On the Podium
BBC World Service
The stories behind the medals. As the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics approach, comedian Eliza Skinner and athletics commentator Ed Harry interview remarkable athletes about the journeys they took to the Games. Basketball champion Breanna Stewart and shot-putter Raven Saunders explain why they use the platform sport gives them to act as advocates. Swimmer Anastasia Pagonis and rower Brigit Skarstein share how sport helped them rebuild their futures after life-changing events, while John McFall, Markus Rogan and Maarten van der Weijden talk about the lives they have found after leaving competition behind. Multi-sport stars like Oksana Masters and Jana Pittman reveal what it's like to compete at both the summer and winter Games. There's stories of memorable victories, like the moment high jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi chose to share his gold medal, and Shaunae Miller-Uibo putting everything on the line to reach the top step of the podium. Plus, the triumphs nobody predicted, including Molly Seidel's shock marathon bronze, and the day Anna Kiesenhofer rode away from cycling's biggest names to claim gold in Tokyo.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2023 • 55min
Carrie Steinseifer-Bates: Swimming was her escape
From an alcoholic home to three gold medals aged 16, swimming was Carrie Steinseifer-Bates’s "safe place". But the pressure of being an elite athlete took its toll, and Carrie herself became an alcoholic. Today she is sober and dedicated to helping others.
Oct 1, 2023 • 36min
Jared Tallent: Fighting the drug cheat
Jared Tallent, Australia’s track and field gold medallist and Olympic silver medallist in race walking, fought for years to get his rightful gold medal following a doping scandal. Misconceptions about comedians and an Olympic race walking champion are debunked. The prevalence of doping among Russian athletes and the frustrations of competing against them are discussed. The pace and course layout of elite race walking, as well as the frustrations and difficulties of coaching, are explored.
Sep 24, 2023 • 42min
Kaleigh Gilchrist: In the name of Kobe
Olympic water polo gold medallist Kaleigh Gilchrist discusses her friendship with Kobe Bryant, her recovery from a balcony collapse, the dynamics within the water polo team, competitive burnout in surfing, a fake desert bar wedding, and the intense selection process for the Olympic team.
Sep 17, 2023 • 36min
Nikita Ducarroz: The power of sport
"It saved my life." Olympic bronze medallist Nikita Ducarroz shares her journey from battling anxiety attacks to becoming a champion in BMX freestyle park. She discusses the impact of BMX on managing fears, the intricacies of competition, and the importance of being open about mental health.
Sep 10, 2023 • 42min
Yip Pin Xiu: Swimming for gold
Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian, with five gold medals. When Yip Pin Xiu won her first gold at the Beijing Paralympics, she was the youngest in her country’s team. And it was the first time ever that Singapore’s national anthem had been played in an Olympic arena.
Sep 3, 2023 • 43min
Santiago Lange: Sailing to gold
The Argentinian legend who fought back from cancer. Santiago had won Olympic bronze before he got sick. After years of struggle, he came back to take gold at the Rio Games.
Aug 27, 2023 • 38min
Breanna Stewart: Shooting for gold
Breanna Stewart, star basketball player and advocate for victims of child sexual abuse, discusses her experience and activism. She reflects on the unique challenge of competing without crowds at the Tokyo Olympics and the joy of winning a sixth straight gold medal. The speakers also discuss the importance of using their platform for activism and the power of sharing personal stories. They explore how motherhood has changed their priorities and the correlation between authenticity and athletic performance.
Aug 20, 2023 • 42min
Denny Morrison: Coming back from tragedy
Gold medal-winning speed skater Denny Morrison’s near death experience, and a teammate’s selflessness. A competitor gave up his place to give Denny a sporting break, but a devastating motorbike accident was to follow. He fought back against multiple injuries, before then suffering a stroke. But Denny refused to be beaten, qualifying for the 2018 Olympics.
Aug 13, 2023 • 40min
Birgit Skarstein: Paralympic role model
Paralympian Birgit Skarstein talks about challenging stereotypes in women's sport and disability rights, reflecting on her gold medal win at the Tokyo Paralympics and her experience on Dancing With The Stars as a wheelchair user. She also discusses overcoming challenges and embracing independence, and emphasizes the importance of resilience and living in the present.
Aug 6, 2023 • 45min
Molly Seidel: The unlikely medallist
Olympic bronze against the odds, in only Molly Seidel's third ever marathon. Her success came after years of battling an eating disorder – a struggle with which she still lives. She talks about her mental health issues and the physical problems which bulimia can cause.
