The nation has been gripped by the ongoing exploits of our Team Ireland athletes in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

As a nation the question now is how do we harness the power of that engagement?  How do we inspire young girls and boys to give many sports a go, and stick with it, until they land on a sport they first and foremost enjoy?

Olympians Rhasidat Adeleke, Sarah Lavin, Thomas Barr, Jack Woolley and Jack Marley reflect on the impact they’re having on the country and share their words of advice for those following in their footsteps.

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The side of the Olympic and Paralympic Games that is rarely spoken about - funding. While Sport Ireland have raised their game when it comes to supporting our Irish athletes, they still must focus on other areas to help them financially. In this episode we look at the role sponsorships and brand deals play in the making of our athletes. We speak to Olympians like Thomas Barr, Phil Healy, Daniel Wiffen and more as they open up about the strain that funding can take on them.

We also hear from sports agent Sinead Galvin and Teneo’s Kelli O’Keefe, two people who are experts in the field of lucrative deals and supporting our stars.

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What is it about the Olympic Games that creates a moment in time when we’re all united in support of the best the country has to offer?

In this episode we speak to the fans who get behind our Team Ireland athletes.  We delve into what makes those connections so special and discover just how much our competitors mean to them. We hear from supporters who travelled to Paris to witness sporting history, and fans who gathered at watchalongs in Ireland.

We also talk to Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan, Sarah Lavin, our women’s 4 x 400 metre relay team and more, as they tell us just how much the incredible support across the country means to them. 

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In Episode Three, we speak to the families of our Team Ireland athletes.

We hear from two-time Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington and her parents, Christy and Yvonne. We also speak to Damien Walsh, father of boxers Aidan and Michaela Walsh, as the family open up on Aidan’s mental health struggles for the first time.

Meanwhile the parents of two-time Olympic swimmer Ellen Walshe, tell us all about her journey to date and Ellen herself opens up on the struggles of high performance athletes.

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In episode two, we hear from the support staff at Team Ireland who play such a vital role in making our athletes who they are. 

We hear from Olympic bronze medalist Mona McSharry, track stars Sharlene Mawdsley and Thomas Barr, as well as the sports psychologists, physios, Chef de Mission and chief medical officer who keep our competitors mentally and physically strong.

Our athletes also speak to us about the tough times and how injury, self doubt and sacrifice has often led to doubt in their own minds. 

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In this episode, we hear from the unsung heroes behind the scenes who give their all to get athletes like Rhasidat Adeleke, Daniel Wiffen and Kellie Harrington in shape for the greatest show on earth.

From the childhood coach of Ireland heavyweight Jack Marley, to the man credited with turning Irish swimming around, High Performance Director Jon Rudd.

Zaur Antia has taken Irish boxing to new heights, but how?  Meanwhile, Olympian Kenneth Egan reveals the words that set him on the road to an Olympic silver medal.

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This summer, a record number of Irish athletes will represent Team Ireland at the Olympic Games in Paris. 

The series explores the unique and arduous journeys these elite sportspeople have taken in the pursuit of their dreams.

Four-time Paralympian and gold medalist, Ellen Keane, Olympic bronze medalist Aidan Walsh, double world champion, Daniel Wiffen, Olympic silver medalist, Kenneth Egan, and European gold medalists, Sharlene Mawdsley and Thomas Barr, are among the many athletes who spoke to us.

We also get incredible insight from Team Ireland psychologist, Jessie Barr, about the highs and lows of chasing that Olympic moment, while Chef de Mission, Gavin Noble, tells us what it’s like to be responsible for making sure everything goes right for the athletes once they reach Paris.

What about the families watching as their daughter or son lays themselves bare on the biggest and most demanding stage of all? Damian Walsh reveals just how brutal it can be, as he watched his son Aidan struggle after the last Olympic Games.

Each episode explores a specific aspect of what it takes to become a member of Team Ireland. We speak to coaches, backroom staff, families, fans, and the athletes themselves, both Olympian and Paralympian, as they ‘Sprint for the Line’, carrying the hopes of the nation at the Games.

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