Watch Countdown to London

2011
1 Season
6.3 (59)

Countdown to London was a 2010 documentary series produced by Content Media Corporation. The series, which premiered on the National Geographic Channel, followed the stories of a range of athletes from around the world as they prepared for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The show featured interviews with Olympic hopefuls, coaches, and experts, providing an in-depth look at the intense training and dedication required to compete at the highest level. Viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at the daily lives of athletes, as they worked to perfect their skills and strategies in preparation for the Games.

In addition to profiling individual athletes, the series also explored the broader context of the Olympics, including the history of the Games and their significance for global culture and politics. Interviewees ranged from seasoned Olympic veterans to newcomers seeking to make a name for themselves in their respective sports.

Each episode of Countdown to London focused on a different group of athletes and their journey to the Games. Some episodes focused on individual sports, such as track and field or gymnastics, while others explored broader themes, such as the role of women in the Olympics.

The series was notable for its focus on the human element of the Olympic experience. Viewers were treated to intimate portraits of athletes as they struggled with injury, setbacks, and personal challenges on their path to the Games. The show captured the grit and determination of Olympic athletes, while also highlighting the joy and camaraderie that comes with training and competing together.

The series also had a strong emphasis on the international aspect of the Olympics. With athletes from around the world competing in London, the show highlighted the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Games. Viewers got a glimpse into the lives and training routines of athletes from countries as diverse as Brazil, Japan, and Kenya.

Overall, Countdown to London was a compelling and insightful documentary series that offered a rare glimpse into the lives of Olympic athletes. With its emphasis on personal stories and the human side of the Games, the series was both informative and emotionally engaging. For sports fans and non-fans alike, Countdown to London was a must-watch series that captured the spirit and excitement of the Olympic Games.

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Seasons

44. Episode 44

July 20, 2002

A look ahead to the Olympic Games planned for Rio de Janeiro in 2016. See how Rio won the right to host the Games, the construction work which is planned or already underway, and what the IOC think of the progress the city has made so far.

43. Episode 43

July 20, 2002

Usain Bolt will be looking to challenge both his competitors and human physics when he darts for gold at London 2012. It's Football 101, as we take an in-depth look at the world's most popular sport, celebrating its 25th appearance at the Games.

42. Episode 42

July 13, 2012

Badminton, the ancient game of Battledore and Shuttlecock has evolved into a sport where lightning fast reflexes are paramount for success. The combination of veteran experience and youthful exuberance hopes to bring Mexico a diving gold medal.

41. Episode 41

July 12, 2012

Led by 2011 Pan Am gold medallist, Rosie MacLellan and Jason Burnett, the Canadian Trampoline Team looks to go airborne at London 2012. Playing second fiddle to Michael Phelps is no longer an option for Laszlo Cseh and the Hungarian swimming team.

40. Episode 40

July 5, 2012

Contact being an integral part of this game, wheelchair rugby isn't for the faint of heart. This windsurfing double world champion hopes to become Israel's first female medallist since 1992. We go one-on-one with Lee Korzits.

39. Episode 39

June 28, 2012

Victoria Pendleton, the reigning world and Olympic sprint cycling champion is in it solely for the gold. The American basketball team isn't the only dream team on the planet. The Chinese table tennis team looks to clean up in London.

38. Episode 38

June 21, 2012

Making its eighth Olympic appearance, Synchronised Swimming is a sport of strength, flexibility, grace and endurance hidden behind make-up and hairspray. The disappointment of Beijing almost led to Mexican canoeist Everardo Cristobal's retirement.

37. Episode 37

June 14, 2012

At just 21, James Huckle has already smashed Malcolm Coopers' 50 metre rifle three positions record. A perennial number two behind Mark Cavendish, Australian cyclist Matt Goss looks to change that trend in London.

36. Episode 36

June 7, 2012

Chen Yibing, the 27 year-old captain of China's men's gymnastics team, looks to repeat his golden Beijing performance in London. Great Britain's Heather Fell reflects on what it takes to compete in the greatest games on earth.

