Blind Landing

Will the FIG learn from the lessons of the Paris Olympics? Who will hold them accountable?  That’s what we’ll explore in the second episode of a two-part deep dive from Blind Landing. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives and expertise as we talk through these issues with Olympic gymnast Lieke Wevers, US Congressman Steve Cohen, professor Andrea Geurin & gymnastics judge Kathi-Sue Rupp. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has the FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) operated ethically in the wake of the Olympic floor final controversy? Or are they violating their own policies and standards? That’s what we’ll explore in the first episode of a two-part deep dive from Blind Landing. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives and expertise as we talk through these issues with Olympic gymnast Lieke Wevers, US Congressman Steve Cohen, professor Andrea Geurin & gymnastics judge Kathi-Sue Rupp. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got a special episode coming out this week and we want your help! Send your thoughts, questions and insight to blindlandingpodcast at gmail dot come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode of Blind Landing… 0:00 - 13:00: The women's floor final controversy explained 13:00 - 40:00: Olympic legend Betty Okino joins us to talk about the past and present of friendships amongst gymnasts 40:00- End: Paris Olympian Shallon Olsen calls in to talk about camaraderie at the games As we wrap up our coverage of the Paris Olympics on this packed episode, we start by explaining the breaking story around the women's gymnastics floor final and everything that led to the IOC reallocating the bronze medal initially given to Jordan Chiles. Then, we look back at the images that have come to define women's gymnastics at these games. Betty Okino, an Olympian & USA Gymnastics National team staff member, joins us to compare the past and present of camaraderie and representation in the sport. Betty talks about the rise of Black gymnasts in the sport, Rebeca Andrade’s reputation, how Suni Lee and Jade Carey help set the tone for friendships at national team camps, and a conversation she had with Oprah about gymnastics. And finally, Olympic gymnast Shallon Olsen recounts a story of support between herself and French gymnast Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Blind Landing, we’re breaking down the women’s gymnastics all-around final with guest co-host Monica Padman, host of the podcast Armchair Expert. On this episode, we talk about the battle of the champions as returning Olympic champions Simone Biles, Suni Lee & Rebeca Andrade face off in one of the most exciting match-ups in Olympic history. Blind Landing is an award-winning, independently produced podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices