Olympics.com Podcast

Our new podcast focusses on mental health issues facing elite athletes, Olympians, and all of us! We checked in with Cecile Landi, Simone Biles' coach, Italy's short track speed skating legend Arianna Fontana, and human performance consultant Dr. Craig Manning.

Remember Jimmer Fredette? Basketball and #YouTube sensation? The former NBA player is re-inventing himself for the U.S. 3x3 basketball team. We caught up with him in our latest podcast as he embarks on his journey to hopefully represent Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Jimmer-mania all over again?

Olympic skateboarding bronze medalist Jagger Eaton joins Tom Kirkland on the Olympics.com podcast. The American shares his pathway to the Paris 2024 Games, why he is hoping to still be around for LA 2028, and what's up with him listening to country music. Plus hear the Team USA star talk through the skateboarding Olympic qualification process ahead of the Park and Street World Championships 2023 in the UAE.

Two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Christian Taylor is making his comeback to triple jump after an Achilles rupture a year ago, ended his hopes of defending his Olympic title at Tokyo 2020. The American caught up with Ash Tulloch to discuss his journey back to competition and the challenges he faced along the way, including depression, doubt and questioning if he should continue in the sport at all. Taylor shares why Kobe Bryant's Mamba mentality has helped him as he works towards the athletics world championships in Oregon and Paris 2024. Vulnerable, honest and inspiring. This is a meaningful and uplifting conversation you don't want to miss.

High achieving athletes and Olympians guide you through the techniques they use to stay on top of their mental game. We spoke to Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medallist Jordan Burroughs, Olympic javelin champion Thomas Rohler, Rio 2016 badminton silver medallist PV Sindhu and teenage swimming world champion Ariarne Titmus about meditation, motivation, and visualisation.LINKS:Ed Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel Instagram

To celebrate our most popular episode of 2019 - we are replaying our chat with Simone Biles. We caught up with the history-making four-time Olympic champion gymnast at her gym in Houston for an exclusive interview. We also spoke to Olympic champ Nastia Liukin about why she thinks Simone is the greatest of all time.

There have been so many medical conditions, Finnish 100m hurdler Annimari Korte has lost count. Two rare conditions meant she couldn’t even swallow water and suffered pain similar to a heart attack. Slowly, she made a physical recovery and her dreams came true when she qualified for Tokyo 2020. But mentally, after all the trauma, she found it difficult to accept success.LINKS:Annimari Korte InstagramEd Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel Instagram

Figure skater and two-time world champion Nathan Chen sat down with Olympic champion Meryl Davis to talk about how he recovered from his 2018 Olympic performance to winning his third Grand Prix Final in 2019. He beat Yuzuru Hanyu in Turin but the pair share a mutual respect and love competing against each other. “(He) really fires me up, makes me want to take my jumps more and makes me want to be a little bit more aggressive with my skating. I think that's something that I don't feel quite as much when he's not competing with me.” LINKS: Meryl Davis Instagram Nathan Chen Instagram Ed Knowles Twitter Olympic Channel Instagram Gracie Gold episode

The 11-time world champion surfer still has a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The Olympic Channel Podcast sat down with surfing legend Kelly Slater to look back his career which has stretched out for nearly 30 years.

Battling cyclones, family deaths, relationship problems, and mysterious magic curses – Ben Ryan’s time in charge of Fiji’s men’s 7s team was truly inspirational. He gives insight into the difficulties he faced and also how he had to develop his own mindset to draw out the best from his players.LINKS:Ben Ryan TwitterAndrew Binner TwitterEd Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel Instagram

The 400m runner Salwa Eid Naser took a silver medal at the Youth Olympics in 2014 wearing a hijab and a full body suit. Fast forward to her incredible performance at the 2019 World Athletics Championships – she wasn’t wearing a hijab but now has nine tattoos and five piercings.“I don’t really care what people think. It’s my life and I do what I want.”LINKS:Salwa Eid Naser InstagramOlympic Channel InstagramEvelyn Watta TwitterEd Knowles TwitterThe consequences of the Caster Semenya ruling

