Keep the Flame Alive

We're reviewing our first Olympic Fever Book Club selection, which means Book Club Claire is back! Claire Natsis joins us for a discussion of The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, a moving take on the 1936 U.S. Men's Olympic 8-person rowing team. Plus, news from Team Olympic Fever and Italy's combined 2026 bid. **DISCLAIMER: Olympic Fever is not endorsed by or affiliated with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.**

We're reporting in from the Podcast Movement conference, where we're learning a ton of ways to improve our show and do more fun things with you, our listeners! Thanks to the listeners who donated during our PyeongChang 2018 donation campaign--some of those funds helped defray the cost of the conference, and we really appreciate your help because this week has been so beneficial to us! Also, welcome to our new listeners whom we met at the conference!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Mexico City 1968 Olympics, and on today's show we start exploring its Cultural Olympiad celebrations. Gustavo Morales-Cirión of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington D.C. walks contributor Ben Jackson through its exhibit "Constructing Mexico68," which looks at the venues and sculptures (and Raquel Welch videos) of these Games.

The exhibit is open until August 15, so if you're in the DC area, check it out (note: it's a pretty small exhibit). The institute is located at:

2829 16th St NW Washington, DC 20009

It's open Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm. If the door is locked, ring the buzzer.

If you want to know more about Ruta de la Amistad, the organization Gustavo mentioned, check out their website, Mexico68.org.

Gustavo also talked about the "Judas statues," these papier-mache cartonería sculptures that Pedro Linares made for outside the venue. They are pretty amazing -- check out some of them here, and see the last remaining one here.

Team Olympic Fever member Lauren Gibbs will be speaking at TedX Pasadena! Find out more information here.

We also talked about the U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearings on an anti-doping bill. Here's a list of representatives on the committee who you can contact to let them know your thoughts.

Next week is our Book Club episode, where Book Club Claire will be back to discuss our first selection, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. Drop us an email, tweet or Facebook page post to let us know what you thought of it!

Also, we're going to do some on location episodes on rowing and judo, so if you have questions about those sports, we want to hear them!

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 year marks the 50th anniversary of the Mexico City 1968 Olympics, and on today's show we start exploring its Cultural Olympiad celebrations. Gustavo Morales-Cirión of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington D.C. walks contributor Ben Jackson through its exhibit "Constructing Mexico68," which looks at the venues and sculptures (and Raquel Welch videos) of these Games. **DISCLAIMER: Olympic Fever is not endorsed by or affiliated with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.**

Montreal 1976 is the poster child for how not to build a cost-effective Games. The city went into a ton of debt (note: that's the city--we'll learn in a future episode that the organizing committee didn't go into debt), which infamously took 30 years to pay off.

That must mean there are a lot of white elephant stadiums around, right?

Not exactly.

This week, Jill and contributor Ben Jackson go on a tour of the Olympic Park--or Parc Olympique. Their guide Cédric Essiminy, PR officer at the Olympic Park organization, talks about the structures and what they're doing today to make revenue. Millions of dollars of revenue annually.

Plus, the Tokyo 2020 schedule is out; Beijing 2022 has announced its events; and sad news from the world of figure skating.

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.

In a nice display of transparency, the International Olympic Committee released its host city contract documentation. We read it so you don't have to--and we definitely understand why cities drop out of the Olympic bidding process. You won't believe what this contract calls for--or maybe you will.

One really important thing in the IOC's efforts to lower the costs of hosting the Olympics: It does not yet have a mascot for its "New Norm" program. Maybe we can help them!

Plus we've got an update from our biathlete Clare Egan! Clare fills us in on her Olympic experience, what went into her decision to keep competing and what's going on with the corruption scandals at the International Biathlon Union (IBU). You can keep up with Clare on:

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Website

As we mentioned, our team ice hockey ref Jessica Leclerc is raising money for Tri for a Cure, so here's her donation page, if you're so inclined.

Also, Listener Sandy has started a podcast about obscure museums! If you love unusual museums and lots of fun facts (and we know you do because you're our type of people), check out her show "Made in Museums."

*Please no hybrid animals or Olympic symbols (rings, flame, etc.). Let's keep it non-creepy and the IOC off everyone's back.

