The Last Gold: The Greatest Untold Story In Olympic Swimming History

Watch The Last Gold: The Greatest Untold Story In Olympic Swimming History

  • 2016
  • 1 hr 30 min

The Last Gold: The Greatest Untold Story In Olympic Swimming History is a documentary film that explores the story of the United States women's swim team that won a remarkable and historic victory at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Despite facing incredible odds, including cold war tensions and a drug-addled East German team, the US women's swim team staged a remarkable comeback to win the gold medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay.

The film tells the story of the team through the eyes of its members, including Shirley Babashoff, the anchor of the relay team and the only American swimmer to speak out against the East German doping program at the time. Babashoff, who was falsely accused of being a sore loser and a poor sport, is the film's central figure, and her perspective is given great weight throughout the narrative. We see her as a young woman, brimming with the confidence of youth and the will to win, as she trains and prepares for the Olympics. And we see her in the present day, as an older woman, reflecting on the events of that fateful summer and the impact they had on her life.

The Last Gold is compelling not only because it tells the story of a remarkable athletic achievement, but also because it sheds light on one of the most notorious episodes in Olympic history: the rampant use of steroids by the East German swim team. The film takes a deep dive into this topic, exploring the ways in which the East Germans cheated their way to victory and the toll it took on the American team. We hear from doctors, coaches, and experts who explain the science behind the East German doping program, and we see tangible evidence of the damage it did to the bodies and psyches of the athletes who were forced to compete against them.

And yet, for all the darkness that the film explores, it remains fundamentally uplifting and inspiring. The Last Gold captures the true spirit of the Olympics, the idea that even in the face of impossible odds and crushing setbacks, the human spirit can triumph. The film is a celebration of the power of the individual, of the courage and determination of those who are willing to stand up and fight for what is right, no matter the cost.

Overall, The Last Gold is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in Olympic history, women's sports, or the power of the human spirit. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever struggled to overcome adversity, who has ever dared to dream big and chase after their passions. It is a tribute to the athletes who paved the way for the generations that came after them, and a reminder that even the greatest challenges can be overcome with grit, determination, and a little bit of luck.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2016
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min
  • Language
    English