the most fun coverage from Paris 2024. So much news is coming out of Paris! Torch relay boat parades, flame luggage and cauldron location, volunteer kit, the Opening Ceremonies on IMAX, a food sponsor for the Australian Olympic Committee (what will you be eating for your Opening Ceremonies party?) and more! Louis Vuitton is having a temporary exhibit of sport at its workshops in Asnières. Register online for LV's 30-minute guided visit. Speaking of licensing deals, the International Olympic Committee and eight National Olympic Committees have signed a deal with Warner Brothers for Looney Tunes-branded Olympic products. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Rower Kristi Wagner Bobsledder Bree Walker Former biathlete Clare Egan Curler John Shuster - Team Shuster will be competing in the World Men's Curling Champs from Mar. 30 to Apr. 7! Figure skating analyst Jackie Wong, who was on NPR's Here and Now. Former cross-country skier Kikkan Randall, whose documentary KIKKAN is now on YouTube. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of Johanna Garton/Roger Charlie. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

It's Women's History Month, so we're devoting this episode to the women of Chamonix 1924--all 13 of them. At the first Winter Olympics, women competed in ladies and pairs figure skating. We take a look at this competition, as well as the men's event, to learn just how different this Olympic sport was back in the day when Austria was a powerhouse (let's just say it doesn't include ice set on a specific Pantone color base). The competition features Olympic and figure skating legend Sonja Henie in her first Olympics. Entries also include many people who were influential to the history of the sport. Check out this video, which features Henie, Gillis Grafstrom and Herma Planck-Szabo: https://youtu.be/pIz-cDy7sv8?si=k2PkYJhtecpGeHJ_ Source list: OlyMADmen https://olymadmen.com/editions/29/sports/FSK https://olymadmen.com/results/12622 Olympedia https://www.olympedia.org/results/12598 Olympics.com https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/chamonix-1924/results/figure-skating CBC https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.722/1924-chamonix-france-1.812439 Skateguard blog https://www.skateguardblog.com/2015/02/the-gillis-grafstrom-story-part-one.html Science Friday https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/history-ice-skates/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo credit: IOC ****** Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2024, these episodes explore the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod X: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

At the LA 2028 Paralympics, the US will compete in blind football (aka blind soccer) for the first time--but a national team is still in development. Molly Quinn, CEO of the US Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) joins us to talk about the process of building an internationally competitive team. Learn more about blind soccer at the USABA's website and follow them on X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn! If you get involved with the team, we'd love to hear from you! Plus: Medal reallocations from London 2012 (not a typo). Paris 2024 news with details on Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), Village condoms, the basketball draw, a Cultural Olympiad event, and more! Stadiumnovela updates from Brisbane 2032 News from the latest IOC Executive Board meeting And we have updates from TKFLASTAN, where we hear from: Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski Wheelchair curler Steve Emt Sled hockey player Monica Quimby Commentator Olly Hogben For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of the US Association of Blind Athletes. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

This is Episode 328. Women don't compete in sled hockey at the Paralympics--yet. That may soon be changing, thanks to growth of the sport around the world. Veteran Team USA sled hockey player Monica Quimby joins the podcast to tell us the latest developments in women's sled hockey and its path to Paralympic inclusion. In Paris 2024 news: The flame lighting ceremony in Olympia is getting a makeover. The Opening Ceremonies has a start time, and NBC announced its hosting team (one of whom may have auditioned with this) Some Marathon Pour Tous bibs are up for grabs (enter by March 18). The International Paralympic Committee has released its guidelines for neutral athletes at the Games. TBach had a few words to say about Russia. Team Australia released its kit. In news from TKFLASTAN we have updates from: Decathlete Jordan Gray Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski Para shooter McKenna Geer Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea Skeleton racer Brendon Doyle Para equestrian Sydney Collier Paddler Luuka Jones Rower Kristi Wagner Shooter Kim Rhode Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Boccia player Alison Levine For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of Monica Quimby. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

This is episode 327. The Academy Awards are this weekend, so what better way to celebrate than with the Keep the Flame Alive Movie Club? Film Buff Fran is here to talk about the newest Olympic major motion picture The Boys in the Boat. Based on the book by Daniel James Brown and directed by George Clooney, it tells the story of the 8-man boat on the US men's rowing team and their uphill quest for gold at the Berlin 1936 Olympics. If you've seen it, let us know what you thought of it! Also in this episode, we dust off our Tokyo 2020 music for a follow-up about the Belorussian coach who sent home athletics sprinter Krystisina Tsimanouskaya. We have tons of news about Paris 2024! The opening ceremony on the Seine with free tickets for hundreds of thousands of people has gotten an audience makeover--tickets now are being given out by invitation only and all ticket holders will have to go through security checks. The Athletes Village is now complete--mostly on time and on budget! We've got the details. The Paris 2024 official posters have been released! Created by illustrator Ugo Gattoni, the two posters can be combined into a single image, making it the first diptych in Games history. Plus, so much hospitality house news! Will you apply to volunteer at Team NL House or Team NZ House (go Silver Ferns!)? Will you get VIP tickets to Club France? Also from the follow-up file, the justice system works quickly in France, and the surfingnovela has another installment. In TKFLASTAN news, we hear from: Bobsledder Bree Walker Pole vaulter Katie Moon Para powerlifter Louise Sugden Speed skater Erin Jackson Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea Author Andrew Maraniss For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

This is Episode 326. During Tokyo 2020, we loved watching track cycling, but of course, came up with many questions about the sport. American Olympic hopeful Mandy Marquardt joins us to talk about her specialty, sprinting. We talk about the sprint and Keirin races. We also get into how the bike works, her uniform, and how expensive track cycling shoes can be. Follow Mandy on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Team NovoNordisk is on Insta and X. Check out her website too! In Paris 2024 news, it's a mere six months until the Paralympics start, which means that Alison will be watching wheelchair rugby before we know it! We also have a few details about Olympic Opening Ceremonies and another ticket drop. Tickets for Team Ireland House have gone on sale, and we have details about what that entails. Also look for activities at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris. Plus, a new square to check off if you're playing "What will the media blow out of proportion?" bingo. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Bobsledder Bree Walker Para shooter McKenna Geer Pole vaulter Katie Moon National governing body exec Phil Andrews For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Episode 325. Book Club Claire is here to discuss our latest book club selection, If Gold Is Our Destiny: How a Team of Mavericks Came Together for Olympic Glory by Sean P. Murray. This book tells the story of the US men's national volleyball team and its development in its quest for gold at the LA 1984 Olympics. Haven't read it? Grab your copy through our Bookshop.org storefront (affiliate link)! Follow Claire on Insta and X! The Beijing 2022 figure skating team medal situation will continue to drag on for a while: Skate Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee are appealing the reallocated results. In Paris 2024 news, we learn how the Olympics will affect grain shipments, and how Manny Pacquiao won't be able to contend for a medal. Plus, Poland will have a hospitality house! Slidingnovela update: Milan-Cortina has started construction on the new sliding venue, with just over 700 days until they host the Winter Olympics. What could possibly go wrong? In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Pole vaulter Katie Moon Bobsledder Bree Walker Anti-corruption expert Andy Spalding - check out his AFP interview Para equestrian Sydney Collier - pre-order her book here (affiliate link) Listener Nick For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

