World Athletics Official Podcast | Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Episode 5

Hosts Sonia Richard-Ross and Greg Rutherford discuss the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympics, focusing on Noah Lyles' impressive 100-meter win despite intense pressure. They highlight the significance of athlete rivalries, with insights from guests like European Champion Adam Gemili, French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, and NBC commentator Ato Boldon. The podcast delves into the evolution of track and field, including technological advancements and the importance of maintaining the sport's legacy. The episode emphasizes the athletes' experiences and the broader impact of the Olympics on the host city and its people.

• Hosts introduce themselves and the podcast.
• Mention of the quick pace of the event and the excitement around it.
• Introduction of the day's guests: Adam Jamil, Renaud Lavillenie, and Ato Boldon.

"It is day five my friends, it's going quick eh?"

• The event is progressing rapidly, indicating a high-energy atmosphere.

"We have three incredible guests: Adam Jamil, Renaud Lavillenie, and Ato Boldon."

• Introduction of notable guests, setting the stage for in-depth discussions.

• Discussion on Noah Lyles' impressive performance in the 100 meters.
• Emphasis on the psychological and physical strategies employed by Lyles.
• Analysis of the buildup and atmosphere before the race.

"This is Noah's world now, we're just all living in it."

• Acknowledgment of Noah Lyles' dominance in the 100 meters.

"He lost every round, the only race he won here in the 100 was the final."

• Highlighting Lyles' strategic approach, focusing on winning the crucial final race.

"Noah Lyles freaking sprints out of the tunnel, goes down the track, and does this huge display."

• Description of Lyles' dramatic entrance, aimed at psyching out competitors.

"He psyched everyone out once again, it's a part of the tactic that he uses to be the champion."

• Insight into Lyles' psychological tactics to gain an edge over his rivals.

• Discussion on the unique atmosphere created during the event.
• Mention of the unexpected delays and their impact on athletes.

"The stadium goes black, then the lights come on like this is a heavyweight matchup."

• Description of the intense and dramatic atmosphere before the race.

"It was the longest we've ever seen a men's 100-meter final wait to start a race."

• Highlighting the unusual delay before the race, adding to the tension.

• Interview with Renaud Lavillenie discussing his experiences and current role.
• Reflection on the significance of hosting the Olympics in one's home country.
• Discussion on the legacy and long-term impact of the Olympics.

"Having a game at home is something crazy, and everybody wants to be part of this."

• Lavillenie's view on the privilege and excitement of hosting the Olympics in his home country.

"French people are not happy to have it, but now they are."

• Insight into the initial skepticism and eventual acceptance of the Olympics by the French public.

"The main question we have is how it’s going to be in September when the Olympics will be done."

• Concerns about the long-term impact and legacy of the Olympics in France.

• Discussion on the importance of the Olympics' legacy and its impact on future generations.
• Comparison with the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.

"In London 2012, it was all about legacy and that's still talked about to this day."

• Emphasis on the lasting impact of the London 2012 Olympics and its focus on legacy.

"They try to maximize everything, so they didn't build so many things."

• Mention of efforts to ensure sustainable development and use of existing structures for the Paris Olympics.

"We don't know exactly where we are, and politics is never easy in every country."

• Acknowledgment of the uncertainties and challenges in ensuring a lasting legacy from the Olympics.

• Hosts wrap up the discussion with Lavillenie.
• Transition to the next segment of the podcast with other guests.

"Congrats to the big man Noah Lyles. He had a big talk and he delivered."

• Final acknowledgment of Noah Lyles' achievement and performance.

"Well, that was fun, and I love talking to you, but we got some interesting guests coming in."

• Transition to the next part of the podcast, indicating more engaging content ahead.

• Emphasis on staying engaged in sports for both young and adult generations.
• Importance of sports for a healthy lifestyle and shared values.
• Aim to inspire and support athletes to reach their full potential.

"We just want to make sure that for sports, we stay in the loop for the Legacy."

• Commitment to maintaining involvement in sports for legacy purposes.

"Our wish is to make sure that all the Young Generation and also like the adult generation will get engaged in sports."

• Desire to engage both young and adult generations in sports for overall well-being.

• Personal anecdotes about learning and speaking French.
• Interaction and practice with friends to improve language skills.
• Cultural and linguistic preparation for events in French-speaking regions.

"I used to say some other stuff too but how is that? That's pretty good."

• Practicing French phrases and seeking feedback on pronunciation and fluency.

"Alicia Newman from Canada, she knows a little bit of French and since two years, we are close friends and she told me, 'No, no, I want to speak in French with you because I want to be ready for Paris.'"

• Example of a friend practicing French to prepare for an event in Paris.

• Challenges faced during the pandemic and innovative solutions.
• Creation of home-based competitions to keep the sport alive.
• Use of social media and technology to connect and compete.

"So he was straight into COVID and we have like nothing to do."

• Initial challenges faced during the pandemic with no activities available.