Team GB hockey captain Kate Richardson-Walsh had a year from hell in 2014. “I started to ask myself some really big life questions. Why am I here? What is my value?” After breaking her jaw in the first game of the 2012 Olympics, she took a bronze medal on home soil. The quest for an Olympic gold seemed to be impossible after a disappointing performance in the 2014 World Cup. But the team did become champions at Rio 2016. So, how did she make her dreams come true? LINKS:Kate Richardson-Walsh Instagram David Childs Twitter Ed Knowles Twitter Olympic Channel Instagram Jordan Burroughs episode

US long jumper Lacey Henderson seemed like a dead cert for Rio 2016. But some personal issues came up and her performance dipped. A phone call when she was on holiday completely changed her life - and her outlook. Lacey is an amputee cancer survivor with a wicked sense of humour. She shares her story ahead of the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.LINKS:Lacey’s InstagramLacey’s podcastOlympic Channel InstagramEd Knowles’ Twitter

Two Olympians were invited by Olympic Channel to run in the North Korean capital. Winter athletes Aimee Fuller and Mirjam Jaeger took to the rarely seen Pyongyang streets as the city opened its doors for an internationally-recognised marathon. The podcast explores how the trip came about, what the two women took from the experience, and future hopes.LINKS:Running in North Korea full documentaryAimee Fuller InstagramMirjam Jaeger InstagramEd Knowles TwitterUSA artistic swimming episode

He was challenging for the world title in 2015 when Owen Wright’s world changed forever. The Australian suffered a severe concussion that meant bleeding on his brain. It’s been a long and difficult road to recover but, now, he’s a contender for the team at Tokyo 2020 after winning a WSL event in Tahiti.Links:Owen Wright on InstagramOlympic Channel on InstagramEd Knowles on TwitterAshlee Tulloch on TwitterWhy skateboarding will be awesome at Tokyo 2020 

Two figure skating legends on one Olympic Channel Podcast. From his tough times in his coach’s basement to becoming a cultural icon, Olympic champion Meryl Davis speaks to her friend and USA teammate Adam Rippon about his epic life story.LINKS:Meryl Davis on InstagramAdam Rippon on InstagramEd Knowles on TwitterOlympic Channel on InstagramMirai Nagasu episode

She was the second woman to score a 'Perfect 10' at the Olympic Games.Now, Nellie Kim is a senior judge in gymnastics – it’s her job to analyse just how perfect things really are.The Olympic Channel spoke to the five-time Olympic champion about Simone Biles, the wider gymnastic field, and her own Perfect 10 experience.LINKS:Olympic Channel on TwitterAll Around episode threeEd Knowles on Twitter

She was the only athlete to compete for Russia in either track or field at Rio 2016.Her Olympic experience was not enjoyable.Darya Klishna had to take a break from long jumping in 2018 to recover mentally.The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to her as she prepares for action at the IAAF World Championships in Doha.LINKS:Darya Klishna on InstagramOlympic Channel on InstagramEd Knowles on TwitterThe consequences of the Caster Semenya ruling

Double Olympic champion South African 800m runner Caster Semenya won’t be at the IAAF World Championships in Doha.New rules means athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) can’t compete in the 400m, 800m, and the 1500m. The three athletes who took Olympic medals home from Rio 2016 are all affected by the regulations. In this episode, Olympic medallists Margaret Nyairera Wambui and Francine Niyonsaba tell their stories.With world exclusive interviews, we’ve travelled the globe to track down people affected by this important legal case.

