The Champion Within

Watch The Champion Within

  • 2017
  • 4 Seasons

The Champion Within is a sports documentary series that features the inspiring stories and accomplishments of some of the world's top athletes. The show is hosted by Lauren Thompson, a sports broadcaster and reporter who has covered events such as the Olympics and the Masters.

Each episode of The Champion Within focuses on a particular athlete or sports team, highlighting their journey to success and the challenges they have overcome. The show covers a wide range of sports, from football and basketball to track and field and skiing.

In addition to interviews with the featured athletes, the show also includes commentary and analysis from sports experts, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and archival footage from key moments in the athletes' careers. The Champion Within aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a champion, both on and off the playing field.

One of the athletes featured on The Champion Within is Joey Logano, a NASCAR driver who won his first Cup Series championship in 2018. The show explores Logano's early years in racing, his struggles to achieve success, and his eventual rise to the top of the sport. Logano also shares insights into his training regimen and the mental and physical challenges of racing at the highest level.

Another athlete featured on the show is Tatyana McFadden, a Paralympian who has won multiple gold medals in track and field. McFadden was born with spina bifida and spent much of her childhood in a Russian orphanage before being adopted by an American family. The Champion Within delves into McFadden's remarkable journey from orphan to world-class athlete, as well as her advocacy work for disability rights.

Throughout the series, The Champion Within emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and resilience in achieving greatness. Whether they are overcoming personal obstacles or competing against formidable opponents, the athletes featured on the show demonstrate the qualities that make them true champions.

The show is produced by NBC Sports Group and airs on NBC on Saturday mornings. With its focus on human interest stories and its celebration of athletic achievement, The Champion Within is a must-watch for sports fans and anyone looking for inspiration in their own pursuits.

The Champion Within is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (54 episodes). The series first aired on September 30, 2017.

