Ep 10. Going for Gold: More Than an Athlete

Going for Gold: More Than an Athlete is an episode from the fourth season of The Champion Within. This episode focuses on the lives of outstanding athletes who have become icons in their respective sports, not just for their athletic abilities, but for the impact they have in the world.

The episode begins with a feature on Simone Manuel, the Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer who became the first African American woman to win an individual swimming event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Manuel is not just remarkable for her swimming prowess, but also for being a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusivity in swimming. In the episode, she talks about her experiences facing discrimination in the swimming world and her efforts to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the sport.

Next up is a profile on Diana Taurasi, considered by many to be the greatest women's basketball player of all time. Taurasi has won three Olympic gold medals, multiple WNBA championships, and numerous other awards in her career. In the episode, she opens up about her path to success, which was not always easy, and her dedication to using her platform to fight for equality in women's sports.

The episode then shifts to a feature on snowboarder Shaun White, one of the most decorated athletes in X Games history. White has won three Olympic gold medals, and he talks in the episode about his quest for perfection and the physical and mental challenges of his sport. He also discusses his charity work, including his efforts to help children with congenital heart disease through his Shaun White Foundation.

The episode also includes a segment on American soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and racial justice. Rapinoe helped lead the US Women's National Team to back-to-back World Cup championships in 2015 and 2019, and in the episode, she talks about the pressures of being a leader both on and off the field.

Lastly, the episode features a look at legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, who won an astounding 23 Olympic gold medals throughout his career, making him the most decorated Olympian of all time. Phelps talks about his struggles with mental health and his work to raise awareness about the issue. He also discusses his foundation, which is dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles for children.

Overall, Going for Gold: More Than an Athlete is a powerful tribute to some of the most accomplished and inspiring athletes of our time. Through their stories, we see the impact that these athletes have had on their sports, their communities, and the world at large. Whether fighting for equality, raising awareness about important issues, or inspiring the next generation of athletes, these athletes are truly more than just athletes.