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The stories behind the medals. Find out what it takes to get to the Games

The stories behind the medals. Eliza Skinner and Ed Harry find out what it takes to make it to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The stories behind the medals. As the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics approach, comedian Eliza Skinner and athletics commentator Ed Harry interview remarkable athletes about the journeys they took to the Games. Basketball champion Breanna Stewart and shot-putter Raven Saunders explain why they use the platform sport gives them to act as advocates. Swimmer Anastasia Pagonis and rower Brigit Skarstein share how sport helped them rebuild their futures after life-changing events, while John McFall, Markus Rogan and Maarten van der Weijden talk about the lives they have found after leaving competition behind. Multi-sport stars like Oksana Masters and Jana Pittman reveal what it's like to compete at both the summer and winter Games. There's stories of memorable victories, like the moment high jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi chose to share his gold medal, and Shaunae Miller-Uibo putting everything on the line to reach the top step of the podium. Plus, the triumphs nobody predicted, including Molly Seidel's shock marathon bronze, and the day Anna Kiesenhofer rode away from cycling's biggest names to claim gold in Tokyo.

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On the Podium: Brighton Zeuner

Brighton Zeuner

07/07/2021 GMT

BBC World Service - On the Podium, Brighton Zeuner

How does a 16-year-old cope with the pressures of being an elite athlete?

At just 16 years old, Brighton Zeuner will be one of the youngest participants at Tokyo 2020 - but she’ll also be one of the favourites for gold at the Games when skateboarding makes its debut.

She tells us how she balances being a normal teenager with the pressure of being an elite sports star, mixing fame with being a fan herself and being a role model to others who hope to follow her path.

She also tells us how she deals with nerves when competing, and offers advice to those new to the sport on how to overcome the challenges of both the physical demands and social pressures.

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