Pride month is usually a time for parades and parties. But COVID-19 means most events are postponed or cancelled. To help sooth the sadness, we have found some of the most inspiring stories across the Olympic world to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. Featuring Adam Rippon, Amber Glenn, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, and Keala Kennelly.

For more amazing interviews head to olympicchannel.com/podcast

British triathlete and double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee is usually very busy. With all competition paused, he found time to join the podcast for a look back on an incredible career and his epic moment of brotherly love. Plus, how to make the perfect cup of tea.

For more episodes go to olympicchannel.com/podcast

Athletes and coaches have spoken to us from isolation about their inspiring stories and techniques for staying calm. We speak to runner Derek Redmond, figure skater Mirai Nagasu, gymnast Laurie Hernandez, coaches Brian Orser and Jerzy Gregorek.

For more information and episodes go to olympicchannel.com/podcast

Claressa is an undefeated professional boxer and two-time Olympic champion. Her life story is being made into a Hollywood movie. It's no surprise.

Her early life in Flint, Michigan, was not easy: a speech impediment, sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Just a few years after taking up boxing, Claressa became Olympic champion for the first time aged just 17.

After her second Olympic title, she turned pro and remains unbeaten after 10 fights. She is, simply, one of the greatest boxers of her generation.

"I look like I haven't been through anything when I've endured a lot."

For more information head to www.olympicchannel.com/podcast

Imagine not spending one birthday with your family for over a decade. This was the price of success for Malaysian diver Pandelela Rinong Pamg. Her life on the road has left her lonely. The two-time Olympic medallist has been on coronavirus lockdown with her brother - catching up on some overdue family time.

For more episodes, videos, and more: https://www.olympicchannel.com/podcast/

The world record at the 2020 London Marathon looked to be under threat. But the world will have to wait for another attempt after the coronavirus pandemic meant a postponement of the race until October 4. The Olympic Channel Podcast caught up with Kipchoge and his rival Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia to talk future plans and world record attempts.

More info at: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/olympic-channel-podcast/

The Ireland Rugby 7s team have a celebrity in their ranks. Greg O'Shea won top UK reality TV show 'Love Island'. But rather than cash in on his new celebrity status, Greg has stuck with his Olympic dream. He wants his country to qualify for the Olympics in Rugby 7s for the first time.

Find out more here: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/olympic-channel-podcast/

Paralympic sprinter Scout Bassett was nearly eight years old when she left the Chinese orphange she called home. She moved to a small town in Michigan where she was the only person in the country with a disability. The American has beaten the odds to become a successful athlete. But she's clear: this is no Cinderella story. Speaking from her apartment during the coronavirus lockdown, Scout gives us some tips on how to face adversity.

LINKS:

Scout Bassett Instagram

Olympic Channel Instagram

Ed Knowles Twitter

Sakura Kokumai episode

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The sporting world is on pause due to the coronavirus. Like with most other sports, there are no surfing events at the moment. But Stephanie Gilmore spoke to us before the COVID-19 situation became so serious. In a wide-ranging interview, she talks about fighting for gender equality, how she stays smiling, and how she recovered from a physical attack in her home in 2010.

LINKS

Stephanie Gilmore Instagram

Olympic Channel Instagram

Ash Tulloch Twitter

Ed Knowles Twitter

Kelly Slater episode

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the plans of the globe. Massive parts of the population have been advised to stay at home. The Olympic Channel Podcast spoke to karate athlete Sakura Kokumai of the USA. Like countless other athletes across the planet, she's training from home now. Sakura talks about losing her sensei to pancreatic cancer and gives an amazing monologue about why you should never give up.

"I know that once things clear up, opportunities will show. That's one thing I really, truly believe in."

LINKS

Sakura Kokumai Instagram

Ed Knowles Twitter

Olympic Channel Instagram

Pita Taufatofua episode