At the first Winter Olympics, medals were awarded to mountain climbers for scaling the greatest peaks in the world. It wasn't even an actual competition that took place during the Games, but these men got Olympic medals nonetheless. Alison explains how and why the Olympics awarded medals in Alpinism, including the fact that the team who won this award was truly a mixed-country team, the likes of which we don't really see very often in Olympic history. For sources and a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo credit: Project Gutenberg *** Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2024, these episodes explore the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod X: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Episode 324. We always love it when a TKFLASTANI comes back on the show! Canadian artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau is back to talk with us about her decision to put medical school on hold for a year and try for one more Olympics. Her road to Paris 2024 goes through Doha and the 2024 World Aquatics World Championships--will her duet be enough to get to her third Olympics? It's been a big news week for upcoming Games: Paris 2024 announced its medals (which are epic and may also make you want to have a cupcake) and the opening of one of the few arenas built for these Games. Milan-Cortina 2026 announced its mascots--are they winners? And what's the deal with their posse The Flo? [Careful here, we get into some weird Tony Orlando and Dawn references] Brisbane 2032 put the kibosh on a multi-billion dollar construction project--what is happening in Brisbane?!? We also have news from TKFLASTAN, including word from: Marathoner Abdi Abdirahman Speed skater Erin Jackson Para shooter McKenna Geer Shooter Kim Rhode Bobsledder Bree Walker Cross-country skier Kikkan Randall For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. In 2024, we're featuring Chamonix 1924, as it's the 100th anniversary of the very first Winter Olympic Games. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

It's two years until the next Winter Olympics at Milan-Cortina in 2026, so we are in a winter sports mood! Milan-Cortina's slidingnovela (where the sliding events will take place) has us curious about bobsled, so Australian bobsledder (bobsleigher?) Breeana Walker joins us to talk monobob. Bree competed at Beijing 2022 in both the two-woman and the monobob, placing 16th and 5th respectively. We've wanted to talk about monobob for a while, and Bree sheds some light on the sport for us, including body weight differences between the two events, why you need different sets of runners, and why they call it the lonely sport. Plus, we get into the costs of sleds and runners--you'll be shocked at how much they can cost. Follow Bree on social @bobsledbree, and check out her YouTube channel and website. Because it's two years until the next Winter Games, there is a bunch of news from Milan-Cortina, not all of it rosy. The good news: The NHL is back in the Olympics! They've come to an agreement to have pro players compete at 2026 and 2030, and we are here for it! The not-so-good news: The sliding track is one construction project we've been focused on, but there are more construction issues happening that could affect other sports and where some athletes sleep. In Paris 2024 news, French police are investigating the way Paris 2024 CEO Tony Estanguet is paid and whether that is skirting French law in the wrong way. Final spectator numbers for the Opening Ceremony have been announced--and they're quite a bit lower than originally planned. Pride House is looking for volunteers, both in-person and remotely. Find more information here. Tickets for Team NL house are on sale--and it's a pretty good deal! Find them here. Following up from our Youth Olympic Games coverage, the IOC will announce the next Winter YOG host next year. In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Curler John Shuster Shooter Kim Rhode The Big O (or Owe) Author Andrew Maraniss--register for his March 5 book launch at Parnassus Books in Nashville here. For a transcript of episode 323, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of Bree Walker. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

The Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024 has come to a close and the digital flame has been turned off. We run through the second week of competition, including feed beefs (or a lack thereof) and results from: Alpine Skiing Biathlon Cross-Country Skiing Curling Figure Skating Freestyle Skiing Ice Hockey - including why USA and Canada did not field women's teams in these Games Nordic Combined Short Track Speed Skating - the mixed relay was a lot of fun! Snowboard Speed Skating Closing Ceremony It's been a big news week for the Olympics! First off, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) released its ruling on the Kamila Valieva doping situation from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which only took 721 days. Valieva will face a four-year ban effective on the date of the doping, December 25, 2021. That ruling changes the results of the team figure skating competition from Beijing 2022, and the International Skating Union decided that USA would get moved up to gold, Japan up to silver....and Russia would drop down to bronze. We explain how the ISU's decision is possible--and who's not happy because of it. Paris 2024 announced that it will have random ticket drops until the Games begin in order to sell out its remaining 1+ million ticket inventory. The end of January brought decision-day for whether the Milan-Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee would commit to building a new sliding track (not IOC-recommended), or if they would put the sliding competitions at a track outside of Italy (IOC-recommended). Guess what they chose? Our slidingnovela lives on!! In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from: Curler John Shuster Speed skater Erin Jackson Race walker Evan Dunfee Nordic combined athlete Annika Malacinski Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Listener David Also, we unravel a mystery connected with our opening theme--be sure to check that out! [Hint: It involves this race, which is historic for Americans] For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Image courtesy of Gangwon 2024. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