"I was using this time to train in my garden and so every day I was posting videos of doing something, sometimes with my girl."

• Utilizing personal space and social media to continue training and engage with the audience.

"We need to find a way with only the smartphone to do something live."

• Innovation in using smartphones to broadcast live competitions.

• Organizing competitions in personal spaces like gardens.
• Collaborative efforts with other athletes to create engaging events.
• Positive reception and potential for future events.

"We get 30 minutes, cut in half time, so two times 15 minutes and we put a bar."

• Format of the backyard competition with specific rules and time limits.

"Maybe we have a revenge for that, that was fun."

• Positive feedback and interest in repeating the event.

• Personal stories and reflections on past athletic achievements.
• Comparisons between past and present eras in sports.
• Evolution of sports culture and rivalries over time.

"I was sitting in my living room in 1991, funny enough it was a long jumper that inspired me to get into the sport."

• Inspiration to pursue a career in athletics from a significant event.

"Being in that era was like being in a boy band because it was me and it was Maurice and it was John Drummond."

• Description of the camaraderie and competitive spirit among athletes of that era.

"I look at, for example, where Noah is now and I go, yeah, it's different now but I don't know if it's necessarily better."

• Comparison of the current sports environment with past experiences.

• Importance of rivalries in driving performance and engagement.
• Personal experiences with rivalries and their impact on the sport.
• Evolution of rivalries with the advent of social media.

"We hated Donovan, Donovan hated us."

• Intense rivalries that fueled competitive spirit and performance.

"We felt like it was HSI versus the world."

• Perception of being in constant competition with other top athletes and teams.

• Career transition from athlete to broadcaster.
• Highlights and challenges of covering major sporting events.
• Personal reflections on memorable moments in broadcasting.

"I think this is your fifth Summer Games, yeah it is, seven total because you've done two winters."

• Extensive experience in broadcasting multiple major sporting events.

"I've lost my voice from last night calling the Noah Lyles race."

• Passion and excitement in covering significant athletic performances.

"What has the transition been like for you and what are some of your highlights that you've covered?"

• Discussion on the journey and noteworthy moments in the broadcasting career.

• The speaker transitioned from athletics due to a car accident in 2002, leading to frequent injuries.
• Made the decision to retire after the Athens Olympics in 2004 at the age of 30.
• Initially considered a career in politics but found it unsatisfying.

"I was in a car accident in 2002, and in two years, I suffered so many injuries. I went from never being injured to always being injured."

• The accident and subsequent injuries prompted a reassessment of career goals.

"I said, you know what, after Athens in '04, I'm done."

• Retirement was driven by the physical toll of injuries and the realization of a need for change.

• The speaker's broadcasting career began unexpectedly with the BBC during a period of injury in 1999.
• Initially reluctant, the speaker's manager encouraged participation, leading to an on-air opportunity.

"The BBC is where my career started on British television...I had a bad hamstring...my manager was like, there's no way that you're not coming to Worlds this year."

• The early involvement in broadcasting gave the speaker a head start compared to peers who retired later.

"By the time they were done, I was like, oh, I'm already in the chair."

• The speaker highlights significant events covered, including a recent 100-meter final and races involving notable athletes like Usain Bolt and Sydney McLaughlin.

"That race last night was one of the best...the closest 100-meter final in 44 years."

• The importance of role models in transitioning careers is emphasized, with Michael Johnson serving as an inspiration.

"Michael showed me, and it's great to hear that you were looking at me and thinking, hey, there's an option."

• Discussion on the impact of technological advancements in track and field, particularly in shoes and tracks.
• The speaker acknowledges both the benefits and challenges of comparing performances across different eras.

"The shoes are certainly affecting the times...you really can't compare them now."

• Despite reservations, the speaker supports the evolution of the sport to stay relevant and exciting.

"Let's get the records, let's push...if we need to do it with some fancy carbon fiber shoes, let's do it."

• The speaker expresses excitement for potential world records in upcoming events, particularly the men's 400 meters.

"I think we're going to get a men's 400-meter world record."

• Predicts strong performances based on recent observations of athletes' form and races.

"Michael Norman looking the way he does...I think that we're going to get a world record."

• The speaker and co-host reflect on their own retirements due to injuries and the transition to new roles.
• The importance of athletes who successfully transition to new careers serving as inspirations for others.

"It genuinely takes people that have done it and can prove to others that you can move seamlessly."

• The speaker acknowledges the challenges of retirement but finds fulfillment in new opportunities.

"I'm out in Paris here enjoying the Olympics from a different side of it."

• Introduction of Adam J., a British sprinting legend with significant achievements, especially in relays.
• Adam J. shares his experience of transitioning from athlete to commentator due to an injury.

"Picked up a little injury the week of Trials...my season was basically done."

• Adam J. reflects on the excitement and unpredictability of recent 100-meter races.

"Honestly, that was one of the best 100 meters I've seen."

