Keep the Flame Alive

Welcome to our look back at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics! We asked which historical Games should get a deep dive, and your response was to take another look at arguably one of the best Olympics of all time.   On this episode, Jill delves into how Sydney won the right to host the Games against a crowded field that included Beijing, Berlin, Manchester (UK) and Istanbul. Would Sydney win on merit, or was there something fishy going on with their bid?   Then Alison looks at the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics and Paralympics, with its grand walk through Australian history, big star performances and the epic cauldron lightings.   Especially fun to watch:  Sydney 2000 bid song: https://youtu.be/J8FIw5Ra-aU?si=9juBaYlBr15NP8H6 Opening Ceremonies song "Under the Southern Skies": https://youtu.be/zC3qm3If8Z8?si=JHOT8DYaAELGSvyI Olympics Opening Ceremonies: https://youtu.be/qsLLzL27hYA?si=nUO_UDpajeD8SPLx Paralympics Opening Ceremonies: https://youtu.be/rkZ9LtoMaNg?si=4synpfUbPqqGf2bs   For a full list of sources and a transcript, please visit our website: http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348        

Movie Club returns to look at the 2024 biopic "The Fire Inside," which tells the story of Olympic boxer Claressa Shields and her journey to winning her first Olympic gold medal at London 2012. The movie also goes beyond her first victory to show what happens when the Games are over--and unfortunately, Claressa is one of the many Olympic athletes who do not see a financial windfall after the Games.   Also on the show: News from Paris 2024 (how about those finances?!) News from Milan-Cortina 2026 (ticket lottery is coming up, and Plan B is coming together) News from TKFLASTAN   VOTE FOR US! We're nominated for a Sports Podcast Award, but we need your vote to get to the top of the podium. Vote here by Jan. 13! https://tinyurl.com/flamealiveaward   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348            

It's the final episode of our series on Chamonix 1924! Alison explores the controversial curling event, which had teams that didn't show up, players on multiple teams, and the designation of not being an official Olympic event--or was it? Listen to find out! For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!     *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348    

Now that the Paris 2024 Host Organization is winding down its existence as a functioning entity, we start looking at the legacies the Games will (hopefully) leave behind. However, it can take years--or even decades--to realize the impact of these two months. However, other cities can provide lessons in what's possible. We're rekindling our June 24, 2021 interview with Randal Roark and Michael Dobbins, who worked for the City of Atlanta during the planning and execution of Atlanta 1996. They, along with Leon Eplan, wrote the book Atlanta's Olympic Resurgence: How the 1996 Games Revived a Struggling City, which details the efforts of city workers to make Atlanta a world-class city and welcome guests from every country to its door. Our interview shed a lot of light on the little projects a city can accomplish thanks to the deadline of the Olympics. The book is an interesting read, and you can find it on our Bookshop.org site (affiliate link). Books purchased through that link support the show's operating budget. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348    

We're closing out our year of podcasting with a new feature: Rekindled. This is where we bring back some favorite interviews we’ve had over the years. For newer listeners, it’s a great way to hear how we met some of our TKFLASTANIs. If you have heard it before, it’s fun to go back and listen to the interview now that we’re post-Paris 2024 and see how our original conversation played out.   Alison chose to rekindle our 2023 interview with para archer Matt Stutzman. Matt has been a trailblazer in the sport as its first armless competitor. At his first Paralympics in 2012, he took home a silver medal. He also competed at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics before taking gold at Paris 2024.   It's been a big week for Matt--he celebrated a birthday, and he announced his retirement from para archery. Both Jill and Alison got to spend time watching Matt compete at Paris and talking with him. That's a great reason to look back and see whether 2023 Matt was ready for gold.   We're nominated for a Sports Podcast Award! Vote for us to be the Best Olympics and Paralympics Podcast and help us get to the top of the podium. http://tinyurl.com/flamealiveaward   Also on this episode, Milan-Cortina 2026 has released the Olympic sports competition schedule, and we have news from TKFLASTAN.   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348      

Para swimmer McKenzie Coan returns to the show to tell us all about her experiences at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She surprised herself by winning a medal and made the most of her time in Paris, particularly when it came to the famous chocolate muffins! Learn more about McKenzie at her website: http://mckenziecoan.com Follow McKenzie on Insta, TikTok, and X. Milan-Cortina 2026 has unveiled its torch relay maps for the Olympics and Paralympics. We have the details on that.  Also, the International Olympic Committee had an Executive Board meeting, so we have a lot of news on the future of the Youth Olympic Games, as well as the IOC's thoughts on international federations giving out prize money for medals at the Olympics (spoiler alert: They're not thrilled).   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Be sure to check out our holiday gift guide: https://flamealivepod.com/2024-gift-guide/   Our newsletter has moved to Substack. Find it here: https://flamealivepod.substack.com/   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348          

Book Club Claire is back with our final selection of 2024, which is Today We Die a Little! The Inimitable Emil Zátopek, The Greatest Olympic Runner of All Time by Richard Askwith. This is the 2016 biography of the world-famous Czechoslovakian runner who competed in long-distance races at London 1948, Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956, racking up five Olympic medals. What did we think of this legend and his biography? Take a listen to find out! Claire also announces our book club roster for 2025, with some great titles to explore! Find them through our Bookshop.org affiliate site. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348        

What's more fun than bobsled? Bobsled and champagne! Hear all about the wild rides and lack of safety features that was the first Olympic bobsled (or bobsleigh) competition at Chamonix 1924.   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! NOTE: An earlier version of this episode stated that Switzerland has the  the most Olympic bobsled medals. That is incorrect. The episode has been edited to reflect that change. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348        

Paralympic para powerlifter Louise Sugden returns to talk about her experiences at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where she finished 5th in the 79kg weight class. However, she also opted to change weight classes this time around. We discuss that decision, the process of what it takes to successfully move down, and whether it was the best choice for this competition.   Follow Louise on Instagram, Threads, TikTok and Twitter!   Also on this episode, we discuss the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) recently announced 10-year-ban on Russian Tatyana Tomashova, who was discovered to have doped during London 2012 in the women's 1500m, which is widely considered to be the dirtiest race in history (even worse than the one we discussed in book club!).   Speaking of doping, the International Testing Agency released its final report on its pre-Paris initiative. This report details how many athletes and potential Olympic qualifiers were tested ahead of the Games. How successful was the ITA's testing initiative?   Plus,we have more news from Paris 2024, Milan-Cortina 2026, and TKFLASTAN.   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348    

We spent the past weekend in Atlanta at the annual Olympin Olympic collectors and pin traders show. We had a fun time catching up with other collectors, pin traders, TKFLASTANIs, and--best of all--meeting some listeners! This was also Alison's first trip to Atlanta, so we had to do a little Olympic sightseeing. Nicholas from Olympic Rings and Other Things was kind enough to show us around! We also have a ton of news from upcoming Games! Milan-Cortina 2026 has released the pictograms and look of the Games, which they call the Vibes. Mascots Milo and Tina are also unveiling their (adorable) sport poses on social media every day this month. Brisbane 2032 is in a bit of a bind, with several venue projects already over budget. The new Liberal National Party is reviewing the situation. Also, the Association of National Olympic Committees cut a deal to help small NOCs outfit their athletes for Games through 2032. In TKFLASTAN news, we have updates from: Track cyclist Mandy Marquardt Former high jumper Erin Shean--learn more about her new coaching program here Author Andrew Maraniss--he'll be leading a panel at Books by the Banks in Cincinnati For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348      

Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist SSG Sagen Maddalena on this episode to talk with us about the shooting competitions and what the Olympics were like at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, a few hours away from Paris.   A former NCAA athlete, Sagen is a member of the US Army's Marksmanship Unit, where she's a shooter and instructor for the unit's International Team.    Paris 2024 fueled Sagen's drive for gold at LA 2028. Follow her journey to the next Summer Olympics on Instagram and learn more about the US Army Marksmanship Unit here.   In news from Milan-Cortina 2026, the latest version of the daily Olympics schedule is out. Find it here, and plan your trip and/or viewing now (note: it is subject to change, so maybe don't set your plans in stone).   In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from: Wheelchair racer Daniel Romanchuk Curler John Shuster Wheelchair curler Steve Emt Fencer Kat Holmes   We'll be at Olympin this weekend! If you're in Atlanta, please stop by and say hello!   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348      