Two-time Olympian and five-time French national champion Mae-Berenice Meite captured the world’s attention by skating to Beyonce at PyeongChang 2018.But her complicated relationship with her body meant she sometimes couldn’t enjoy her career.“I didn’t like my body.“I got lost for a very long time… now I have more of purpose.”Mae also talks about her friend Adam Rippon, Yuzuru Hanyu, quads, and Evgenia Medvedeva.LINKSMae-Berenice Meite InstagramEd Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel InstagramAnatomy Of… episodeEvgenia Medvedeva and Jason Brown talk to Meryl DaviesThe tears behind the triple axel triumph with Mirai Nagasu 

U.S. wrestler Jordan Burroughs joins viral gymnast Katelyn Ohashi for an in-depth chat.Jordan won Olympic gold in 2012 but suffered a huge shock at Rio 2016 when he came away empty handed.The pair talk what defines success and failure and why he’s gunning for glory in a different manner now.LINKSJordan Burroughs InstagramKatelyn Ohashi InstagramEd Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel InstagramSimone Biles PodcastEverything you need to know about the 2019 Wrestling World Championships

British boxer Frazer Clarke missed out on the Olympics in 2012 and 2016. Now, after being stabbed three times in 2016, he has a renewed focus and determination. He aims to continue the success of British Olympic medallists Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce in the superheavyweight division.LINKS:Frazer Clarke InstagramAlessandro Poggi TwitterEd Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel InstagramRamla Ali podcast episodeJoe Joyce Sports Swap

He’s broken over 15 bones, ruptured his spleen, and suffered several concussions. Tory Nyhaug still wants to get his hands on an Olympic medal. With anxiety so bad he literally felt like his skin was ‘on fire’, the Canadian BMX racer opens up about depression and his hopes for Tokyo 2020.LINKS:Tory Nyhaug InstagramEd Knowles TwitterIs It Possible?

We caught up with the history-making four-time Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles at her gym in Houston for an exclusive interview. We also spoke to Olympic champ Nastia Liukin about why she thinks Biles is the greatest of all time.LINKS:Simone Biles InstagramNastia Liukin InstagramScott Bregman TwitterEd Knowles TwitterKristie Phillips episodeAll Around episode 1Subcribe to the podcast

You have to be pretty fearless to climb up the 900m of El Capitan without any ropes. Alex Honnold from the Oscar-winning documentary ‘Free Solo’ joined the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk climbing at the Olympics, how to manage risk, and what really scares him. “If you fall off the wall, you're going to die… “I think that when people see a photo of El Cap (they think it’s) risky. That's not the right way to look at it. It's extremely high consequence.” LINKS:Alex Honnold InstagramEd Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel InstagramEverything you need to know about the Climbing World ChampionshipsGymnast Katelyn Ohashi episodeFree Solo trailerDawn Wall trailer

In 1986, there was a Sports Illustrated cover. In 1987, there was a U.S. national title. In 1988, the world expected to see Kristie Phillips at the Olympic Games. It never happened. The media speculated it was because she had gained weight.Distraught and devastated, she stepped away from the sport for nearly a decade. In the end, Phillips returned to competition, made her peace with the sport, and now is a respected gymnastics judge.On the eve of the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Scott Bregman spoke to Kristie about the 1988 drama, why Simone Biles is the best of all time, and what looks out for as a judge in gymnastics.LINKS:The amazing first episode of All AroundOlympic Channel on TwitterEd Knowles on TwitterScott Bregman on TwitterWhat you need to know about the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships

With just 12 months to go until Tokyo 2020, we set ourselves a task. How many interviews can you squeeze into a podcast? The Olympic Channel Podcast went to New York with UCLA gymnast and viral sensation Katelyn Ohashi. In a crazy day, we spoke to Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Tom Schaar, Brighton Zeuner, Ashima Shiraishi, Alex Johnson, Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson, and Naya Tapper.LINKS:Katelyn Ohashi InstagramEd Knowles TwitterOlympic Channel InstagramFree Solo trailerTry our Instagram filter

