Podcast
Inside the Rings
Hosted by Inside the Rings · EN
Inside the Rings is the Olympics podcast that goes beyond medal counts and headline moments to explore the untold stories, defining people, and enduring legacy of the Olympic Movement. Through athlete interviews, historical deep dives, and behind-the-scenes conversations with coaches, leaders, and changemakers, the show brings listeners closer to the heart of the Games.
From iconic moments in Olympic history to the personal journeys that shape champions, Inside the Rings blends authoritative storytelling with cultural context, inspiration, and insight. Whether you’re drawn to Olympic stories, athlete resilience, host-city legacy, or the values that make the Games matter across generations, this podcast offers a deeper look at sport’s biggest stage.
For lifelong fans, aspiring Olympians, and anyone fascinated by the history of the Olympics, Inside the Rings is where the stories behind the Games come to life.
Join us as we go Inside the Rings. #Olympics #OlympicHistory #InsidetheRings
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Inline to Gold
Mar 2201:02:12Tap to summarizeDerek Parra's journey from roller rink beginnings to Olympic success is a story of resilience and transformation. His childhood experiences, the spark of racing, the transition to ice skating, and the road to the Olympics highlight his determination and passion for speed skating. Derek Parra's journey to Olympic gold was marked by personal and financial struggles, as well as a transformative period of building confidence and resilience. The impact of the 9/11 tragedy played a significant role in shaping his perspective and approach to the Olympic Games. His Olympic legacy and reflection on the broader themes of representation, perseverance, and community highlight the enduring impact of his experience. The conversation delves into the Olympic values of respect, friendship, excellence, and perseverance, highlighting the impact of these values on character development. It also explores the evolution of sports science and athlete development, sharing personal stories and life lessons, and discusses the significance of the Olympics returning to Utah.TakeawaysResilienceTransformation Overcoming personal and financial strugglesThe impact of the 9/11 tragedy on Derek Parra's life Olympic values: Respect, friendship, excellence, perseveranceImpact of sports on character developmentChapters00:00 The Roller Rink Beginnings07:01 Transition to Ice Skating16:02 The Road to the Olympics22:04 The Journey to Olympic Gold27:42 Impact of 9/11 Tragedy34:09 Olympic Legacy and Reflection45:55 The Olympic Values and Perseverance53:47 Evolution of Sports Science and Athlete Development01:00:02 Personal Stories and Life Lessons01:05:24 The Return of the Olympics to Utah#GoldMedal #InsidetheRings #OlympicStories #Olympics #OlympicMovement
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The Run That Changed American Luge: Chris Mazdzer’s Olympic Silver Story
Mar 401:23:32Tap to summarizeFour-time Olympian Chris Mazdzer helped put U.S. men’s singles luge on the medal map—winning Olympic silver at PyeongChang 2018 and becoming the first non-European to medal in the event. In this episode of Inside the Rings, Chris takes us inside a sport most fans only see in 60-second bursts: the razor-thin margins, the pre-run routines, and the mental reset when everything is moving at full speed. We talk about the pressure of the Olympic stage, what it really takes to stay sharp through four runs, and how elite athletes build confidence when the risk is real.In this conversation, you’ll hear:What separates a clean run from a costly mistakeThe mindset Chris used to handle fear, doubt, and expectationThe unseen grind behind a “one-minute” Olympic momentLessons for athletes, coaches, and anyone chasing excellence🎧 Listen now—and if you enjoyed this story, subscribe to Inside the Rings wherever you get podcasts. For the companion write-up, extra Olympic context, and future athlete deep dives, subscribe to the Inside the Rings blog/newsletter as well.
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Ice in Her Veins, Fire in Her Heart: Bonnie Blair’s Olympic Reign
Dec 2201:06:45Tap to summarizeShe was fast. She was focused. She was fearless.Bonnie Blair, one of the most decorated Olympians in U.S. history, didn’t just skate circles around the competition—she redefined what it meant to chase greatness on ice.In this episode of Inside the Rings, Bonnie reflects on a storied career that spanned five Olympic Games, earning five gold medals and one bronze. From the roar of Lillehammer to the heartbreak of training setbacks, she shares what it took to rise to the top—and stay there.We explore:The mindset behind consistently winning on the world’s biggest stageHow she handled pressure, expectation, and historic rivalriesWhat her training looked like in the pre-analytics eraThe legacy she hopes to pass on to the next generation of OlympiansWhether you're a longtime Olympic fan or a rising athlete yourself, this conversation with Bonnie Blair is a masterclass in excellence, longevity, and what it truly means to be a champion.🎧 Listen now—and skate into a story of speed, grit, and gold.#OlympicsPodcast #AthletePodcastStories #OlympicInterviews #InspirationalSportsPodcasts #ListenToOlympians
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Fearless on the Fall Line: The Story of Picabo Street
Dec 800:59:19Tap to summarizeBefore today's stars took center stage, Picabo Street was the face of American alpine skiing—fast, fearless, and fiercely unapologetic. In this Inside the Rings exclusive, she opens up about her rise to the top, the devastating injuries that nearly ended it all, and the fire that brought her back.We talk:The moment she knew she could win Olympic goldWhy downhill skiing is a mental game as much as a physical oneThe price of being a pioneer in a male-dominated sportHer advice to young athletes chasing greatnessThis is the untold Olympic journey of Picabo Street. And it's one you’ll never forget.📍 Listen now—only on Inside the Rings.#OlympicStories#WomenInOlympics#OlympicComebacks#ListenToOlympians#AthletePodcastStories#InsideTheRings#FearlessFemales
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Ski. Shoot. Lead: Jack Gierhart on Elevating US Biathlon
Oct 701:03:04Tap to summarizeSki. Shoot. Lead. In this gripping episode of Inside the Rings, we sit down with Jack Gierhart, CEO of US Biathlon, to explore one of the most misunderstood Olympic sports. From his leap from US Sailing to leading America’s biathletes, Jack shares how strategy, storytelling, and high-altitude grit are transforming the trajectory of US Biathlon. Discover how athlete vlogs, mental toughness, and innovative pathways—from college skiing to military roots—are powering the next generation toward Milano-Cortina 2026. We dive into legacy-building, SafeSport progress, and the sport’s push for visibility in the digital age. Whether you’re a winter sports junkie or new to biathlon, this episode delivers an inspiring look at leadership on snow and the fire within Olympic dreams. Subscribe now and follow the journey at usbiathlon.org.
