The Opening Ceremony is tonight and after weeks of criticism and questioning, Sara Gross and Kelly O'Mara are back with nine awesome stories to watch out for in Rio. 

Doping scandals and security problems have filled our news feeds from Rio, but today we bring you nine reasons to smile. 

Hear about the sports that have been added to the Olympic roster for 2020, the inspiring refugee team competing under a neutral flag and how Title IX has helped the US women’s team become a sporting powerhouse. 

For more women's sport coverage go to wispsports.com or follow us on twitter - @wispsports

Canadian Triathlete Kirsten Sweetland was a World Junior Champion and an under-23 and Commonwealth Games Silver medalist. Despite this clear display of talent, a career plagued with injuries, illness and finish-line collapses has kept her out of the Olympic Games.
Now recovered from a recent bacterial infection, Kirsten talks to countrywoman and Ironman Champion Sara Gross about her erratic career and her thoughtful approach to the Olympic Games in Rio. 
For more amazing women's sports coverage go to wispsports.com or follow us on twitter @wispsports.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.

Canadian Triathlete Kirsten Sweetland was a World Junior Champion and an under-23 and Commonwealth Games Silver medalist. Despite this clear display of talent, a career plagued with injuries, illness and finish-line collapses has kept her out of the Olympic Games.

Now recovered from a recent bacterial infection, Kirsten talks to countrywoman and Ironman Champion Sara Gross about her erratic career and her thoughtful approach to the Olympic Games in Rio. 

For more amazing women's sports coverage go to wispsports.com or follow us on twitter @wispsports.

This week on Five Ring Circus, Sara Gross and Kelly O'Mara ask the big question: Is the Olympic Movement a force for good?
Hear all the latest news including an update on the doping scandal, a look at the survey that claims people are losing interest in the Olympic Games, plus further insight into how athletes and sponsors are dealing with Rule 40 and the advertising blackout period that is now in effect. 
Listen as Sara and Kelly discuss how things are shaping up in Rio, from bad plumbing in the Olympic Village, to residents of local favelas who have been moved out of their homes to make way for the impending games. 
Do we still have that shared cultural experience of watching and cheering for our Olympic heroes?
How does the arrival of the Games, with big money and big infrastructure effect the local people in a place like Rio De Janeiro? 
All this and more, on Five Ring Circus. For more women's sports coverage, news and interviews, visit www.wispsports.com or follow us on Twitter @wispsports. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.

This week on Five Ring Circus, Sara Gross and Kelly O'Mara ask the big question: Is the Olympic Movement a force for good?

Hear all the latest news including an update on the doping scandal, a look at the survey that claims people are losing interest in the Olympic Games, plus further insight into how athletes and sponsors are dealing with Rule 40 and the advertising blackout period that is now in effect. 

Listen as Sara and Kelly discuss how things are shaping up in Rio, from bad plumbing in the Olympic Village, to residents of local favelas who have been moved out of their homes to make way for the impending games. 

Do we still have that shared cultural experience of watching and cheering for our Olympic heroes?

How does the arrival of the Games, with big money and big infrastructure effect the local people in a place like Rio De Janeiro? 

All this and more, on Five Ring Circus. For more women's sports coverage, news and interviews, visit www.wispsports.com or follow us on Twitter @wispsports. 

With a week to go before the opening ceremony in Rio, Zoe George and Katrina Grant have another all-star cast on this month's Olympic themed episode.  Alana Nichols will be New Zealand's main hope in the road walking event and she joins us from her training base in Switzerland ahead of her departure for Rio. Sports Psychologist Karen Nimmo offers an insight into what Olympic athletes may be going through and how to overcome the nerves of such a big event to focus on performance. Gymnast Courtney McGregor tells us about her last minute preparation from her training base in the U.S. and who will be the ones to beat in Rio. And New Zealand's Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith talks about the Kiwi Olympic team, its representation, diversity and final road to Rio.  Visit us at www.wispsports.com and join us on social media @WiSP Sports.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.

With a week to go before the opening ceremony in Rio, Zoe George and Katrina Grant have another all-star cast on this month's Olympic themed episode.  Alana Nichols will be New Zealand's main hope in the road walking event and she joins us from her training base in Switzerland ahead of her departure for Rio. Sports Psychologist Karen Nimmo offers an insight into what Olympic athletes may be going through and how to overcome the nerves of such a big event to focus on performance. Gymnast Courtney McGregor tells us about her last minute preparation from her training base in the U.S. and who will be the ones to beat in Rio. And New Zealand's Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith talks about the Kiwi Olympic team, its representation, diversity and final road to Rio.  Visit us at www.wispsports.com and join us on social media @WiSP Sports.

Britain's Weightlifter RebekahTiler,17, heads to Rio as the only woman on their team. The Yorkshire teenager has already claimed numerous records in her short career but has modest expectations in her Olympic debut. She is the Commonwealth and European Champion, World silver medalist and current British record holder for Clean and Jerk. She shares her mental preparation for success and how her local butcher has uniquely supported her ambitions.  Visit our website at www.wispsports.com and join us on social media @WiSP Sports.  

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.

Britain's Weightlifter RebekahTiler,17, heads to Rio as the only woman on their team. The Yorkshire teenager has already claimed numerous records in her short career but has modest expectations in her Olympic debut. She is the Commonwealth and European Champion, World silver medalist and current British record holder for Clean and Jerk. She shares her mental preparation for success and how her local butcher has uniquely supported her ambitions.  Visit our website at www.wispsports.com and join us on social media @WiSP Sports.

Sara Gross and Maria Samson return with another packed show of the latest Canadian news focusing on the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We hear from Olympic Freestyle Wrestler Jasmine Mian about her preparation for Rio. Paralympic swimmer turned wheelchair basketball player Darda Sales shares her story of switching sports at Olympic level. And wheelchair rugby player Miranda Biletski has a unique story as she will be the only woman on the Canadian team in Rio.  Visit us at www.wispsports.com and join us on social media @WiSP Sports.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.