It’s officially one year to go until Tokyo 2020. We invited Olympic champion pole vaulter from Greece Katerina Stefanidi on the podcast with her husband and coach Mitchell Krier. We spoke about how they met, why Katerina struggles with self-belief, and her plans for the World Championships in Doha. Plus, we put their dedication to each other to the test with a game about her star sign. LINKS:Katerina Stefanidi on InstagramMitch Krier on InstagramOlympic Channel on InstagramEd Knowles on TwitterDashawn Jordan episodeTokyo 2020 #1YearToGo

South African swimmer Chad Le Clos is one of the few swimmers to beat Michael Phelps at the Olympics. He took gold in the 200m butterfly in 2012. Chad is determined to be mentioned amongst the greats. Rami Anis has been selected for the Tokyo 2020 Refugee Olympic Team. He escaped war in Syria and always held on tightly to his dream of making the Olympics.LINKSChad Le Clos InstagramRami Anis InstagramEd Knowles TwitterAndrew Binner TwitterYusra Mardini episodeEverything you need to know about the FINA Aquatics World ChampionshipsA day-by-day guide to the FINA Aquatics World Championships scheduleDay One as it happened

Olympic champions Adam Peaty and Katinka Hosszu say becoming a world record holder is all to do with their mental preparation. As we celebrate our 100th episode, we find out what sets apart two of the world’s very best swimmers ahead of the FINA World Championships.LINKS:Adam Peaty InstagramKatinka Hosszu InstagramEd Knowles TwitterAndrew Binner TwitterTen of the most motivational episodes of the podcastEverything you need to know about the FINA Aquatics World ChampionshipsA day-by-day guide to the FINA Aquatics World Championships schedule

Andrea Fuentes has a difficult task. She is hoping to use her experience, as a four-time synchronised swimming Olympic medallist, to qualify an American team to the Olympics. The U.S. hasn’t entered a team since Beijing 2008. The country used to dominate the sport – can they beat the odds and reach Tokyo 2020?“We are doing in five months what others took years to achieve,” said Fuentes.Ahead of the Pan American Games and the FINA World Aquatics Championships, we follow a coaching team determined to realise a dream.LINKS:Andrea Fuentes InstagramReem Abdalazem InstagramUSA SynchroEd Knowles TwitterAdam Peaty InstagramOlympic Channel Instagram 

They are one of Canada’s big medal hopes for the FINA World Championships 2019. The diving pair are big friends in and out of the swimming pool. After two fourth place finishes at Rio 2016, Jennifer Abel needed the help of a new partner to put the ‘dark thoughts’ to one side. Melissa Citrini has made diving more fun for Abel. We talk Olympic goals and karaoke songs with the pair (singing included).LINKSJennifer Abel on InstagramMelissa Citrini on InstagramEd Knowles on TwitterScott Bregman on TwitterMiss Val episode

Breaking legend B-Boy Moy was carrying a pistol to school the day his life changed. He discovered breaking at a talent show. After winning countless awards and contests, he’s now a big advocate for taking the sport to the next level: the Olympic Games. We spoke to Moy Rivas about his devotion to dance, hip hop, and positivity.LINKS:All you need to know about the Breaking World ChampionshipsB-Boy Moy InstagramEd Knowles TwitterWhy Olympic Skateboarding will be awesome

Women’s skateboarding, the ultra-competitive USA team, and core skating. There’s a lot to talk about as the countdown to the Olympics is officially on for skateboarding with qualification already underway. We caught up with Dashawn Jordan and Jenn Soto to talk gender equality and equal pay in skating. Plus, will we ever see skateboarding at the Paralympics? Oscar Loreto Jr and Aaron Wheelz Fotheringham are hoping to make that dream a reality.LINKSUSA Skateboarding InstagramDashawn Jordan InstagramJenn Soto InstagramNyjah Huston podcast episodeFAQ on skateboarding qualification at the OlympicsEd Knowles on Twitter

We have travelled the world to find the best football stories ahead of the WWC in France. There are two exclusive interviews with senior FIFA officials: Fatma Samoura (Secretary General) and Sarai Bareman (Chief Women’s Football Officer). Plus, we went to Malaga to speak to refugee Ode Fulutudilu about her call up to the South Africa squad. We also took a trip to Orlando, USA, to speak to Jamaican teenager Jody Brown on playing against her idols.LINKSAda Hegerberg episodeEd Knowles on TwitterNicklas Vinde on TwitterFatma Samoura on TwitterSarai Bareman on TwitterOde Fulutudilu on Twitter

His vision became impaired but it meant earning a shot at his dream: representing his country at Tokyo 2020. British judoka Elliot Stewart had given up on following his father’s footsteps to become an Olympian. When he lost his sight, he lost his job and was unsure of his direction in life. Stewart returned to judo, came third at the World Championships, and looks to be a strong candidate for the British Paralympic team.“I lost my vision. But I can do the sport that I love. And go to the place that I’ve always wanted to go which is the Paralympic Games.”LINKSElliot Stewart Twitter British Judo Twitter Ed Knowles Twitter David Weir episode

John McAvoy is an Ironman triathlete. The first part of his life was spent in prison or committing serious crime. Now, he’s broken world records in indoor rowing and had top-level meetings with the UK government the UK government. McAvoy vowed to change his ways when his friend died in a car chase. He left behind a criminal life of chasing money to focus on motivating and inspiring people. “If you gave me the option between winning a gold medal at the Olympics, or sacrificing my whole athletic career to stop one kid going to prison: I’d sacrifice everything,” he said to the Olympic Channel Podcast.LINKSJohn on InstagramOlympic Channel on InstagramEd on Twitter

The Norwegian striker is going for her fourth consecutive Champions League title and has broken goal records consistently. The Olympic Channel Podcast found out about why she’s passionate about equality in women’s football, her Ballon d’Or win, and her ambitions with club Olympique Lyonnais.LINKSAda Hegerberg InstagramNicklas Vinde TwitterEd Knowles Twitter

Depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder all disrupted the dreams of American figure skater Gracie Gold.She won two US National titles as a teenager and took an Olympic bronze medal home from Sochi 2014. But in 2017 she withdrew from competition to seek treatment for her mental health.Gracie is now taking a day-by-day approach to recovery as she explains in this honest, open, and raw interview.LINKS:Gracie Gold on Instagram Evgenia Medvedeva, Jason Brown and Brian Orser episode Ed Knowles on Twitter

Pita Taufatofua grabbed everyone’s attention when he arrived at Rio 2016’s Opening Ceremony with his bare, coconut-oiled chest. And then he did it again at PyeongChang 2018 in below freezing conditions. From escaping avalanches in Iceland to ending up thousands of dollars in debt, the Tongan took on every problem with a smile. His sporting career started in taekwondo, then he moved to cross country skiing, and now he’s hoping to become a kayaker. Pita’s positivity is infectious so we joined him for in depth chat at his home in Tonga.LINKS:Pita Instagram Ed on Twitter Kristina Vogel episode

As Alexandra Banfield prepares to represent England at the 2019 ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, the Solihull-based athlete explains how she balances an emotional job as a chemotherapy nurse with the rigours of training for a major competition. Plus, we sent influencer Gina Scarangella to London to see how the sport has grown in the country.LINKSEverything you need to know about the 2019 ICU World Cheerleading ChampionshipsEd Knowles on Twitter

She’s fast. She’s Jamaican. And she’s coached by four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon. Briana Williams won the 100m and 200m at the U20 World Championships. Now, she is hoping to reach the 2019 World Championships (‘if her coach knows what he’s doing’ – Ato’s words not ours!) and maybe even Tokyo 2020. We spoke to both about sunglasses, Jamaican beaches, and beating FloJo’s long-standing sprint records.LINKS:Briana Williams on Instagram Ato Boldon on Twitter Bobby Clay episode

