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
Aug 19, 2022 • 46min
Markus Rogan: Life after medals
A champion swimmer’s journey to find a new path outside of the pool. Markus Rogan held a world record and won two Olympic silvers for Austria. But when he stopped competing, his world unravelled. Markus trained for a new career as a psychotherapist, and it led him back to the Olympics - as a sports psychologist.
Aug 12, 2022 • 35min
Jaleen Roberts: Medals and wellbeing
A champion on and off the track. Paralympic track and field star Jaleen Roberts was born with physical disability cerebral palsy. But she has never let it stop her. She shares her mental health journey to help others.
(CP description from Cerebral Palsy Alliance in US)
Aug 5, 2022 • 38min
Andrew Hoy
Still winning medals nearly 40 years on from his first Olympic Games, Australian equestrian Andrew Hoy has no plans to retire. After becoming the oldest man to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics, he’s gearing up to compete again.
Jul 29, 2022 • 36min
Salum Kashafali: The fastest Paralympian on Earth
From a child fleeing conflict to the fastest Paralympian on earth. Salum Kashafali fought for survival, escaping the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo with his family. He took 100 metres gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, breaking his own world record and becoming a global role model.
Jul 22, 2022 • 35min
Anna Kiesenhofer: Alone against the odds
The non-pro Austrian cyclist who beat the best, without the support of a single teammate. When Anna Kiesenhofer lined up for the women's road race, few thought she was a contender. But her belief paid off and she became the first Austrian to win gold at a Summer Games for 17 years.
Jul 15, 2022 • 33min
Neeraj Chopra: Inspiring India
"This is my dream." There had never been an Olympic track and field champion from India. But Neeraj Chopra changed everything for his country. His amazing journey from a rural village climaxed with a gold medal in the men’s javelin at the Tokyo Games. Neeraj is now dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Indian athletes.
Jul 8, 2022 • 42min
Raven Saunders: Making a statement on the podium
"All the things I went through": What a medal meant for a US shot-putter who used an Olympic ceremony to send a message. Raven Saunders hit the headlines in Tokyo when she made an X shape with her arms on the podium. Her aim? To show "the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet". The silver medal winner is black, gay and has spoken frankly about her struggles with depression.
Jul 1, 2022 • 40min
Dr Jana Pittman: Sprinting, sliding and saving lives
Jana Pittman was a world champion hurdler, but injury halted her Olympic dreams. She came back to compete on the ice, and became Australia's first Summer and Winter Olympian when she joined the country's bobsleigh team. She’s also a medical doctor, a mother-of-six and an advocate for women's health.Image: A bright coloured background of yellows and orange and red with the backend of a bobsleigh being pushed by a figure in the all green of Australia (Illustration by Phil Smith)
Jun 24, 2022 • 35min
Anastasia Pagonis: Gold medal influencer
The blind swimmer breaking records and stereotypes. After losing her vision as a teenager, Anastasia Pagonis broke the world record to take Paralympic gold in Tokyo. Now, she uses her platform as a social media star to break down stereotypes.Illustration: A bright coloured background of yellows and orange on the top and turquoise blue splashing up from underneath. A swimmer is rising mid stroke. her painted fingernails are visible, she is wearing a swimming hat with Pagonis on the side and blacked out swimming goggles (Illustration by Phil Smith)
Jun 17, 2022 • 39min
Gianmarco Tamberi: Sharing the gold
A golden moment. Why a high jumper put friendship above personal glory. Gianmarco Tamberi leapt to the top of the competition at the Tokyo Olympics - but couldn't be separated from his main rival. A serious injury and a special friendship helped Gianmarco make a momentous decision.Illustration: A bright coloured background of yellows, red and orange with the figure of a man mid flight, bending over the high jump bar wearing multi coloured spikes and a vest in the blue of Italy with the name Tamberi on the front (Illustration by Phil Smith)