The Champion Within
Filter by Source

Seasons
The Perfect Wave Goodbye
18. The Perfect Wave Goodbye
August 22, 2020
When driver Daniel Suarez first arrived in Charlotte from Mexico, someone significant took him under his wing; surfer Carissa Moore rides to the first U.S. Olympic surfing squad; Charlie Capalbo's brother dished him the greatest assist.
Surfing (for) U.S.A.
17. Surfing (for) U.S.A.
August 15, 2020
Softball star Monica Abbott takes her talents to a new team and culture when she moves to play professionally in Japan; the first-ever U.S. Olympic surfing team shares a firsthand look; plus, behind the wheel with driver Jimmie Johnson.
The Good Puck Charm
16. The Good Puck Charm
August 8, 2020
Superfan Laila Anderson became the St. Louis Blues' good luck charm on their way to the 2019 Stanley Cup; driver Joey Logano has had someone in the passenger seat since his legendary career began; coach Katie Sowers is rising through the NFL's ranks.
Ice Bold
15. Ice Bold
August 1, 2020
The Nashville Sled Preds are heroes on and off the ice; the memory of Mandi Schwartz helps those in need thanks to her brother, hockey star Jaden Schwartz; Reuben Kauffman was raised in the Amish community, then found his way onto a racing crew.
Heart and Hard Work
14. Heart and Hard Work
July 25, 2020
Runner Craig Engels' life is anything but a marathon; football star George Kittle's big personality helps him shine in the biggest moments; Brad Dalke was the youngest ever to be offered a golf scholarship; Jesselyn Silva is boxing's next big thing.
Going for Gold: Gym Jams
13. Going for Gold: Gym Jams
June 13, 2020
Simone Biles' meteoric rise took the world by storm; Katie Ledecky shares an inside glimpse on life at the top of the podium; Sue Bird gives insight on her success outside of the WNBA; the Special Olympics golf program creates memories and leaders.
Going for Gold: Down but Never Out
12. Going for Gold: Down but Never Out
June 6, 2020
Megan Blunk leads the U.S. wheelchair basketball team; Rayshon Payton is taking the lessons he learned on the golf course to Capitol Hill; Tatyana McFadden's will to be great has been with her since day one; Brad Snyder inspires in the pool.
Going for Gold: First for Everything
11. Going for Gold: First for Everything
May 30, 2020
Lauren Thompson introduces future stars of swimming, water polo and cycling; Kerri Walsh Jennings is ready for a new challenge with a new teammate; world-class sprinter Allyson Felix shows no signs of slowing down; a Special Olympics golf program.
Going for Gold: More Than an Athlete
10. Going for Gold: More Than an Athlete
May 23, 2020
Fencer Kamali Thompson trains for the Olympics while in medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon; veteran Rick Morales returned from overseas service to find solace in his sport; sprinter Noah Lyles is primed for another shot at Olympic gold.
Going for Gold: Back Flipping Forward
9. Going for Gold: Back Flipping Forward
May 17, 2020
Lauren Thompson takes a look back at the star-studded 2016 men's and women's swim teams and the historic 2016 gymnastics team, "The Final Five"; plus, the incredible story of sportswriter Nick Edmund, who put down his typewriter to pick up his clubs.
The Power of Will
8. The Power of Will
November 23, 2019
Today on The Champion Within, host Lauren Thompson takes us through some of the most inspiring stories in the world of sports. We start on the IndyCar track with one of the sport's most popular and successful drivers, Will Power. After winning races all over the world, there was one track that stood in his way - the infamous Indianapolis 500. This white whale of a race was the toughest for Power to catch, but as his name suggests, he willed himself to victory by never giving up. Then, we head to the golf course to meet golfer Cameron Champ. His career at Texas A&M was met with challenges, but also success. But the real struggle came off the course with his family, and the cultural challenges that they had to endure. Then, we stay on the course and drive the long ball with Bryson DeChambeau. Bryson's Amateur Open win not only sparked his career, it also sparked the attention that helped saved his father's life. Plus, we take a dip with Carson Foster. The young swimmer is making waves in the sports world with his record-breaking performances. But no success comes without hard work, and Foster's regime is as disciplined as any other athlete in the world.
Flo Vaulter
7. Flo Vaulter
November 16, 2019
Today on The Champion Within, host Lauren Thompson leads us through some of the most inspirational and uplifting stories in the sports world. We start with NASCAR star Denny Hamlin and how he got his racing roots. Hamlin started from humble beginnings as a kid with a dream to race cars for a living. With a lot of hard work and mental toughness, Hamlin has become one of the premier racers in NASCAR. Then, we ride over to cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten. The Dutch road-racing cyclist was involved in one of the most devastating crashes in Olympic racing history. Few would be able to recover both mentally and physically from such a nasty fall, but with hard work and strong family support, Annemiek was able to get back up on the bike more successfully than ever expected. We then head to the golf course where PGA star Tony Finau began his career. As a kid, he and his brother would do anything to play golf. This determination and focus have led him to be one of the most consistent and successful players on the tour. Plus, we meet pole vaulter Flo Meiler. Flo started her track and field career in her 70s. But her age never slowed her down, and her story is an inspiration to us all that it is never too late to chase your dreams.
Hope Against the Rope
6. Hope Against the Rope
November 9, 2019
On today's episode of The Champion Within, host Lauren Thompson takes us to the most uplifting and inspiring stories in the world of sports. Like our first story, where we hit the boxing ring with one of the best young boxers in the world. Jesselyn Silva may be small, but she packs a big punch. Her quick hands and success in the ring are products of the hard work she has put into practice, as well as coaching and guidance from her father. Then, we meet SMU head golf coach Jason Enloe. When the Enloe family was struck by tragedy, Jason's team was there for them. The SMU golf team proves that you are not only family on the course, but off the course as well. Plus, South Korean golf has been taking over the sport since the late 1990s, and one player's victory at a major tournament sparked an entire nation's interest and put South Korea on the golf map. We get an inside look at Se Ri Pak's inspiring LPGA win and the effect that has taken place thereafter. Plus, after fires devastated Sonoma County, Sonoma Raceway president Steve Page stepped up to help his community recover.
The Road to Redemption
5. The Road to Redemption
November 2, 2019
On today's episode of The Champion Within, host Lauren Thompson will guide us through some of the most inspirational stories in the sports world. We start on the race track with the uplifting story of driver-turned-owner, Sam Schmidt. At the top of his career, Schmidt was involved in an accident on the track that left him paralyzed. But this didn't stop him from continuing his success in the racing world. Then, we head to the ice where Olympic gold medalist and hockey legend Shelley Looney has traded in her hockey stick for a whistle. As a player, Looney inspired a generation of young women to get into hockey and she continues to inspire as a coach. Plus, we meet German golfer Leonie Harm. Leonie had a very successful amateur and college career and is now making waves as a professional. But the long and tumultuous road to success has made her a stronger person and player.
The Perfect Pairings
4. The Perfect Pairings
October 26, 2019
Paralympic athlete Tatyana McFadden inspires with hard work.
Playing Without Limits
3. Playing Without Limits
October 19, 2019
Lauren Thompson takes us through some of the most inspirational stories in the world of sports. Like our first story about a hockey team that's made up of athletes in their 70s. The Bald Eagles show that there is no age limit to having fun playing sports with your friends. We then head to the gridiron and meet someone leading the charge in changing the perception of female presence in sports. Katie Sowers has lived and breathed football her whole life, and her coaching and leadership ability has landed her a job as an NFL assistant coach. She's also leading as an example for more gender diversity in the world of a male-dominated sport. We then see the power of sports in the touching story of Shane Caldwell. Shane battled cancer for years, but that never stopped him from living his life to the absolute fullest. His story is an inspiration for not just sports fans, but for everyone.
Swimming with a Purpose
2. Swimming with a Purpose
October 12, 2019
Host Lauren Thompson introduces us to some of the most inspiring stories in the world of sports. We begin in the pool with Brad Snyder. Snyder lost his vision while serving in the military oversees, but he would not let this disability change his life. He found the confidence of his new normal as a swimmer, and now competes on the world stage. We then meet two young golfers, Bella Leonhart and Ryder Carlson, who will go out of their way to play golf, no matter the circumstances. We then hit the links with Mackenzie McRee, who fought through injury and bullying to become a great and happy golfer. Mackenzie suffered from scoliosis, which prevented her from playing the game she loved. After bullying from kids at school because of her condition, she forged on and came out the other side a better golfer. Plus, we take the track with Joey Logano and find out how his foundation is changing the lives of so many people.
Lead with Speed
1. Lead with Speed
October 5, 2019
Host Lauren Thompson shares inspiring stories in sports, including NHL forward Jaden Schwartz's work to raise awareness for bone marrow donors and recipients and the unbreakable bond shared by professional racers Robert Wickens and James Hinchcliffe.
Description
Where to Watch The Champion Within
The Champion Within is available for streaming on the NBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Champion Within on demand at FuboTV and NBC.
  • Premiere Date
    September 30, 2017