Both Alison and Jill are experiencing some post-Paris 2024 blues, and they share what they're doing to combat it--you'll have to figure out whether Alison is being a 90-year-old or not, and you can do so while listening to our Paris 2024 playlist.   Another way to combat it is to talk with someone who's been there. We're excited to welcome para cyclist Samantha Bosco back onto the show. Samantha competed in both para track and road cycling at Paris–and won gold in the road race time trial, which was the event she most wanted to win. She tells us all about that gold-medal race and more!   You can learn more about Samantha at her website and follow her on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Also check out her lightning round with us!   In Paris 2024 news, the French economy improved, in part due to the Olympics, but the bills are starting to come in the Opening Ceremonies. Plus, seven people have been charged with cyberbullying Ceremonies director Thomas Jolly, a crime that comes with  some pretty heavy penalties if found guilty.   One institution that's also done well in the Paris 2024 department is the Olympic Museum. We've got a rundown of some of the 200-plus artifacts they got from athletes and organizers. How they got them is worth a read.   In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we hear from Team Keep the Flame Alive members: Sled hockey player Monica Quimby Author Warren Perrin Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau Curler John Shuster   We'll be at Olympin in Atlanta next week, November 8-10! Find out more about location and hours here.   Special thanks to our Patron of the Week Lorry Luscri, who keeps our flame alive with financial support throughout the year. If you'd like to support the show, please check out all of the options here.   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thank you so much for listening–and until next time, keep the flame alive.   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348          

For some sports on the Olympic program, it's easy to understand how they evolved: Swim fast, run fast, jump high, score a goal. But sports like artistic swimming? Where did that come from? On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Vicki Valosik, author of Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water, who delved deep in to the world of synchronized swimming to discover its roots--and along the way, she found much more.   The book is a treasure trove of rabbit holes, from the connection Benjamin Franklin had to the sport, to water-based lifesaving techniques used by the military. Vicki dives into the lives of the sport's pioneer Annette Kellerman and movie star Esther Williams as she traces the history of the sport from its earliest days to the Olympic stage.   You can find out more about Vicki Valosik at her website. Follow her on Insta, Facebook, and X!   Also on today's episode, Zeus the horse from the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony is now at Versailles for an exhibit. In Melbourne, someone's created another statue--of infamous breaking athlete Raygun.   It's just 500 days to go until the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympics! In other Milan-Cortina 2026 news, Poste Italliane has signed on as a sponsor, and the organizing committee announced the producers of the ceremonies and torch relay.   Plus, LA 2028 may be more of a US Games than we thought, and there's some cool legacy news out of Tokyo.   Milan-Cortina will be a regional Games, and LA 2028 may turn out to be that way too. We already know that softball and canoe slalom will be held in Oklahoma City, and now cricket may also take place outside of Southern California.   We also have updates from TKFLASTANIs: Para triathlete Grace Norman Sprinter Kenny Bednarek Sled hockey player Monica Quimby Para swimmer Olivia Chambers Race walker Evan Dunfee We'll be at the Olympin show in Atlanta on November 8-10. Stop by the Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center and see us!   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more here.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   Note: Where possible, we use affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a commission. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348      

It's been a little over a month since the Paris 2024 Paralympics ended. How does that expereience resonate with our TKFLASTANIs once real life has settled back in? Wheelchair basketball gold medalist Brian Bell and para shot put gold medalist Noelle Malkamaki return to tell us how the Games were for them and what's next (or not) in their lives. Follow Brian and Noelle on Insta! We also have some news from other TKFLASTANIs, including: Sled hockey player Monica Quimby -- learn more about her post-Hurricane Milton GoFundMe here. Wheelchair racer Daniel Romanchuk Listener Lorry Rugby sevens player Perry Baker Swimmer John Naber Rower Kristi Wagner If you haven't checked out Book Club Claire's Paris travelogues, do so now! You might see Alison in them!   Also, we will have a table at the Olympin show in Atlanta! The show takes place November 8-10 and is free to attend. Come by, say hello and check out all the cool Olympic memorabilia!   For a transcript of this episode and expanded show notes, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348    

Alpine skiing is one of the core sports on today's Winter Olympic program, but it wasn't even an event at the very first Winter Olympics at Chamonix in 1924. Instead, the only skiing that mattered was cross-country, ski jumping, and Nordic combined. Was there drama? Of course! And it started in qualifications. We've got the full story here, including Mother Nature's revenge, an incorrect podium, and the man who created technology that would forever change the sport of skiing.  Alison's got the full details in this episode! For a transcript of this episode and full source list, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2024, these episodes explore the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod X: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348              

This past weekend, Jill and Producer Ben found herself in Salt Lake City for a few days, which gave her the opportunity to visit some of the Salt Lake City 2002 venues to see how the legacy of those Games continues on. In this episode, hear what it's like at Utah Olympic Park, home of the 2002 ski jumping, Nordic combined and sliding competitions. Currently, the park is a training and competition site, with a learn to ski program for kids. It also has a number of additional activities, including summer and winter bobsled rides, guided tours, zip lines, and trails for mountain biking. The facility also houses the Alf Engen Ski Museum and Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum. Hear whether the museums and tour are worth the price of admission, as well as what it's like at the Olympic & Paralympic Plaza. And a side note, an NHL hockey team just came to town, making a winter sports town even more winter sports happy. Also on this episode, Milan-Cortina 2026 has released its ticket prices, and the teams for the men's ice hockey tournament are set--pending a decision on whether the International Ice Hockey Federation will allow Russia to compete. Plus we have news from TKFLASTANIs Grace Norman, Katie Moon, Monica Quimby, and Listener Dan. For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. To get exclusive content about Jill's trip to Salt Lake City, become a patron today!  Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348      

It's been nearly two months since Paris 2024, but athletes who have spent years training for the Games are still processing what happened there. Today we're talking with Canadian race walker Evan Dunfee about his Paris 2024 experience. Paris was Evan's third Olympics and marked a radical shift in his race schedule--for the first time his marquee event--the 50K walk--was off the program, and he'd be racing the 20K as well as the race walk mixed relay, a new event for the Olympics. We've talked with Evan before about the change in race distances, but how did it turn out? Evan joins us again to break down his 5th place finish in the 20K, which, if you loved our Paris 2024 Toilet Talk segments, this also has something for you. But in all seriousness, Evan's experience is a story of adaptation, perseverance and dealing with a situation you can't control. Be sure to follow Evan on Insta and X! In Paris 2024 news, the Olympic Rings are no longer on the Eiffel Tower, but will they make a comeback? Jessica Long responds to the bullying situation at the Paralympics. The Organizing Committee has started recycling items from the Athletes' Village--you might be able to score some sweet Paris 2024 deck chairs at Restlos online auctions. We also have news from Milan-Cortina, which includes updates on the sliding track and budget; the Winter Games 2030, and the International Olympic Committee. In our visit to TKFLASTAN, we have updates from: Curler John Shuster Track cyclist Mandy Marquardt Weightlifter Hampton Morris Shooter Kim Rhode Author Andrew Maraniss -- get his latest book through our Bookshop.org site and support the show! Our Paris 2024 mascot Waldo   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Note: Where possible, we use affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a commission. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348    

People choose to uproot their lives and move to the US for many reasons, and on this episode we hear one immigrant's story. Elvin Kibet came to America for opportunity--and that opportunity inspired her to give back to her new home by serving her country in the US Army and its World Class Athlete Program unit. Elvin shared her story in author Joanna Garten's book "All in Stride: A Journey in Running Courage and the Search for the American Dream" and talked with us about her journey from a rural village in Kenya where she ran about 5K every day to get to school, to life in the United States as a new mother and Olympic hopeful. Follow Elvin on Instagram and Facebook! Also on today's episode we have news about the International Testing Agency's doping program at Paris, and word about the Paris 2024 bronze medals already falling apart. We're now less than 500 days from Milan-Cortina 2026, and that organization is looking for volunteers! See the qualifications and apply here. Our TKFLASTANIs continue to be busy after Paris 2024. We've got updates from: Samantha Bosco Dennis Connors Kenny Bednarek Paul Kamphuis Kikkan Randall Jayson Terdiman   We’re nominated for a Women in Podcasting Award! Winners are selected by popular vote, so we need your help! Vote by October 1 to help us win Best Sports Podcast!   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on items purchased through those links. *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348          

It's an epic show today because we have epic listeners! We dissect Paris 2024 with you and discuss: what it was like to watch at home more details of trips to the Games  how Paris rates compared to other Games training with a future Paralympian trying visually impaired sports tattoos how well Texan Olympians did Plus, Jill shares a story from her past that's spurred behavior that's almost too embarrassing to discuss on the podcast. And, seven people have declared their candidacies to take over TBach's position as IOC President next spring. We've got the details.   We're nominated for a Women in Podcasting Award in the Best Sports Podcast category, but we need your help to get the title! Vote here until October 1.   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!     *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348    

Although we're home from Paris, we still have a lot of Paris 2024 content to share with you! Here's some mixed zone tape from the last couple days of competition. Jill talked with several athletes after their final competitions, so we have: Para powerlifter Bobby Body, who just missed out on the podium Sitting volleyball players Lora Webster and Kaleo Kanahele after winning the gold medal Wheelchair fencer Ellen Geddes after finishing up the team epee competition   For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.   Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!   *** Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.   Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod   Hang out with us online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348