The Olympics always has test events to make sure the venues are in working order and everything is ready to go for the Games. We've got one too--and that's the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) that are taking place in Gangwon, South Korea (and using many venues from PyeongChang 2018!). Alison has wholeheartedly jumped back into double screening, and her maternal vibe is really coming out for these kids. Jill? Well, she has thoughts about the YOG and is still working through them. On this episode, we cover Days 1-4, including: What officiating/volunteer job would we want Feed beefs -- of which there are many, even though we understand that the YOG are a smaller event A fantastic Opening Ceremony Another great Korean mascot Alpine Skiing Biathlon Bobsled Curling Freestyle Skiing Ice Hockey Luge Short Track Speed Skating Speed Skating Skeleton Ski Jumping Snowboard Plus, Milan-Cortina 2026 delivers another episode in our slidingnovela. Will Italy attempt to build a new sliding track that will be ready to go for the 2026 Olympics and have a legacy plan that's better than what happened to the track built for Torino 2006 (that is no longer operational)? And World Games: Chengdu 2025 has an opportunity for budding graphic designers. Enter their logo, mascot, and slogan contest! The deadline is February 28, 2024, and you can find more details here. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

How did the Winter Olympics begin? We've got the story for you in our new Games History Moment (GHM) show, which for 2024 will focus on the first Winter Olympics that took place in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The origin story has drama, competition, backtracking, and throwing people under the bus--which goes to show that the International Olympic Committee has had telenovela-esque situations since its early days. Alison explores how winter sports were an element in some of the very early Summer Olympics and how World War I impacted the introduction of even more winter sports. The Nordic Games--and its instant success--was also a key factor in how the Winter Olympics came to be, as was a marketing scheme put together by the organizers of the Paris 1924 Summer Olympics. Sources for this episode: Olympedia (and the OlyMADMen) Olympics.org Diagoras: International Academic Journal on Olympic Studies - Alison cites this article as a good read. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo: Project Gutenberg *** Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown - released monthly. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod X: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Sports marketing and sponsorship expert Terrence Burns is back to discuss how sports marketers don't get the Olympic brand. Terrence is the Owner, Chairman & CEO of T. Burns Sports Group, LLC, which does sports marketing, sponsorship sales/negotiation/strategy, bidding advisory services, and brand & communications development. Terrence has a wealth of knowledge about the world of the Olympics -- check out his blog for some good behind-the-scenes stories of Olympic bids past. He's also a good follow on X and LinkedIn. In Paris 2024 news (timely, given our show topic), the International Olympic Committee--and Team USA--have a new sponsor in the form of InBev. This mark's the IOC's first beer sponsor....and as you may recall, Paris 2024 will not be selling alcohol in any stadium. Never fear though, because Corona Cero is here! The French kit has arrived! Check it out here and see if you agree with our take on it. The post-Games plans to sell some of the Athletes' Village apartments are not going well--we have the latest on how low the prices are going. The Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon is starting up this week, and one of its innovations is a digital flame. Jill's thoughts on it turn out to be fightin' words in Alison's world. And in news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Pole vaulter Katie Moon Nordic combined racer Annika Malacinski Bobsledder Josh Williamson Breakdancer Sunny Choi Author Andrew Maraniss Speed skater Erin Jackson For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Olympic road cyclist Coryn Labecki joins us to answer one of our burning questions: How does a road cycling peloton work? Coryn's got answers--and why being short is a useful quality in a race. Plus, remember that wild race at Tokyo 2020 where Dutch favorite Annemiek van Vleuten thought she had won the gold--until she realized she hadn't? Coryn was in that second breakaway group and saw it all go down. She shares the full story with us! Check out Coryn's website, and follow her on Facebook, YouTube, Insta, X, and Strava! Paris 2024 has announced yet another first for the Olympics: Team relays within the torch relay that will showcase Olympic and para sport, as well as the support systems around the Paralympic movement. The IOC is also hoping for more gender equity at Paris, asking National Olympic Committees to have two flagbearers (male and female), as well as more women in coaching roles. How possible is that? If you haven't listened to our episode with Dr. Michele K. Donnelly, that'll help explain why this is a tough ask. What's the status of venue construction? A little behind? Or right on time? We've also got a little news from TKFLASTANIs Connor Fields, Annika Malacinski, and Sean Colahan. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Happy Olympic and Paralympic Year! It's been a while since we've been able to say that phrase, but Paris 2024 is coming, and we couldn't be more excited! This week we've got all the important news about the Summer Games: Hotel taxes, food, the Russian participation situation, and Snoop Dogg. More importantly: The lottery to get tickets to the TeamNL House is now open. Register here by January 17. If you get selected in the lottery, you'll have 48 hours to purchase your ticket (h/t House Party). An IOC/Kinomapp partnership lets you exercise on the Paris 2024 courses at home. We share quite possibly (but never say never) the last installment of the surfingnovela. The International Olympic Committee published a long article following up on some climate change research it commissioned, which has some concerning news about the future of the Winter Games. And in our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from: Senator Marnie McBean Race walker Evan Dunfee Gymnast Jake Dalton Author Aime Alley Card For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

