Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 20 Episode 7 The Price of Glory; The Future of Golf; A League of Their Own
- July 22, 2014
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, the acclaimed sports journalism program on HBO, returns with an episode highlighting the high stakes of athletic competition and the future of one of the world's most beloved games. In season 20 episode 7, titled "The Price of Glory; The Future of Golf; A League of Their Own," viewers are treated to a trio of stories that examine the cost of chasing athletic excellence, the evolving landscape of golf, and the impact of a historic movie on women's sports.
The first segment of the show is titled "The Price of Glory" and explores the pressures faced by young athletes in pursuit of Olympic gold. Through interviews with former Olympic medalists and psychologists, the episode delves into the physical, emotional, and financial tolls of training at an elite level. The segment also examines the role of parents and coaches in ensuring the well-being of young athletes, as well as the steps being taken by organizations like the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to prioritize athlete safety.
The second story, titled "The Future of Golf," takes a look at the changing landscape of the sport and the efforts being made to attract younger players. With golf facing declining participation rates, the episode explores initiatives like Topgolf and the PGA Junior League, as well as the game's return to the Olympics in 2016. Experts offer insights into the challenges faced by the sport, including its association with exclusivity and the difficulty of playing at a high level, and discuss potential solutions for engaging a new generation of players.
Finally, the third segment of the show is titled "A League of Their Own," and revisits the impact of the iconic 1992 film about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The episode features interviews with former players from the league, including sisters Maybelle and Katie Blair, who share their experiences playing professional baseball during a time when women's sports were not taken seriously. The segment explores how the film has inspired generations of young female athletes and helped to shift perceptions about women's athletics.
Overall, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel season 20 episode 7 offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at the high stakes and changing landscapes of sport. Through compelling storytelling and insightful interviews, the episode touches on important themes like athlete well-being, inclusion in sport, and the power of representation in media. Fans of the show and sports enthusiasts alike will find much to appreciate in this latest installment of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.