• Discussion on the challenges and rapid rise of Adam J. in athletics, starting from a background in soccer.

"I was playing football...gave that up in January of that year...picked it up really quickly."

• Humorous anecdotes about the Olympic holding camp and the camaraderie among athletes.

"I remember being given the name Bakery Boy...every day I come to the food and he's like, you got to stop eating that."

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the key themes and detailed insights discussed in the transcript, capturing the nuances and significant points in a meticulous manner.

• Young athletes often face significant challenges in managing their energy and nerves during major competitions.
• The Olympic Village can be overwhelming due to the presence of world-renowned athletes and the abundance of food and distractions.
• Maintaining focus amidst these distractions is crucial for performance.

"The young athletes were drinking all the time right to the point where they then went to the team management to explain that they're not too sure about this holding camp because they can't sleep."

• Young athletes struggled to manage their energy levels, affecting their sleep and performance.

"London 2012 it was obviously a big deal for you to be that young and trying to deal with those pressures."

• Competing in major events like the Olympics at a young age brings immense pressure and requires significant mental fortitude.

"I was seeing Allison Felix was walking there and Serena Williams walked past me there and I remember David Beckham came into the village."

• The presence of famous athletes can be both inspiring and distracting for young competitors.

• The Olympic Village offers a diverse and abundant food selection, which can be both a temptation and a challenge for athletes to manage.
• Nutritionists play a crucial role in guiding athletes' dietary choices to ensure optimal performance.

"You go into the food hall and they've just I've just never been blown away by that the McDonald's firstly was the biggest thing I've seen and everything was free."

• The availability of free, appealing food like McDonald's can be overwhelming for athletes trying to maintain a strict diet.

"Our nutritionist was guarding it he was safe he was outside was a guy called Glen Kerney."

• Nutritionists actively monitor athletes' food intake to prevent poor dietary choices.

• Athletes often face stress and sleep issues due to the high-pressure environment and irregular schedules.
• Sharing accommodations with teammates can lead to unique and sometimes humorous situations.

"I shared a room with an athlete called Danny Talber who's retired now he's used to 200 me and uh Danny never used to really sleep."

• Athletes often have varying sleep patterns, which can affect their routines and interactions.

"Every night we just go to McDonald's and just chill and I just enjoy the whole experience of the village."

• Despite the challenges, athletes often find ways to enjoy their time and bond with teammates.

• Iconic athletes like Usain Bolt have a significant impact on the atmosphere and culture within the sport.
• Their approach to competition can influence younger athletes' attitudes and behaviors.

"When I think of you running one of the things I think of is you smiling and you're really engaging with people with the crowd with the cameras everything else and that's got to be the Bolt effect."

• Usain Bolt's engaging and relaxed approach to competition has inspired other athletes to adopt a similar demeanor.

"He controlled the call room and he set the atmosphere and he would talk to people and he'd make people feel at ease."

• Bolt's ability to create a positive and relaxed environment helped reduce tension among competitors.

• The Athlete Commission plays a critical role in representing athletes' interests and influencing the direction of the sport.
• Understanding the behind-the-scenes workings of major events provides valuable insights.

"I'm part of the World Athletes Athlete Commission and it's certainly an interesting role that I've come into to see how the sport really does work behind the scenes."

• Being part of the Athlete Commission offers a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in organizing major sporting events.

"World Athletics are super open and consult the Athlete Commission with basically everything now."

• The Athlete Commission has a significant voice in decision-making processes, ensuring athletes' perspectives are considered.

• Athletics needs to adapt and grow with the times to maintain and increase its popularity.
• Historical traditions and records play a crucial role in preserving the sport's legacy.

"The sport I think the sport does need to adapt and grow with the times I think that's one thing for athletics that I do feel like we did get stuck in the past a little bit."

• There is a need for athletics to evolve to stay relevant and popular among modern audiences.

"If you were to now change the hep to the deck it just the Jackie Jon are curses of the sport have like do they."

• Maintaining historical events and records is important to honor past achievements and preserve the sport's history.

• The discussion around whether women should compete in the decathlon instead of the heptathlon highlights ongoing debates about gender equality in sports.
• Preserving historical significance and ensuring fairness are key considerations.

"Do you think it's time for the women to do the decathlon instead of the heptathlon?"

• There is a debate about whether women should compete in the decathlon to align with men's events.

"I just think we keep history intact in that way World Records intact and all that stuff and I think I I love watching the men do the deck and the women do the hep."

• Preserving the historical significance of events like the heptathlon and decathlon is important to maintain the sport's legacy.

• The podcast hosts reflect on the enjoyable discussions and tease future exciting guests.
• Engaging with the audience and answering their questions is a key part of the show's format.

"Thank you guys for your awesome questions and that's we got today."

• Audience engagement through questions adds value to the podcast.

"We've had great guests already and more great guests to come I've been hearing rumors of someone I'm really looking forward to joining us so it's going to be big."

• The anticipation of future guests keeps the audience excited and engaged.