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.

Today we're delighted to have Canadian Olympian Jacqueline Simoneau to explain the sport of synchronized swimming (also known as artistic swimming). This sport is no joke - it requires stamina and strength and the ability to take a kick, perhaps to the head. Jacqueline explains it all, the sequins, the hair gelatin, and the amazingly complicated moves like stack lifts, spins and thrusts. It's nothing like that classic SNL sketch.

Jacqueline competed in the duet competition with veteran Karine Thomas at the Rio 2016 Games, earning a 7th place for their combined routines. Check out their free performance here (they're first up), which is pretty amazing, but here's their 2015 Pan Am free routine, which is phenomenal (Jill may have watched it a few times today).

Follow Jacqueline on Twitter and Insta!

We also have updates on team members Erin Jackson and Emily Cook!

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Simoneau/Team Canada.

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.

How did we celebrate Olympic Day? Jill and Alison are recovering from their exciting #OFODs and talking about listeners' celebrations.

Then it's time to see whether Alison gets all fangirl over one of her favorite Olympians, U.S. ice dancer Charlie White. Together with his partner Meryl Davis, Charlie's won silver at Vancouver 2010 and gold at Sochi 2014 (check out their amazing free dance). He rounds out the medal trifecta with a bronze at Sochi in the team event.

Charlie talks with us about the sport of ice dancing and his experiences in creating a long-lasting successful working relationship with his partner, and he also attempts to convert Jill on the complexity of the twizzle. Will he succeed? Listen and find out!

Follow Charlie on Twitter and Insta. You can also get updates from him and Meryl through their website and Facebook page.

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.

Jill catches up with phenom U.S. Olympic Speedskater Erin Jackson about her experience at PyeongChang. Then Jill & Alison talk about the Canadian Olympic Committee's brand new Canadian Olympic Experience exhibit at its Montreal offices.

Erin's going to be competing at the Inline Speedskating World Championships in the Netherlands soon. Follow along here (in Dutch, but you might be able to parse out something). Or catch up with Erin on Twitter and Insta.

You can find out information about the Canadian Olympic Experience here. Put Montreal high up on your travel list -- it's a great city, and this is a really fun exhibit.

It's almost Olympic Day, so we discuss some of the great Olympic Day #OFOD activities we've seen -- post yours on Twitter or on our Facebook page. We love seeing your Olympism in action!

We hope you're enjoying The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, the first book selection for our Olympic Fever Book Club. We've got some initial discussion going on at our Facebook page and on Twitter. Let us know what you think of the book so far. We'd love to hear from you!

Plus, we preview some upcoming episodes -- more Montreal! Synchronized Swimming! Charlie White! All coming your way soon!

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.

Bonjour a Montreal! Jill and contributor Ben Jackson report in from the Montreal 1976 Olympic Village, where they're staying for a few days. They talk about all of things that are holdovers from the Games, as well as some of the quirks of the building.

Our guest this week is Canadian Olympian Olya Ovtchinnikova who competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in sabre fencing. In the first part of her interview with Jill, Olya talks about how the sport of sabre works (and why you need to practice watching before Tokyo 2020).

No longer competing, Olya's now working with the Canadian Olympic Committee as a Manager in the Athlete Marketing Program. You can follow her on Twitter here. Follow Team Canada on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook too!

Don't forget about Olympic Day! Try a new sport or learn something about the Olympics and Olympic values, post the results on social with #OFOD. You've got until the end of the month to share in the fun (on this episode, Alison shares some of the things she's doing to celebrate).

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.

A look back, a look ahead. In 2024, Paris will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the second time they hosted the Olympics. Jill and Alison spend this episode looking at the innovations from Paris 1924 and the parallels between it and Paris 2024. We look forward to what the 2024 Games will bring! (we can only hope it's as good as Alison's rendition of the "Chariots of Fire" theme).

Plus, a trivia extravaganza, and we hear your reports from Olympic Day #OFOD! Remember, you can celebrate Olympic Day by learning something new about the Olympic Movement; participating in a sport (new to you or otherwise); practicing Olympic values; or getting someone to buy you a steak.....well, maybe not that last one, but you get our drift. Post up your pics and video on social with #OFOD.

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.