Keep the Flame Alive

We're going back to 1994 this week with our latest Movie Club pick: A Promise Kept: The Oksana Baiul Story. This SOBIG made-for-TV biopic had the blessing of Lillehammer 1994 gold medalist of Oksana Baiul and tells the story of her life through her surprise victory amidst the Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding scandal (though if you didn't know that scandal happened, you wouldn't learn anything about it from this movie).

Plus, video journalist Sean Colahan stops by post-Paris vacation to tell us about the atmosphere in the city--and what tourist attractions you can skip.

News from TKFLASTAN, includes updates from:

• Hammer thrower DeAnna Price
• Pole vaulter Katie Moon
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Para powerlifter Louise Sugden

And we have a little bit of news about the Kamila Valieva doping case--with word on when the final hearing will take place. We also have updates from Paris 2024 now that it's official one year to go until the Paralympics.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

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We love hearing what the Games used to be like for pioneers of sport, so we're excited to have on Paralympian Lo Nigrosh, who was on the first U.S. women's sitting volleyball team. They competed at Athens 2004 and to many people's surprise, brought home the bronze. Lo tells us what the early days of the team were like and about her time in Athens.

Today Lo is a lactation consultant, childbirth educator and birth doula at Quabbin Birth Services, and she's host of the podcast The Milk Making Minutes (look for Alison to be a guest there in the coming weeks). You can follow Lo on Insta, Facebook, and TikTok.

In our Seoul history moment, Jill looks at the sitting and standing volleyball competitions at those Paralympics. Here's an interesting video recap of Iran's experience. If you want to learn more about the history of para standing volleyball and how it faded from competition, check out this site.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

• Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Pole vaulter Katie Moon
• Heptathlete and decathlete Jordan Gray
• Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
• Para powerlifter Louise Sugden - catch her competition here
• Announcer Geoff Wightman
• Commentator Olly Hogben
• Bobsledder Josh Williamson
• NGB leader Phil Andrews
• Paralympian John Register
• Author Warren Perrin

In Paris 2024 news, there have been a number of test events, with swimming in the Seine still being a dubious proposition. We also have an update on organizing the surfing competition in Tahiti (and how much more investment is needed).

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Lo Nigrosh

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

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On this episode, we look at the world of rhythmic gymnastics with freelance sports journalist and commentator Blythe Lawrence (whose voice you might recognize from many a gymnastics feed). Blythe explains how the sport works and what we can look forward to at Paris 2024.

Be sure to follow Blythe on Twitter and Insta!

In our Seoul history moment, Alison looks at the men's 100m butterfly race, which has a surprising winner.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

• Swimmer Felicity Passon
• Speed skater Erin Jackson - catch her this fall on "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test"
• Author George Hirthler - find the article we mention here.
• Several TKFLASTANIs will be competing at World Athletics World Champs, so get ready to cheer on pole vaulter Katie Moon, hammer thrower DeAnna Price, and race walker Evan Dunfee.

Plus, we have updates from Paris 2024 and MIlan-Cortina 2026!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit our website.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Blythe Lawrence.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Paris 2024 added a number of hip, urban sports to the program for their Games, including breakdancing. However, if you're an average Games fan and maybe have caught a little bit of breakin' here and there, you may not understand how it works. Not to worry -- American B-girl Sunny Choi is here to explain it all, including what happened to The Worm.

Follow Sunny on Instagram and on TikTok!

Intern Annalee has got some follow-up from last week's Seoul history moment, including some contributions from Listener Patrick from Chicagoland.

Also check out this 2023 BBC interview with the referee of this bout, Keith Walker.

Jill has another story from Seoul, the amazing performance of East German swimmer Kristen Otto -- though you may understand why it's so amazing.

Want even more Seoul 1988 in your life? Listener Manu put a great story in our Facebook Group.

In news from TKFLASTAN, our listeners have been busy -- Listener Patrick from Chicagoland, David, and Superfan Sarah have all gone to some cool events!

There's a little news from Paris 2024 in the form of "what story will the media blow up?" Today's entry is "the cleanliness of the Seine."

For a transcript of this episode, please visit flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo credit: Little Shao. Photos courtesy of Sunny Choi.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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This week we are moving to the fencing piste to learn how wheelchair fencing works. Contributor Ben talks with Paralympian Ellen Geddes about the ins and outs of the sport and how she got into it.

Follow Ellen on Insta!

For our Seoul 1988 history moment, our intern Annalee Deabel tells of yet another controversy in the boxing ring, this time about South Korean boxer Byeon Jeong-il, whose headbutts rankled the referee, leading to pure chaos--and then sadness--in the ring.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we have updates from:

• Montreal 1976
• Author Andrew Maraniss - check out his new book series here.

In Paris 2024 news, we have updates on ticket sales, a follow-up on the cardboard beds, some angry booksellers who work along the Seine, and medal predictions from Gracenote. Also, if you need a new watch, Omega's Paris 2024 limited edition looks pretty snazzy.

We have news from LA 2028 that couldn't wait a day.

Milan-Cortina 2026 landed a sponsor that has Alison bubbling with excitement. Also, the Paralympics will feature a new medal event, and we're inching a tiny bit closer to gender parity.

And the World Games has announced the official sports program for Chengdu 2025. We've got the new and returning sports.

If you'd like a transcript of this episode, please visit flamealivepod.com

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Ellen Geddes.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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We are officially at the one year to go mark before the Paris 2024 Olympics starts! That means it's time for a visit from our TKFLASTANI travel expert Ken Hanscom, who's got all of the details on what tickets might still be available, the hotel situation, flights, getting around Paris, and the hospitality houses.

Follow Ken on Twitter (X) and Insta, and if you're on Facebook, join the Paris 2024 Olympics Planning & Preparation group for more advice!

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Alison gets into the details of Seoul's mascot Hodori.

In our weekly journey to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

• Para archer Matt Stutzman
• Shooter Ginny Thrasher
• Author Andrew Maraniss
• Boxer Ginny Fuchs, who's in the latest issue of Women's Fight News
• Former water polo player turned commentator Tony Azevedo
• Commentators Olly Hogben and Rob Snoek

To mark the one year to go announcement, Paris 2024 organizers unveiled the torch and a new celebration space for medallists and fans. In other Paris news, the official Omega countdown clock is out, the cardboard beds are back, and LVMH Group is a sponsor. We've got details on what that all means.

Here in the US, Team USA had a One Year to Go celebration and is giving fans the opportunity to win an Ephemeral made to face tattoo -- register here by August 31, 2024.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit flamealivepod.com

Photo courtesy of Ken Hanscom.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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Are you ready for surface talk?! This week we're joined by Paul Kamphuis, general manager at Polytan Asia Pacific, to talk about hockey turf. Paul tells us how the surface is made, why it's watered, and he's got a job Jill would like to do come Games time.

Coincidentally this week was also Hockey Turf Day, so we hoped you celebrated appropriately. If you haven't, watch "The Surface," a really interesting documentary about the evolution of hockey turf. The "Smurf Turf," as it was nicknamed, debuted at the London 2012 Olympics. Paul's got the details on how the iconic blue and pink look came about.

Follow Paul on LinkedIn and visit Polytan's and Poligras' websites to learn more!

In our Seoul 1988 history moment, Jill looks at the taekwondo competition, one of the many demonstration sports on the Olympic program, and the remarkable men's heavyweight weight class, featuring American Jimmy Kim.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

• Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
• Para archer Matt Stutzman
• Former artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau

In Paris 2024 news, the International Olympic Committee says it will not formally invite Russia and Belarus to next year's Games. Surely there are loopholes though. Also, the Organizing Committee's budget is apparently in good shape, and there was a test event of the Opening Ceremonies parade on the Seine.

Next year France will host a replay of the 1924 Olympic regatta that will feature boats no longer on the Olympic program. You can find out more information about the May and June 2024 events here. No word on how difficult it will be to get the same results as the original competition.

And, surprise, surprise, France wants to host for the 2030 Winter Games. Alison has thoughts about another city competing against Stockholm.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit flamealivepod.com

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Paul Kamphuis.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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With just about one year to go until Paris 2024, we've got to start getting our daily show muscles into shape! We're training with you this week as we get deep into our yearlong look at the Seoul 1988 Olympics and Paralympics by watching the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

For screencaps of some of the gems from the Parade of Nations, as well as a transcript, please visit flamealivepod.com.

In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have news from:

• Pole vaulter Katie Moon
• Hammer thrower DeAnna Price
• Beach volleyball player Kelly Cheng
• Commentator/coach Geoff Wightman
• Sailors Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea
• And TKF-adjacent news on Caster Semenya

We've got news on the current status of bid-rigging scandals related to Tokyo 2020.

In Paris 2024 news, the cycling road race and time trial routes are out. Team Italy's kit has been revealed (not a bad deal when your kit is made by Armani). Hong Kong won't be holding a 3x3 Olympic qualifier. And you could stay at Pierre de Coubertin's home--it's being Airbnb'd for One Year to Go!

Thank you so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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We had Independence Day here in the U.S. this week, so we've put together a series of lightning rounds for your enjoyment. If there's time at the end of our interviews, we ask our guests five questions--and they're pretty similar--in a lightning round format. Because it's us though, it's never so lightning fast. That's what makes them interesting though!

That said, we're joined by anti-corruption expert Andy Spalding, para powerlifter Louise Sugden, and commentator Olly Hogben. Here's how to follow them online:

• Andy: Olympics Compliance Task Force
• Lousie: Insta and Twitter
• Olly: Insta, Twitter and website

Plus, we've got a big show announcement that you'll want to hear!

For a transcript, please visit http://flamealivepod.com

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

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So much has been happening in the world of the Olympics that this week we're catching up on all of the news. We start with the continued saga of boxing and the International Boxing Association (IBA) vs. the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

We then take a look at the IOC's eSports Week, which was held in Singapore on June 22-25. Will eSports be a bigger part of the IOC's plan to reach youth?

We also have an update in the Kamila Valieva situation, including a ballsy exhibit at the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum marking 500 days since the conclusion of the Team Figure Skating event from Beijing 2022.

In our Seoul History moment, Alison has a surprisingly happy story resulting from Madagascar's boycott of these Games. Here's a link to a scene from Reply 1988: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA5oCRQskko

In our TKFLASTAN update, we have news from:

• Author David Maraniss
• Modern pentathlete Samantha Schutz
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Para powerlifter Louise Sugden
• Boccia player Alison Levine

We have loads of news from Paris 2024, including:

• Details about the Torch Relay, which you can see here
• The decision to not sell alcohol at venues
• Flying taxi plans
• The Athletes' Village apartment sale/rental application. You can find out more details about apartment layouts and prices here.
• The French lottery's Olympic scratch-offs
• Paris Musées' plan for special exhibits during the Games
• Simone Biles' comeback

Plus and update on the Winter 2030 bidding process, and the IOC's Fair Play Awards, which have a TKFLASTAN connection.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://flamealivepod.com

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

Intern: Annalee Deabel

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at http://flamealivepod.com

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348