The question on everyone’s lips was ‘Who is Sarah Sellers?’. The American beat the odds to finish second in the 2018 Boston Marathon. The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to the full-time nurse about what’s changed a year on, her Tokyo 2020 chances, and why she will never pay for a first class flight. LINKS:The Ultimate Guide to the Boston MarathonOlympians hail "incredible experience" of running a marathon in PyongyangSarah Sellers on InstagramEd Knowles on Twitter

Coach Brian Orser has some of the best figure skaters in the world training at his famous ‘Cricket Club’ in Toronto, Canada. Two of the newest additions to the team are Evgenia Medvedeva and Jason Brown. “They do have a very special chemistry,” said Orser. “They are from different backgrounds - but they seem to jive really well.” Olympic champion Meryl Davis spoke exclusively to the pair and Brian Orser about what makes their relationship so unique. LINKS: How to fall in love with a figure skater with Aljona Savchenko’s husband Liam Cross Daily blog from the world championships Evgenia Medvedeva Instagram Jason Brown Instagram Brian Orser Instagram Meryl Davis Instagram Ed Knowles on Twitter

Her phone totally blew up. After being out with friends, US gymnast Katelyn Ohashi came home to 50,000 more followers on social media.We hear the full story behind the ‘Perfect 10’ routine that went viral, her friendship with Simone Biles, and the biggest life lesson from legendary coach Valorie Kondos Field.The Olympic Channel Podcast also spoke to Miss Val about what’s next for American gymnastics and what she’s learnt in her three decades at UCLA.LINKSJohn Orozco podcastKatelyn Ohashi Instagram Miss Val Instagram Scott Bregman Twitter Ed Knowles Twitter Original Perfect 10 Routine in Full Updated Perfect 10 Routine in Full

The ISU 2019 World Figure Skating Championships in Japan are upon us.Olympic champion figure skater Meryl Davis talks about what it’s like to compete at the top-level and gives her expert opinion on Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan and Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia.Plus, the Olympic Channel Podcast put Meryl on the spot to make some predictions about who will come out on top.Find out how to SUBSCRIBE Meryl Davis on Instagram Scott Bregman on Twitter Ed Knowles on Twitter

President of the Women Sports Foundation and top USA bobsleigher gave an in-depth chat about her career, head injuries and women’s issues. We spoke to her just before the World Championships where, despite being one of the favourites to win, she crashed out and suffered her fifth concussion.It’s not clear if she will retire or continue competing but this outspoken interview is evidence of her leadership skills.Also, Elana spoke well about knowing the limits of your own body.“A lot of women have this tendency to try to ‘tough it out’. I think (because) there’s a societal stigma that we are weaker sex... we push through things when we shouldn’t necessarily.”LINKS:Elana Meyers Taylor TwitterEd Knowles TwitterVideo of last week’s Ramla Ali podcast

It’s something to tell your mum about – winning a national championship. But Ramla Ali preferred to keep her boxing career secret. She was a refugee from Somalia who discovered boxing in London’s East End.“My mum… in her eyes to be a good Muslim girl you have to be fully covered. But I think just different things work for different people.”We visited her gym in London to talk family secrets and representing Somalia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.LINKS: Ramla Ali Instagram Andrew Binner Twitter Ed Knowles Twitter

Battling online harassment, body image and busting stereotypes with Madison de Rozario

Kristina Vogel, one of the world’s very best female track cyclists, won her record-breaking 11th title at the 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.Four months later, she was paralysed and in a wheelchair.A junior Dutch cyclist was practising standing starts when Vogel crashed into him at full speed.The double Olympic champion feels no resentment.“I don’t need to forgive (the person because) I have no anger about him.”She doesn’t know if her family feels the same.“I have never asked them if they have forgiven him… I am scared to question that.”The 28-year-old talked about her life-changing accident, acceptance and forgiveness.LINKS:Kristina Vogel Instagram Mirai Nagasu Tweet Ed Knowles Twitter SUBSCRIBE