Olympic Sports, Athletes and Their Legacies

The Power of Sports 

Throughout history, sports have put a spotlight on athletic excellence and the importance of unity. Sporting events provide a platform where differences are set aside in favor of mutual respect, teamwork, and the celebration of human potential. At the Olympics, athletes from different parts of the world not only compete at the highest levels, but become part of something that champions diversity.  

Sports like tennis, golf and boxing have long been symbols of tradition. They also, however, have become tools for expanding inclusivity and breaking down barriers. All star athletes possess a drive to excel and win, but visionaries also harness their talents and influence to bring awareness and advocate for social change. 

Join PBS North Carolina as we uncover the inspiring stories of those who utilize the power of sports to redefine what it means to be an athlete.

Gods of Tennis

Framed through the world-famous Wimbledon tournament, revisit the golden age of tennis in this three-part fascinating series. Meet the heroes who changed the sport forever and drove significant change away from the tennis courts.

Watch Gods of Tennis, premiering Tuesday, 7/23, 9 PM on PBS NC and the PBS App.  

PBS News Hour Profiles Modern Tennis Changemakers

Delve into the pivotal moments in the world of tennis with PBS News Hour, highlighting the achievements of some of the sport’s greatest athletes. These stories showcase the current milestones and significant moments that are defining tennis history.

Watch PBS News Hour, streaming now on the PBS App.

Groundbreakers 

Celebrate 50 years of female excellence in sports through the eyes of athletes who changed the system. Hosted by tennis icon and champion of equality Billie Jean King, the film weaves together eight athletes’ discussions of how their own struggles and achievements shaped women’s sports. 

Watch Groundbreakers, streaming now on the PBS App with Passport.

Muhammad Ali 

Muhammad Ali brings to life one of the most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans across the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it. Ali insisted on being himself unconditionally and became a global icon and inspiration to people everywhere. 

Watch Muhammad Ali, streaming now on the PBS App with Passport.

POV: Team Meryland 

In the projects of Watts, Meryland Gonzales, a twelve-year-old female boxer trains to be crowned the 2019 Junior Olympics champion. Meanwhile, her immigrant parents work tirelessly to give their child a shot at achieving her dreams. 

Watch POV, streaming now on the PBS App. 

Native America: Going for Gold 

18-year-old Mariah Bahe, seven-time national amateur boxing champion, taps into warrior spirit to achieve her dream of serving in the military and representing the US and Navajo Nation in the Olympics. 

Watch Native America, streaming now on the PBS App.

It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst

Head to NC’s Sandhills to explore the rich history and unforgettable stories of the world-renowned golf destination, from its historic courses to its Southern hospitality. Explore interviews with key figures, golf professionals and local residents, and uncover the secrets that make Pinehurst so unique.

Watch It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst, streaming now on PBS NC and the PBS App.

Creating a Black Golf Tournament 

From Reel South, flashback to the 1970s, when these Black golfers competed in the legendary Skyview Golf tournament in Asheville, NC. 

Watch Reel South, streaming now on the PBS App. 

North Carolina Weekend 

Join Host Deborah Holt Noel as she learns about disc golf, a game where frisbee meets golf. This growing sport emphasizes the evolution of golf and offers a unique and accessible outdoor activity for all skill levels.  

Watch North Carolina Weekend, Thursdays, 9 PM, on PBS NC and the PBS App. 

Historic Milestones

Flashback to the 1936 Berlin Olympics, a defining event in world history. The games served as a platform for athletes to make remarkable stands against existing prejudices. These memorable feats showcased the ability of athletic achievements to transcend global tensions and inspire people worldwide.

American Experience: The Boys of ‘36 

The story of nine working-class young men from the University of Washington who took the rowing world and America by storm when they captured gold at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Their unexpected victory, against not only the Ivy League teams of the East Coast but Adolf Hitler's elite German rowers, gave hope to a nation struggling to emerge from the depths of the Great Depression. 

Watch American Experience, streaming now on the PBS App.

American Experience: Jesse Owens 

The most famous athlete of his time, his stunning triumph at the 1936 Olympic Games captivated the world. Despite the racial slurs he endured, Jesse Owens' grace and athleticism rallied crowds across the globe. But when the four-time Olympic gold medalist returned home, he could not even ride in the front of a bus. 

Watch American Experience, streaming now on the PBS App.

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice 

The story of the African American Olympians who defied Jim Crow and Adolf Hitler to win hearts and medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The athletes represented a country that considered them second-class citizens and competed in a country that rolled out the red carpet for them despite an undercurrent of Aryan superiority and anti-Semitism. 

Watch Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, streaming now on the PBS App.

When Giants Walked Here  

Raleigh’s Dorton Arena is famed the world over for its groundbreaking architecture. Its greatest untold legacy, however, is its place in the history of a Southern mainstay: pro wrestling. This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of pro wrestling at the iconic venue, examining its impact on generations of fans, competitors and the sport itself.

Watch When Giants Walked Here, premiering Friday, 8/8, on PBS NC and the PBS App.