Episodes

  • Episode 6: Best and Worst of Paris 24
    Aug 24 2024

    In the aftermath of the Paris Olympics Adam Batstone and David Kohn discuss some of the highlights of the games which were widely considered to be one of the best ever Olympics. From the use of the city's famous landmarks as venues to memorable sporting achievements and the success of some new events, Paris 24 was a resounding success.

    Click here to order a copy of David's book The Best and Worst of the Olympics

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Episode 5: Melbourne 56 - Blood in the Water
    Aug 5 2024

    Many times in Olympic history, events around the world have overshadowed and on occasions impacted the sport itself.

    This was never more true than in 1956 when the Soviet suppression of a popular in uprising in Hungary coincided with a clash between the two countries in the water polo.

    David Kohn, author of the book Best and Worst of the Olympics, tells Adam Batstone how tensions and bad feeling quickly spilled over into violence in the pool.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Episode 4: Ben Johnson: The 'Dirtiest' Race in Olympic History
    Aug 3 2024

    For many sports fans the men's 100m final is the key moment of any Olympic Games, the definitive race to find the fastest man on earth.

    But in 1988 at the Seoul Olympics the blue riband event became one of the most controversial races in recent memory as Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson clashed with the US superstar Carl Lewis.

    David Kohn tells Adam Batstone the story of what came to be known as 'the dirtiest race in Olympic history'.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Episode 3: Tommy Smith John Carlos and the Black Power Salute
    Jul 29 2024

    In this third episode of the Best and Worst of the Olympics podcast David Kohn tells Adam Batstone about the Tommy Smith and John Carlos Black Power salute in Mexico 1968.

    The act of defiance during the medal ceremony for the 200m was carefully planned and had a massive impact for those involved.

    Click here to order your copy of David Kohn's book The Best and Worst of the Olympics

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Episode 2: Jesse Owens and The Games That Should Never Have Been
    Jul 27 2024

    In the second episode of The Best And Worst of the Olympics podcast Adam Batstone and David Kohn recall one of the most notorious Olympics Games in history: Berlin 1936.

    The games were staged in the capital of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler used the occasion to show the world his vision of Aryan supremacy. His triumphant vision did not include the spectacular performance of Jesse Owens a black American athlete whose four gold medals made him the lasting hero of the Games that should never have taken place.

    Click here to order your copy of David Kohn's book The Best and Worst of the Olympics

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Episode 1: Seb Coe and Steve Ovett
    Jul 23 2024

    In this first episode of the Best and Worst of the Olympics podcast Adam Batstone and David Kohn chat about the great renaissance of British middle distance running which saw Coe and Ovett go head to head at the Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980.

    Click here to order your copy of David Kohn's book The Best and Worst of the Olympics

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins