Watch Athletes Under Fire

Athletes Under Fire is an engaging and informative series produced by the Olympics Channel. This show highlights the intricate relationships between athletes and their respective countries, the challenges they face, and the impact of different social and political issues on their lives.

Throughout the series, the audience is taken on a journey through the experiences of athletes who have faced significant challenges and obstacles on their way to competing at the highest levels of sport. From a boxer fighting for his country's independence to a snowboarder battling depression, and an African-American athlete fighting for greater representation in the US Olympic Team, the show offers viewers an intimate look into the lives and stories of these extraordinary men and women.

The series explores a wide range of topics and themes, including the business of sport, politics, race, gender, bullying, mental health, and the environment. These themes are explored through personal narratives that provide a rich and nuanced understanding of what it means to be an athlete today.

The show is unique in that it gives athletes the stage to tell their stories in their own words. The interviewees are given the time to open up about their experiences, thoughts, and fears, which helps audiences relate to them on a more personal level. Their interviews are interlaced with footage from past events, training sessions, and competitions to give viewers a feel for the intensity and dedication required for professional sports.

One of the core themes that runs throughout the show is politics and the role of athletes in social change. In the episode titled "Protest", we meet Gwen Berry, an American Hammer thrower who raised her fist on the podium at the 2019 Pan American Games in protest at police brutality in the US. Through her story, viewers are given an insight into the backlash that athletes can face when they take a political stance. The episode also explores the history of political activism in sports, touching on famous examples such as Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics.

In the episode titled "Female Athletes Fight Back", we meet a diverse range of female athletes who combat gender stereotypes, sexual harassment, and bullying. The episode weaves personal stories, such as that of Egyptian weightlifter Sara Ahmed, who has faced immense criticism for being a female weightlifter in her conservative country, with expert opinion and data to offer an insightful look at the obstacles women athletes face.

Centred around three orphaned siblings from Kenya, the episode "A Long Race To The Top" offers an emotional and inspiring tale of what it takes to win against all odds. The episode follows 18-year-old Elijah Manangoi, a middle-distance runner and reigning world champion. Elijah's story, as well as those of his two younger sisters, who he looks after, spotlights the challenges faced by athletes in Kenya, where the sport is a lifeline for many.

Another significant theme of the show is mental health, with episodes that touch on depression, anxiety, and burnout. In the episode titled "Breaking The Stigma", viewers are presented with the story of Canadian snowboarder Spencer O'Brien, who battled depression in the lead-up to the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Games. The episode unpacks the pressures athletes feel to perform and the culture of silence that often surrounds mental health issues in sport.

Overall, Athletes Under Fire is a well-produced and thought-provoking series that offers a rare glimpse into the world of professional sports. Through intimate narratives, insightful commentary, and effective storytelling, it challenges viewers to think more deeply about the issues faced by athletes and the role of sport in our society. Whether you are a sports fan, social justice advocate or just curious about human stories, this is a show that will capture your attention and leave you with a better understanding of the lives of athletes competing at the highest levels.