35. Episode 35

May 31, 2012

For the first time in 12 years, China's basketball men's squad will be without legendary Yao Ming, while the women will field its youngest team yet. Iraq is back on the Summer Olympic and Paralympic map after being banned from the Games in 2008.

34. Episode 34

May 24, 2012

Andy Murray, the world's fourth ranked tennis player has yet to win a Grand Slam, but hopes his fortune will change with Olympic gold on home turf. Qatar, the tiny gulf state, will send female athletes to the Games for the first time.

33. Episode 33

May 17, 2012

The hopes of Chinese badminton rest on the shoulders of a hero they call Super Dan. We take a look at four-time World Champion and Beijing Gold Medallist, Lin Dan. Greece & Turkey battle it out for a spot at the games in Water Polo.

32. Episode 32

May 10, 2012

His very public feud with American sprinter, LaShawn Merritt, has put him on the front pages, but Great Britains Dai Greene has more important things to think about. Like London gold. World Champion sprinter Allyson Felix hopes to finally win gold.

31. Episode 31

May 3, 2012

For some athletes, nothing can stand in the way of their desire to achieve Olympic glory. We look at the inspiring stories of war-threatened Olympians. Get to know French sprinter Christophe Lemaitre, known as the fastest Caucasian in the world.

30. Episode 30

April 27, 2012

We talk to the pocket rocket, Azizul Awang, Malaysia's greatest gold medal hope at London 2012. One of the most expensive Olympic contenders is a 10 million euro horse known as the rock star of dressage. We look at Totilas.

29. Episode 29

April 20, 2012

They're the dominant diving team on the world scene. The competitors have their say on the Chinese Diving Team. The men's edition has been an Olympic sport for 98 years, but women have only competed for the last eight. We countdown to womens wrestling.

28. Episode 28

April 13, 2012

Whether they wear shorts or skirts, they all share one common goal: that of cementing their sport firmly on the Olympic stage. We take a look at womens boxing, and how Lord Sebastian Coe has been going the extra mile to promote the 2012 Olympic Games.

27. Episode 27

April 6, 2012

We look at Australian hurdler Sally Pearson and her coach Sharon Hannan. This Ethiopian refugee has gone from marathon training in sewerage pipes to representing his newfound home Norway. Its the inspiring story of Urige Buta.

26. Episode 26

March 30, 2012

Go one-on-one with China's Liu Xiang, who was pushed aside, literally, in the race for Gold at the 2011 World Championships. And one weightlifter is hoping history doesnt repeat when he goes for Gold in 2012. Meet Hungarys Janos Baranyai.

25. Episode 25

March 23, 2012

This powerhouse of world sport looks to add to their epic Olympic medal tally at London 2012. We take a closer look at the nation of Russia. We talk to Olympic champion, Valerie Adams - New Zealand's shot put champion.

24. Episode 24

March 16, 2012

South AfricanChad Le Clos, 19 year old, ready to take on Michael Phelps in the pool. Tae Kwon Do: the sport that means strike with foot, once the bastion of Korea, now with rules changes other international athletes feel they have a chance.

23. Episode 23

March 9, 2012

Rick and Tony Azevedo both hope for goldonly problem is, the father and son water polo team are on different teams! Rick coaches China and Tony plays for USA. Meet Bridgette Hartley - South Africas one and only female sprint paddler.

22. Episode 22

March 2, 2012

Banyana Banyana. For the first time, South Africa has a football team, qualifying for the Olympics, and its the womens team. Michael Phelps: Fourteen gold medal is not enough. The American swimmer still has his eyes on the prize.

21. Episode 21

February 24, 2012

Statuesque Russian Darya Klishina may be at home on the catwalk, but it is in the long jump pit where she wants to shine. Wrestlers from Afghanistan are hoping to make it to London..all it needs is a gentle tweak to their local wrestling style.

20. Episode 20

February 17, 2012

19. Episode 19

February 10, 2012

An opening ceremony update with Oscar nominated Stephan Daldry, executive producer of the creative team, and LOCOG Chairman Lord Coe. Go one-on-one with Mo Farah - the 5000m World Champion.

