Several star athletes heading into the Olympics this year have had documentaries capture their rise to the top of their respective sports. Other docuseries follow the saga of specific teams within a sporting event, like the United States Women’s National Soccer Team or USA Gymnastics.
From scandal to success, the following documentaries will add context to the Paris 2024 Olympics and the various athletes competing or commenting on them.
Here are 10 Olympics documentaries to stream now:
Simone Biles Rising (Netflix)
Netflix recently released two episodes of the docuseries Simone Biles Rising on July 17.
The docuseries follows the superstar gymnast and everything that went into her performance at the Tokyo Games in 2021 (postponed from 2020 due to COVID-19) when she experienced the “twisties” and pulled out of competing.
The uproar that followed her decision to withdraw highlighted the significance of mental health struggles. The series captures her recovery as she battled the disconnect between her mind and body to make a comeback. Simone Biles Rising is streaming on Netflix.
Sprint (Netflix)
Sprint follows athletes who train to be the fastest runners on the planet. Season 1 of the docuseries explores the top sprinters as they compete at the 2023 World Championships and features athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson, who will compete at the 2024 Olympics for Team USA, Noah Lyles, Shericka Jackson, and more.
The series provides an inside look at the dedication and determination required to be a world-class sprinter. Sprint is streaming on Netflix.
Athlete A (Netflix)
To understand some of the context behind Simone Biles’ struggles at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Athlete A is a great follow-up or standalone feature.
The documentary film follows reporters from The Indianapolis Star who investigated claims of abuse at USA Gymnastics, leading to Dr. Larry Nassar’s imprisonment and hundreds of survivors speaking out against him.
The Netflix documentary also features athletes like Simone Biles and Aly Raisman, highlighting their stories and the broader impact of the investigation. Athlete A is streaming on Netflix.
Untold: Caitlyn Jenner (Netflix)
Untold: Caitlyn Jenner chronicles Caitlyn Jenner’s (formerly Bruce Jenner) journey to winning the gold medal in the Olympic decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
The docuseries features archival footage and home videos from Jenner, providing insight into her comeback in 1976 after not medaling at the 1972 Olympics.
The series also delves into how training for the competition was a welcome distraction from Jenner’s inner turmoil. Untold: Caitlyn Jenner is streaming on Netflix.
Icarus (Netflix)
In Icarus, director Bryan Fogel, an amateur bike racer, investigates doping in sports by doping himself to observe how it influences performance and to see if he can avoid detection.
Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, who leads his country’s anti-doping program, coaches Fogel through hormone injections and urine samples.
The documentary follows their journey as they uncover a major scandal involving doping and cycling in the Olympics. Icarus is streaming on Netflix.
Sue Bird In the Clutch
Sue Bird In the Clutch, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024, follows the nine-time international gold medalist who won five of those at the Olympics.
The film highlights Sue Bird’s influence in the WNBA and her partnership with wife Megan Rapinoe of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team.
Their commentary on this year’s Olympics will be highly anticipated. Sue Bird In the Clutch is now streaming on Netflix.
Under Pressure: The US Women’s World Cup Team (Netflix)
While Under Pressure focuses on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, it provides crucial context for the USWNT heading into the 2024 Olympic Games with a new head coach, Emma Hayes.
The 2023 games marked a transitional period for the USWNT, and the team heading to Paris will be full of first-time players. The docuseries captures the pressure and expectations faced by a team known as the greatest in the sport. Under Pressure is streaming on Netflix.
LFG (Max)
LFG, which stands for “Let’s Fcking Go,” highlights the ongoing struggle for equal pay within the United States Women’s National Soccer Team.
The documentary showcases staggering statistics comparing compensation for men’s and women’s soccer players and the legal process the players undertook to challenge this disparity.
The film features key players in the fight for equality and underscores their determination to assert themselves as a dominant team in the sport’s history. LFG is streaming on Max.
One Day in September (Screenpix on Apple TV+)
Narrated by Michael Douglas, One Day in September is a documentary about the 1972 Munich Olympics, where a Palestinian terrorist group, Black September, held Israeli athletes hostage.
The 1999 film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It provides a gripping account of the tragic events and their impact on the Olympics. One Day in September is available to stream via Screenpix on Apple TV+.
Olympia (1938) (The Criterion Channel, Flix Fling, Apple TV+)
Directed by Leni Riefenstahl, Olympia documents the 1936 Berlin Olympics and is considered one of the first documentary feature films of the Olympics.
Released in two parts, the film is controversial due to its political context, as it glorifies the athletic competition in Nazi Germany.
Despite this, Olympia remains a significant historical record of the Games. It is available to stream via The Criterion Channel, Flix Fling, or on Apple TV+.
Takeaways
These documentaries offer a comprehensive look at the triumphs, struggles, and stories behind the athletes and events of the Olympics.
As we head into the 2024 Paris Games, these films provide valuable context and insight into the world of competitive sports and the individuals who dedicate their lives to excellence.
