Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 12 Episode 9 Driving Alone; Under the Influence; Bigger Is Better; Common Goal

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel season 12 episode 9 titled "Driving Alone; Under the Influence; Bigger Is Better; Common Goal" takes a closer look at various aspects of sports and athletics, from the potential danger of solo drives on long-distance bike rides, the issues surrounding athletes and drug use, the push for bigger and faster in sports equipment, and the power of sports to bring together people from all walks of life.

In the first segment, "Driving Alone," Real Sports gathers the stories of several cyclists who have attempted solo rides across long distances. While the concept of riding alone can be liberating, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Host Bryant Gumbel interviews several riders who have had close calls or who have witnessed accidents while completing solo rides. They discuss factors that may contribute to accidents, including fatigue, distracted driving, and unpredictable weather. The segment also explores some of the precautions riders can take to help mitigate the risks of these solo trips.

The second segment, "Under the Influence," focuses on the problem of drug and alcohol use among athletes. Real Sports looks at the stories of professional athletes who have struggled with addiction and the impact that addiction can have on their careers. The segment also looks at some of the factors that may contribute to drug use among athletes, such as intense pressure to perform, injury and pain management, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The show also investigates the various measures that sports organizations and governing bodies have taken to try to detect and prevent drug use.

In the third segment, "Bigger Is Better," Real Sports takes a look at the trend of increasing size and speed in sports equipment. As athletes are becoming bigger and stronger, so too are the tools of their trade. From larger baseball bats to more aerodynamic water skis, equipment manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. But is faster always better? Host Bryant Gumbel interviews several experts who express concern that this race for the biggest and fastest could come at a dangerous cost, such as injuries from larger, more powerful equipment.

Finally, in the segment "Common Goal," Real Sports explores the power of sports to bring together people of all backgrounds and nationalities. The show looks at several programs around the world that use sports as a tool for social change, from efforts to empower young girls through soccer in Africa to a program bringing together people from all walks of life in Israel through a shared love of basketball. Host Bryant Gumbel interviews people on the ground who have seen the impact that sports can have in bringing people together and inspiring positive change.

Overall, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel season 12 episode 9 showcases the many different facets of sports and athletics, from the potential dangers of solo long-distance biking to the transformative power of sports in creating a more connected and equitable world.