The History of Olympic Trials Controversies

OLYMPIC TRIALS CONTROVERSIES This week, we have a commission from Club Gym Nerd member Jasmine, who asked for an episode on the history of US Olympic Trials—how teams were selected and all the major scandals. And there have been plenty. 1980 - Olympic boycott hypocrisy and what happens when gymnasts tie for the last spot? (Or have alligators?) 1984 - The case of Dianne Durham and the Olympic petition 1988 - The Perils of Rank Order: The Early Years 1992 - The back-room meeting that kept Kim Kelly off the Olympic team 1996 - Only controversial if you're a Forster? 2000 - Atler. Nuff said. The Martha Years - Were teams really chosen months in advance? Plus, we make our proposals for an ideal Olympic team selection process for the United States   JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd or buy a gift membership for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Behind the Scenes: Kensley's Wedding Behind The Scenes After Olympic Trials We Have Olympic Teams! Olympic Trials Day Two for Men & Women Live From Olympic Trials: Men & Women Day One Behind The Scenes: Post-Championships Debrief Behind The Scenes: Day Two US Women's Championships 2021 Behind The Scenes: Day One US Women's Championships 2021 Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Vanessa Atler Jamie Datzscher How to Stage a Gymnastics Protest Tokyo Olympics Recap