Blind Landing

Will the FIG learn from the lessons of the Paris Olympics? Who will hold them accountable?  That’s what we’ll explore in the second episode of a two-part deep dive from Blind Landing. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives and expertise as we talk through these issues with Olympic gymnast Lieke Wevers, US Congressman Steve Cohen, professor Andrea Geurin & gymnastics judge Kathi-Sue Rupp. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein.

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Has the FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) operated ethically in the wake of the Olympic floor final controversy? Or are they violating their own policies and standards? That’s what we’ll explore in the first episode of a two-part deep dive from Blind Landing. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives and expertise as we talk through these issues with Olympic gymnast Lieke Wevers, US Congressman Steve Cohen, professor Andrea Geurin & gymnastics judge Kathi-Sue Rupp. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein.

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We've got a special episode coming out this week and we want your help! Send your thoughts, questions and insight to blindlandingpodcast at gmail dot come.

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On today’s episode of Blind Landing…

0:00 - 13:00: The women's floor final controversy explained

13:00 - 40:00: Olympic legend Betty Okino joins us to talk about the past and present of friendships amongst gymnasts

40:00- End: Paris Olympian Shallon Olsen calls in to talk about camaraderie at the games

As we wrap up our coverage of the Paris Olympics on this packed episode, we start by explaining the breaking story around the women's gymnastics floor final and everything that led to the IOC reallocating the bronze medal initially given to Jordan Chiles.

Then, we look back at the images that have come to define women's gymnastics at these games. Betty Okino, an Olympian & USA Gymnastics National team staff member, joins us to compare the past and present of camaraderie and representation in the sport. Betty talks about the rise of Black gymnasts in the sport, Rebeca Andrade’s reputation, how Suni Lee and Jade Carey help set the tone for friendships at national team camps, and a conversation she had with Oprah about gymnastics. And finally, Olympic gymnast Shallon Olsen recounts a story of support between herself and French gymnast Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein.

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Today on Blind Landing, we’re breaking down the women’s gymnastics all-around final with guest co-host Monica Padman, host of the podcast Armchair Expert. On this episode, we talk about the battle of the champions as returning Olympic champions Simone Biles, Suni Lee & Rebeca Andrade face off in one of the most exciting match-ups in Olympic history. Blind Landing is an award-winning, independently produced podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein.

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Throughout this week, we’ll be bringing you special episodes debriefing the gymnastics competitions at the 2024 Olympics. Today, we’re breaking down the women’s team final and with guest co-host Danusia Francis-Reed, a commentator and former Olympic gymnast who competed for Great Britain, Jamaica and UCLA. On this episode, we chat about the “redemption tour” by Simone Biles and the US women, the historic achievements by Brazil & Italy and the importance of leadership and group morale in team competitions.

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To kick-off the start of Olympic gymnastics at the 2024 Paris games, we've put together a little showcase of our previous profiles about a couple of the top contenders. Rebeca Andrade from Brazil & Illia Kovtun from Ukraine both have had remarkable journeys to Paris that we break down on today's retrospective.

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We’ve got a Blind Landing exclusive today: The first group interview with the female gymnasts representing the Philippines in Paris. Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar are the first female gymnasts in 60 years to represent the Philippines at the Olympics. Host Ari Saperstein sat down with the trio to chat about their journeys to Paris, their connections to their heritage and their role in supporting the growth of gymnastics in the Philippines.

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Host Ari Saperstein takes us inside the arena at the 2024 US Olympic Trials for women’s gymnastics. Today’s episode is a collection of moments from the competition in Minneapolis, from the Olympic Box Suite to Press Conferences to drinks with Nadia Comaneci. Featuring: Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Joscelyn Roberson, Matt Cowan, Erica Schnebel, Alicia Sacramone Quinn, Chellsie Memmel, Sarah Korngold and, of course, Cecilia.

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At most US Olympic Trials, you earn your spot by being the top finisher. In sports like track & field and swimming, it’s the top finishers who get to compete at the Paris Games this summer. Gymnastics doesn’t work that way –– but some people think it should. Unpacking this messy, subjective process are two guests: Dvora Meyers, author of The End Of The Perfect 10, and Emily Giambalvo, reporter at The Washington Post.

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