Ep 1. Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (January 2020)

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel is a TV show that investigates and reports on current events and profile sportspeople. The first episode of season 26, which aired in January 2020, covers a range of topics that highlight the show’s mission of uncovering new and compelling stories within the world of sports.

The episode opens with a segment on the struggles and discrimination faced by female skateboarders in the United States. The segment follows several women who are competing in the Street League Skateboarding (SLS) competition, one of the few professional skateboarding leagues for women. Despite the popularity of skateboarding among young women, the industry has historically underfunded and marginalized its female athletes. The Real Sports team talks to skaters and industry insiders who are pushing for change and equity for their female peers.

Next, the show covers the story of 22-year-old Kayla Montgomery, a former high school track star who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in her senior year. Despite losing feeling in her legs during races due to the MS, Kayla has continued to run competitively and has become a national champion in the 3,000 meter race. The episode follows Kayla as she trains for her next race and examines the unique challenges and opportunities that come with competing in her condition.

The third segment of the show profiles former NFL player Kevin Turner, who passed away at the age of 46 from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Turner played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots before becoming a vocal advocate for research into football-related brain injuries. The episode looks at Turner’s life on and off the field and highlights his work in creating a foundation that supports former NFL players with brain injuries.

The fourth segment dives into the rising popularity of esports, which have become a global phenomenon with millions of fans and professional players. The show highlights gamers who have made a name for themselves in the industry and examines the booming esports market. The segment also explores the potential health and psychological risks associated with sitting for extended periods in front of computer screens.

The final segment of the show examines the growing trend of wealthy parents exploiting loopholes to get their children into top colleges through bribery and other unethical means. The episode looks at the case of Rick Singer, who was caught in a widespread college admissions scandal and sentenced to prison. The segment raises important questions about privilege and access in higher education.

Overall, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel season 26 episode 1 is a thought-provoking and diverse look at the world of sports and its impact on society. From skateboarding to esports to college admissions, the show covers a variety of topics that shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing athletes and fans alike.