It's our last episode of the year! Film Buff Fran joins us with a lively discussion of the 2017 documentary "Over the Limit," which follows Russian rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun. Will it be a thumbs-up holiday family film recommendation? Listen to find out! We also close our year of looking back at the Seoul 1988 Olympics and Paralympics. Our summer Intern Annalee Deabel looked at the legacy of these Games and what they did for the city of Seoul and the country of South Korea. In TKFLASTAN news, we have updates from: Skeleton racers Shannon Galea and Brendan Doyle Para powerlifter Louise Sugden Speed skater Erin Jackson Pole vaulter Katie Moon Wheelchair rugby player Chuck Aoki Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Nordic combined skier Annika Malacinski Author Andrew Maraniss The International Testing Agency is starting re-testing of samples from the Rio 2016 Games. We're hoping its not a repeat of the London 2012 situation. In Paris 2024 news: The International Olympic Committee has released guidance on allowing individual Russian and Belarusian athletes at these Games. Parc de la Villette is going to be hopping with hospitality houses -- we've got info on Archi-Folies' sport pavilions and more details on Club France. Kit news from the Netherlands! What would an episode be without another installment of the surfingnovela? For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

Book Club Claire is back for our final book of 2023, Speed Kings: The 1932 Winter Olympics and the Fastest Men in the World by Andy Bull. It covers the early days of the sport of bobsledding--and so much more. So much so that Claire's take on it surprised us! Buy your own copy through our bookshop.org storefront (affiliate link, for which we may earn a commission). We're winding down our Seoul 1988 history moments. Jill looks at the Closing Ceremony for the Paralympics, which includes a lot of sappy K-pop, a revolving dais and floating Gomdoori. In TKFLASTAN News we have updates from: Nordic combined racer Annika Malacinski Bobsledder AJ Edelman Slider Brendan Doyle Speed skater Erin Jackson Para powerlifter Louise Sugden Filmmaker John MacLeod Race walker Evan Dunfee Former bobsledder Nick Cunningham Boccia player Alison Levine - vote for her CAN People's Choice award here! The International Olympic Committee has invited two bids into targeted dialogue for Winter 2030 and Winter 2034. Did our faves make the cut? Plus, news from Beijing 2022 and Paris 2024 (including a surfingnovela update!). For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