18. Episode 18

February 3, 2012

Plato, Aristotle and Homer thought this event was essential for a balanced mind and body. We Countdown to Artistic Gymnastics. Matthew Purssey looks to win his first Olympic medal at the Judo event in front of his home crowd.

17. Episode 17

January 27, 2012

The London Metropolitan Police has joined forces with the British Army to make the 2012 Olympics secure. We join them for a practice run on the River Thames. Look at the O2 Arena, knows as North Greenwich Park for the 2012 Games.

16. Episode 16

January 20, 2012

Vietnams dream for an Olympic gold may finally come true thanks to the determination of 17 year-old weightlifting champion Thach Kim Tuan. Take an in-depth look at a sport that was first held at the ancient Olympics in 708 BC Wrestling.

15. Episode 15

January 13, 2012

The remote Kenyan town of Iten has become a fertile training ground for world renowned Olympic long distance runners. We uncover their successful secrets. Go on an extensive tour of the home to London Olympic Archery Lords Cricket Ground.

14. Episode 14

January 6, 2012

Its been nearly two decades since this country has won a major tournament in its national sport. Now the Green Shirts of Pakistan hope to regain glory in Olympic Hockey. Go one-on-one with Sarah Walker, New Zealand's first BMX champion.

13. Episode 13

December 30, 2011

Over 13,000 soldiers will be deployed toLondon, for the 30th Olympiad, more than their contingent in Afghanistan. Defence Minister Philip Hammond gives us an Olympic security update.

12. Episode 12

December 23, 2011

Over 13,000 soldiers will be deployed toLondon, for the 30th Olympiad, more than their contingent in Afghanistan. Defence Minister Philip Hammond gives us an Olympic security update.

11. Episode 11

December 16, 2011

Hes the poster boy of British football and American soccer and now hell attempt to leave his mark on the greatest sporting stage of all at London 2012. We talk to David Beckham.

10. Episode 10

December 9, 2011

Her fathers dream came true when this tennis player beat him as 14 years old. Now shell look to emulate that success at London 2012. We go one-on-one with Anastasia Rodionova. The new high tech swimsuits are unveiled.

9. Episode 9

December 2, 2011

The greatest rhythmic gymnast of all time looks to dominate the Olympic scene in London 2012. We talk to Russias Evgenia Kanaeva. Go for a swim inside the Olympic Aquatics Centre.

8. Episode 8

November 25, 2011

Countdown to Rowing We look at the sport of rowing, featuring members of the 2008 USA Womens Eight gold medal rowing team. Cedella Marley will clothe the Jamaican Olympic Team. We talk to her about the Bs in her life Bob and Bolt.

7. Episode 7

November 18, 2011

43 year-old American wrestler Kurt Angle looks to make another attempt at Olympic gold 16 years after Atlanta 1996. Look at the first, new-build London 2012 Olympic venue to be completed on time and on budget, Lee Valley White Water Centre.

6. Episode 6

November 11, 2011

We look at the inspiring story of fastest cerebral palsy athlete in the world, 3-Time Olympic Gold Medallist Evan OHanlon. Explore the prestigious sailing venue for the Summer Games: Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

5. Episode 5

November 4, 2011

We look at Portuguese Triple Jump Gold Medallist from the 2008 Beijing Games, Nelson Evora, as he goes to defend his title in London. Great Britain cyclist Luke Rowe is looking to cement his place on the national squad with a podium finish on home soil.

4. Episode 4

October 28, 2011

This episode explores the technology behind London 2012 as the London Technical Operations Centre opens. We look at two Palestine swimmers training under famous Spanish swimming coach Joan Fortuny, as they struggle to bring their homeland Olympic glory.

3. Episode 3

October 21, 2011

This episode looks at the sport of archery, a one-on-one with the designers of the London 2012 Olympic Torch, and a feature on the smallest particpating country at the Olympics: Nauru.

2. Episode 2

October 14, 2011

This episode explores World #1 hockey team Australia's quest to win gold, the unveiling of the olympic medals, and an interview with 17-year-old diving sensation Tom Daley.