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On Guard: Phil Andrews and the Future of USA Fencing
Sep 2901:03:04Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a fearless reformer steps onto one of the oldest stages in Olympic sport?In this episode of Inside the Rings, host Jon Hawkins sits down with Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, to talk about transformation, transparency, and a bold new media deal that could reshape how America watches fencing.From athlete equity to Olympic governance, Phil shares insights from his journey across sports—from weightlifting to fencing—and why storytelling and values matter more than ever in modern sport. Whether you're a die-hard Olympic fan, a young athlete dreaming of LA 2028, or someone curious about the future of niche sports in the streaming age—this conversation delivers both inspiration and impact.📍 Subscribe to hear more untold Olympic stories, and leave us a review to help more fans discover Inside the Rings.#OlympicLeadership #USAfencing #InsideTheRings #OlympicStories #TopSportsPodcasts #AthletePodcastStories #OlympicGovernance
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Chari Hawkins: From Paris 2024 to 26.2 Miles
Sep 1501:03:04Tap to summarize🇺🇸 Olympian Chari Hawkins relives her Paris 2024 heptathlon journey 🏟️ — from the roar of Stade de France to the mental battles between events. She shares behind-the-scenes moments 🎥, the shift to marathon training 🏃♀️, and how her Instagram workouts inspire runners worldwide. A fun, motivating look at life after the Games! ✨#InsideTheRings #OlympicInterviews #TrainLikeAnOlympian #Paris2024 #OlympicStories
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Return of the Champ - Kaysha Love
Sep 200:57:08Tap to summarizeGet ready to hop back into the driver’s seat with world-champion bobsledder Kaysha Love in this high-octane episode of Inside the Rings! 🛷💨 We’re peeling back the ice spray to revisit her jaw-dropping 2024–25 season—from heart-pounding podium finishes and technical tweaks that shaved off precious milliseconds, to the mental grit it takes to conquer setbacks on the World Cup circuit. Then, we’ll fast-forward to Milan Cortina 2026, where Kaysha lays out her gold-medal game plan, reveals how Team USA is gearing up, and shares the secret sauce behind her training regimen.But that’s not all—stick around for our lightning-round rapid-fire, where Kaysha dishes on her ultimate push-start cue, must-have travel essential, go-to recovery tool, and more in just one word or phrase! 🚀 Whether you’re a bobsled fanatic or an aspiring Olympian, this episode is packed with insider stories, pro tips, and pure adrenaline. Don’t miss a beat—subscribe now, crank up the volume, and join us as we sprint toward Olympic glory with one of Team USA’s fiercest sled pilots! 🎧✨
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Behind the Mic: Tom Kelly on the Voices and Visions of the Olympic Movement
Aug 1800:49:57Tap to summarizeFrom the icy slopes of Nagano to the high-altitude buzz of Beijing, Tom Kelly has been the voice behind the curtain—shaping how we hear, feel, and remember the Olympic Games. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary communicator, podcaster, and longtime U.S. Ski & Snowboard media maven to uncover the stories behind the stories.Tom shares wild behind-the-scenes moments, the art of interviewing athletes fresh off the podium (or the heartbreak), and why the best Olympic stories aren’t always about gold. Whether you’re an aspiring sports storyteller or just someone who gets goosebumps at the sound of an anthem, this episode is a masterclass in heart, hustle, and heritage.Plus: Tom reveals his favorite underdog, his most unforgettable Olympic quote, and what it really takes to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment—on air and in memory.Connect with Tom Kelly:LinkedInInstagram🎧 Pull up a chair, hit play, and let the last word go to the Last Chair host himself.
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Lighting the Flame: George Hirthler on Pierre de Coubertin and the Soul of the Olympics
Aug 400:41:52Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to dream of peace through sport? In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with award-winning author and Olympic historian George Hirthler, the literary voice behind The Idealist, to explore the life and legacy of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games.From Coubertin’s visionary belief in the power of sport to unite the world, to the untold stories behind the 1896 Games, George shares how he became the guardian of Olympic ideals—and why they matter more than ever today.Whether you're a lifelong Olympic fan, a student of history, or simply curious about the philosophy behind the rings, this episode will rekindle your belief in the Olympic Movement’s higher purpose.🎧 Tune in for:The story behind The IdealistWhy Coubertin still inspires athletes and thinkersBehind-the-scenes insights into Olympic storytellingTeasers for future episodes on Olympic history and philosophy#InsideTheRings #OlympicStories #HistoryOfTheOlympics #OlympicValues #PierreDeCoubertin #GeorgeHirthler #OlympicPodcast #UntoldOlympicMoments #ListenToOlympians #SportDiplomacy
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