Ep 8. 9.79* (Daniel Gordon)

In the second season of the critically acclaimed documentary series, 30 For 30, episode 8 titled "9.79*" focuses on one of the most controversial events in the history of the Olympic Games - the men's 100-meter final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The episode is directed by British filmmaker Daniel Gordon.

The episode delves deep into the race that saw Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson beat his rival, American Carl Lewis, to win the gold medal and set a new world record of 9.79 seconds. Johnson's victory was celebrated across Canada and marked a historic moment in the country's sporting history.

However, the euphoria was short-lived as just two days later, Johnson was stripped of his gold medal and world record after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The scandal shook the Olympic world, and Johnson was banned from athletics for two years.

The episode features in-depth interviews with Johnson, Lewis, and other athletes who participated in the race, as they reflect on what happened on that fateful day. Through these conversations, the episode explores the game-changing moment in the history of the Olympic Games and its impact on the sport of athletics.

Apart from the interviews with the athletes, the episode also features archival footage of the race, as well as exclusive footage of Johnson's training sessions and his life after the scandal.

Moreover, the episode also discusses the political implications of the scandal, as it coincided with the height of the Cold War. The global attention on the Olympics and its subsequent doping scandal demonstrated how sport had become a tool for nations to display their power on the world stage.

The episode provides a gripping portrayal of the events leading up to and following the race. It highlights the pressure on athletes to win at all costs and the consequences of failing to play by the rules. It also explores the political tensions that underlined the 1988 Seoul Olympics and how they contributed to the explosive fallout of the men's 100-meter race.

Overall, "9.79*" is a must-watch episode in the 30 For 30 series, as it portrays the rise and fall of one of the most celebrated athletes in the world and examines the larger issues of corruption, power, and the pursuit of excellence in sports.