

Blind Landing
Ari Saperstein
Blind Landing is an award-winning independent documentary podcast. Hosted by Ari Saperstein, the series goes behind the scenes in the world of Olympic sports including gymnastics and figure skating. Blind Landing has been featured in dozens of publications around the world, including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vulture and Elle. The series was named one of The Atlantic’s Best Podcasts of 2021, a 2022 Webby Awards & AIPS Awards honoree, and won the 2023 Ambie Award for Best Independent Podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 4, 2022 • 2min
Blind Landing: Season Two Trailer
The new season of Blind Landing is all about… figure skating! We’re taking you behind the scenes with the biggest names in the sport, from Adam Rippon to Kristi Yamaguchi, and telling the stories of skaters who dared to challenge the norms and put everything on the line for something greater than gold. New episodes coming February 7th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 18, 2021 • 28min
A Look At Safety In Gymnastics: Part 2
When it comes to addressing the safety concerns gymnasts have about competitions, there are structures in place to help gymnasts be heard... but are these structures working? Can they work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 18, 2021 • 27min
A Look At Safety In Gymnastics: Part 1
We spoke with Olympic gymnasts from around the world about the current state of safety at competitions. Twenty years after the Sydney vault controversy, things have changed. And not necessarily for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2021 • 31min
The Vault: Part 5
On the final episode of Blind Landing, British gymnast Lisa Mason reflects on the culture she trained in. Elise and Allana discuss the impact that the Sydney Olympics had on their lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2021 • 26min
The Vault: Part 4
Romanian gymnast Maria Olaru discusses how the vault problem might have been stopped before it even started. Olympic officials explain what was happening behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2021 • 27min
The Vault: Part 3
The officials tried to solve the vault problem. Their decision had major consequences for everyone in the arena – but no one more so than the frontrunner, Russia’s Svetlana Khorkina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2021 • 20min
The Vault: Part 2
The story of the 2000 women’s gymnastics all-around final picks up with Australian gymnast Allana Slater. In the midst of the competition, Allana realized that it was no coincidence gymnasts were falling on vault. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2021 • 25min
The Vault: Part 1
Elise Ray, America’s top gymnast, qualified for the 2000 Olympics with big dreams –– but during the all-around final, high expectations clashed with reality and came crashing down. Literally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 25, 2021 • 3min
Blind Landing: Season One Trailer
Blind Landing is the untold story of the greatest mistake in Olympic history. All episodes available on July 19th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