You can buy tickets to the Olympics and Paralympics, but then you can also buy "hospitality packages," but what does that really mean? On this episode, we talk with Will Whiston, Executive Vice President of Olympic and Paralympic Games for On Location to demystify "hospitality." It's On Location's first Games as the International Olympic Committee's official sponsor. Will tells us how that partnership came about, and he also explains some of the different hospitality experiences on offer for Paris 2024. We also look ahead to some of the possibilities for Milan-Cortina 2026 and LA 2028. We're almost done with our year-long look back on the Seoul 1988 Olympics and Paralympics, so Alison looks back at the Olympic Closing Ceremonies. In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from: Boccia player Alison Levine Wheelchair rugby player Chuck Aoki Bobbsledder Josh Williamson Skeleton racers Brendan Doyle and Shannon Galea Speed skater Erin Jackson Author Warren Perrin - his GoFundMe is here Paralympian John Register Swimmer Mallory Comerford Wrestler Alex Sancho Nordic combined racer Annika Malacinski Paris 2024 has had another ticket drop -- 400,000 tickets this round, all sports, all sessions (except surfing), and ceremonies in a variety of price ranges. And they have a Christmas card if you're giving them for the holidays! We've also got some travel planning news, particularly around flying in on the day of the Opening Ceremonies (try not to), boating on the Seine ahead of the Opening Ceremonies (won't be possible), and public transport tickets (will be more expensive, but who's surprised?). Plus, another Paris 2024 boutique, Olympic Truce news (guess which country had a little tiff about it?), another installment of the surfingnovela--with Paris 2024 providing a really long explanation about why they want to replace the existing wooden judges stand with an aluminum version--and the announcement of the first torchbearer for the Olympic Torch Relay! It's getting close! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of On Location. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

It's Thanksgiving in the U.S., which means we've got a helping of Lightning Rounds to serve up with your turkey dinner! Lightning rounds are a set of five questions that we ask every guest. They're not necessarily lightning fast, as you'll see with one of our guests, and often inspire additional questions. They're one of our favorite features because there are so many different answers there are for the same questions. It shows just how diverse and interesting our TKFLASTANIs are! Today's episode features author Stephen Lane and hockey turf expert Paul Kamphuis. Stephen wrote the the book Long Run to Glory: The Story of the Greatest Marathon in Olympic History and the Women Who Made It Happen, which we discussed on Episode 303. Paul is the General Manager, Polytan Asia Pacific. Polytan has done the turf for 8 Olympics, including Paris 2024. We talked turf with him on Episode 296. Don't forget to support our Kickstarter project, which will cover production costs for our 34 daily episodes from the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Note: Links to products may be affiliate links. We earn commissions through purchases made through them, which helps to fund the show. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348

The world of sports has always been captivating, filled with stories of determination, resilience, and triumph. The legendary Tennessee State Tigerbelles are one of those teams that triumphed throughout many Olympics, even with the odds against them. On this episode with talk with Aime Alley Card, author of the new book The Tigerbelles: Olympic Legends from Tennessee State. Aime's book covers the early years of the Tigerbelles, when Ed Temple became coach of the women's track and field team, through the Rome 1960 Olympics. Through meticulous research and interviews, Aime captures the teammates' voices to not just tell the story of the team, its hard work, and its Olympic triumphs, but she also gives us insight into how these women grew up and the segregation they dealt with at college and traveling around the country for meets. It's an excellent read--you can get a 20% discount if you pre-order a copy at Rowman.com. Use code LPTIGERBELLES24 [note: we do not receive any compensation for this offer.] In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Jill tells the story of the North Korean plot to take out the Olympics--and she gets a new nickname! In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we've got updates from: Speed skater Erin Jackson Bobsledder Josh Williamson Author Andrew Maraniss In Paris 2024 news, the Paralympic Torch Relay route has been announced. See the details of the short, but fantastic event! We also officially have a novela for these Games: The surfingnovela! Activists are worried about the metal structure that's planned for the area of Tahiti that will host the surfing competition. Concerns include irreparable damage to the reef and changing the wave itself. Paris 2024 has said it'll comment more at the end of November. Please keep our flame alive and support our Kickstarter. For Paris 2024 we'll be producing 34 daily episodes coming to you from the City of Lights. That type of coverage isn't cheap, and we rely on listener support to keep our flame alive. Please invest in this coverage today. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348