It's been a long and torturous time on the sidelines for Clarisse Agbegnenou. The Olympic silver medallist and four-time world champion is back in action at the European Championships this week. She sat down with the Olympic Channel Podcast to talk horoscopes, her dramatic start to life, and the difference between confidence and ambition.

Article about the 2020 European Judo Championships.

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Father of three, Andy Wright, stepped away from tennis for six years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

A chance meeting with Tristan Hessing led to a community tennis project. Now, Andy is back playing.

We talk friendship, kindness, and how playing sport can have unexpected consequences.

“[You have to] find a way to manage and cope and move forward.

“I hope that's what I've done. I hope I can do it again.”

Find more episodes and ways to subscribe at OlympicChannel.com/Podcast

Fencer Monica Aksamit grew up in New Jersey in the USA. Against the odds, she took an Olympic bronze medal home from Rio 2016. She's crowdfunded plane tickets, competed with a fractured back, adopted stray dogs in Peru, and has her eyes focused on success at Tokyo 2020.

Her fast-talking personality recounts a life story filled with laughter, dedication, and kindness.

"Stubborn is a quality most people don't really want. But I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my stubbornness.... I definitely don't give up."

Head to OlympicChannel.com/Podcast for more.

She landed a backflip at the Olympics in 1998 to cap a memorable career. French figure skating legend Surya Bonaly wants to be remembered as a pioneer - not as a rebel. She talks about her refusal to go on the podium in 1994 World Championships, discrimination as a black skater, and why she never gave up.

"It is important to follow what you think is good for you... even if it's hard."

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We spoke to 2020 U.S. National silver medallist Mariah Bell, Olympic medallist Adam Rippon, Olympic champion Meryl Davis, and figure skating expert Jackie Wong to find their views on a question that has dominated the sport for decades.

Londoner Anita Asante has travelled the world as a professional football player. She's a Champions League winner who has picked up trophies in England, Sweden, and the USA - even meeting Barack Obama. The 2012 Olympian is an engaged supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and is currently playing for Aston Villa in the WSL.

She spoke about her all-conquering Arsenal side, the recent incident with San Diego Loyal coach Landon Donovan, and more.

If you like this week then try our other episode with Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger

For most inspirational stories from the Olympics, head to the OlympicChannel.com/Podcast

Olympian and life coach Michelle Griffith-Robinson has made her life full of positivity. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, she shared some practical and easily implementable tips for self-improvement.

WHO World Mental Health Day resources

Athlete 365

Advice on sleep

David Weir episode

Double Olympic champion, former marathon world record holder, and athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie gives his assessment of the highly anticipated face-off between Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele at the 2020 London Marathon.

Plus, he talks about his famous win at Sydney 2000 against his rival (and friend) Paul Tergat and his thoughts on new 5,000m world record holder Joshua Cheptegei.

For more interviews head to OlympicChannel.com/Podcast

South Africa's Bianca Buitendag qualified for the Olympics as surfing makes its first appearance at the Games at Tokyo 2020. Bianca talks about the 'terrifying' world of professional surfing, coming back from family tragedy, and surfing in Japan.

Head to olympicchannel.com/podcast for more than 100 episode featuring surfers like Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, and Owen Wright.

Mind games are everywhere in sport but swimming offers the chance for reflection like no other sport. Hours spent in the pool every day led to double Lilly King honing some winning mental techniques.

"I like to win the race before it starts."

Find out the story behind the world records, the Yulia Efimova finger wag, and more.