Keep the Flame Alive

We love the fact that we have listeners from all over the world, and while we do love Team USA, we are also really happy when we can bring a different country's perspective to our show.

Today we're talking about New Zealand and what participating in the Olympics means for its national identity. Our guest is Dr. Micheal Warren, an adjunct research fellow at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. We talk with Micheal about New Zealand's place in Olympic history--and it has a pretty prominent one for being a small country--how the stance "politics and sport don't mix" changes at one's convenience, and how a "disastrous" Olympic performance has changed the way the government funds athletes.

We also talked about the cultural elements within Team New Zealand and its "Earn the Fern" program. Micheal gives us some things to notice about Team NZ during an Opening Ceremonies and explains their symbolism. And we get into haka talk.

A haka is Maori war dance that's used in ceremonies, celebrations and as challenges. Most notably, the All Blacks, the national rugby team, are famous for their pre-match hakas. You might see them at the Olympics too -- Micheal tells us when to look for them. He mentions how Kiwi fans performed a haka for gold medalist Sarah Ulmer at Athens 2004. You can see her reaction here.

Now, Jill loves a good haka, so this episode has encouraged her to go down a YouTube rabbit hole. Here are some of her favorites (excuse her while she grabs a Kleenex--she gets pretty emotional watching them):

• A haka for Queen Elizabeth II
• An epic All Blacks haka
• The farewell haka for Mr. John Adams
• New Zealand vs. USA at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup
• New Zealand men's rugby at Rio 2016

If you've got a favorite haka, send it to us! We're at [email protected] (just don't send that wedding one -- that one really makes Jill cry).

But back to our guest. Micheal's dissertation about the Olympics and national identity is a great read. You can find it here. You can also follow him on Twitter to keep up with the news on New Zealand's Olympic efforts.

If you liked this episode, you may also like:

• Episode 42: Montreal's Olympic Legacy
• Episode 70: Archiving the Olympics with Teri Hedgpeth

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

We've been working on getting into equestrian events and thought, Well, why don't we start with how horses actually get to the Olympics? In this episode we're joined by Martin Atock, Managing Director at Peden Bloodstock, the firm that's been transporting horses to the Olympics since Montreal 1976. Martin tells us the incredible amount of logistical work that's involved and what it's like for a horse to fly on an airplane.

You can learn more about Peden Bloodstock at its website, and its Facebook page has great videos showing them in action with the horses.

This episode is also chock full of fun facts, including Taiwan government ministers making promises of snacks if Taiwan gets 4 golds in Tokyo. We don't get it either (we obviously missed an earlier story that explains more), but we'd certainly be in line for them if it happens. Alison's on snack watch!

We also talk legacy -- Jill's got another Olympic swimming pool to put on her list, and we discuss what responsibilities international federations have in ensuring the legacy of Olympic venues.

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

The US Olympic Committee's training facility in Colorado Springs plays hosts to hundreds of athletes every year. Some spend a week or two on campus for special training; others live there year round. To make sure the athletes are getting everything they need, the USOC relies on Sherry Von Riesen, athlete services coordinator -- or better known as Team Mom. In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, we learn more about how she helps the athletes become their best.

We've also got a lot of Team Olympic Fever news on the docket and some Tokyo 2020 updates (hint: Some International Federations aren't happy with what's going on).

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

It's time for another Olympic Fever Book Club episode, which means a great conversation with our friend Book Club Claire! Today we're talking about "The Second Mark: Courage, Corruption, and the Battle for Olympic Gold" by Joy Goodwin. This book documents the judging scandal around the 2002 Olympic pairs figure skating competition, which resulted in a whole new system of judging.

If you want to see these pairs' programs from Salt Lake City 2002, we've got them right here:

Salé & Pelletier -

• short: https://youtu.be/h_Zsq2uwND0
• long program: https://youtu.be/BjY_LtNtVDc

Berezhnaya & Sikhardulize -

• short: https://youtu.be/dAJUcgMZMO4
• long program: https://youtu.be/E4S7c9s56A4

Shen & Zhao -

• short: https://youtu.be/FXZayW_DFYg
• long: https://youtu.be/iIdqjryYbQI

Here's Berezhnaya & Sikhardulize's Chaplin program. And, for good measure, we've got some "Battle of the Blades" action -- both Jamie Salé and David Pelletier were on the show on "Battle of the Blades," which is coming back to TV this fall!

Speaking of scandals, there's a new development in the Russian doping scandal, so we bring you up to speed on that and learn about an opportunity Jill could be uniquely qualified for.

We also have some exciting updates on our Team Olympic Fever members Meagan Duhamel, Jacqueline Simoneau and Nick Cunningham.

Our next Book Club book will be Shirley Babshoff's Making Waves: My Journey to Winning Olympic Gold and Defeating the East German Doping Program. We're excited to have the opportunity to explore the East German doping scandal (speaking of doping scandals....), so we're looking forward to this read.

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

The Lightning Round is back! We pose the same questions to our guests; you'll be fascinated by their answers. This time we're joined by the dulcet tones of wrestling announcer Jason Bryant, sustainability expert Matthew Campelli (or, as we prefer to call him, MCamp) and U.S. Olympic Committee archivist Teri Hedgpeth.

We also have some information on tickets for Tokyo 2020.....or at least a sympathetic article on how confusing the process is. That said, if you're living in Japan, your ticket lottery application opens on May 9. For the rest of the world, tickets will be available through an authorized reseller in June. The Tokyo 2020 website has more info on that whole process.

If you like the show, share it with a friend. We're always looking for more Olympic fans to add to the fold. Thanks for tuning in, and keep the flame alive!

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

Professional athletes make a boatload of money, right? Well, not most American Olympians. They rely on agents like this week's guest Jesse Lichtenberg, founder of JL Management, to help them get exposure to their sport and their endeavors -- and hopefully land some deals that will lift them above the poverty line. Jesse talks with us about being an agent to sliders--luge, bobsled and skeleton--and what you need to be a successful agent (hint: killer negotiating skills are just part of the puzzle. Sharpies and peanut M&Ms are also key).

You can find more information about Jesse's company, at JL Management, and follow her on Twitter.

Also in this week's news, the event session schedule for Tokyo 2020 has been released -- and some events really benefit the US prime time TV viewers.

If you'd like to hire Team Olympic Fever member John Shuster to send a greeting to your loved one, check out his profile on Cameo.

And, here's more info about the Paralympics' first video game!

Finally, a big thank you to our Patreon patrons -- we couldn't do the show without you!

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

This week we wondered just how well the IOC is doing in its sustainable initiatives -- they talk the talk, but are they walking the walk? To help us understand the issues better, we're joined by Matthew Campelli, editor of The Sustainability Report, an online publication that looks at sports and the ways major events and teams are adding sustainable elements to combat climate change and improve working conditions around the world.

Matthew tells us when the IOC's and various Games Organizing Committees sustainability efforts really got off the ground and shares some of the interesting ways the Olympics is trying to have less of an impact on the earth.

Be sure to check out The Sustainability Report on Twitter and follow their continued coverage of this topic. You can follow Matthew on Twitter as well!

Also this week, we've got the Uncle Yoshi moment that broke the prime minister's back, and some news from Team Olympic Fever!

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

Download this episode!

This week we're talking with another Gamesmaker -- the people behind the scenes who keep things running. At the International Shooting Sports Federation, for decades that woman has been Grace Hahn, the Executive Assistant to the Federation President, who has also been a member of the IOC. Grace dishes on what the Olympics are like from the federation side and what it's like to interpret some of the tougher conversations that happen at the Olympics.

Grace has a blog with her travel adventures--subscribe for exclusive content (and sometimes giveaways)! You can also follow her on Twitter, Insta and Facebook.

In Team Olympic Fever news, Clare Egan is up for Team USA's Best of March. Vote here through April 8!

"The Next Olympic Hopeful" is back (presented by Milk Life) -- get more information and register here!

Team Canada is also looking for their next generation of Olympians and are conducting a nationwide search through RBC Training Ground. They're having tons of tryouts, so be on the lookout for yours!

Don't forget about our Book Club Selection -- have you gotten your copy yet? If not, support the show by getting it through Amazon. We'll be talking about the book at the end of April/beginning of May.

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

The International Olympic Committee's Executive Board met for a couple of days this week. We give you the lowdown on their agenda (warning: there is breakdancing talk).

Plus, we've got a huge slice of TOFU, including your opportunity to meet biathlete Clare Egan this weekend in Jericho, VT at a clinic for girls that's designed to introduce them to the sport.

Also, USA Cycling has set up a fund in honor of recently deceased cyclist Kelly Catlin. You can learn more about it here.

Don't forget that our book club will be meeting at the end of April/early May. You can get your copy of our latest title here (and hey, when you shop through our Amazon links, your purchases help support the show and give us the budget to do more things for you. We really appreciate it!).

Photo: IOC

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.

After the tragic death of Olympian Kelly Catlin, we wanted to talk to someone about sports psychology and try to understand some of the mental challenges elite athletes face. Sport and Performance Psychologist Dr. Kristin Keim of Keim Performance Consulting joins us to explain the field of sports psychology, how athletes use it for improving performance, and how they use it when it's time to retire.

You can find Kristin at Keim Performance Consulting and follow her online:

• Facebook
• Insta
• LinkedIn
• Medium
• Twitter

Lots of news from Tokyo 2020 this week! Let's get the bad/ugly out of the way: The Head of the Japan Olympic Committee is stepping down due to allegations of bribery when Tokyo was bidding to win the 2020 Games. Sigh.

The good news is that Tokyo 2020 has released its torch and torch relay design--and both are fantastic! Only a year to go before the torch relay starts!

Plus, we have tons of news from Team Olympic Fever!

Don't forget to pick up our latest Book Club selection: The Second Mark: Courage, Corruption and the Battle for Olympic Gold by Joy Goodwin.

Thanks as always to our fabulous patrons--earn your medal by joining our Patreon family!

DISCLAIMER: OLYMPIC® is a trademark of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). Any use of OLYMPIC® in the Olympic Fever podcast is strictly for informational and commentary purposes. The Olympic Fever podcast is not an official podcast of the USOPC. The Olympic Fever podcast is not a sponsor of the USOPC, nor is Olympic Fever associated with or endorsed by USOPC in any way. The content of Olympic Fever podcast does not reflect the opinions, standards, views, or policies of the USOPC, and the USOPC in no way warrants that content featured in Olympic Fever is accurate.