Olympic Channel launches new documentary series “The Starting Line” - Watch now for free
Olympic Channel’s newest original documentary series The Starting Line features five athletes who are seeking inspiration from the people and places that nurtured their passion, as they pursue their Olympic Games Paris 2024 dream.
The five-part original series features Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya, athletics), Manon Claeys of (Belgium, equestrian), Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (Spain, judo), Carlota Dudek (France, breaking), and Ezra Frech (United States, athletics).
Each episode takes you to a different part of the world, where the athletes relive their individual origin stories. See where they grew up, the obstacles they've overcome, and hear from the people that first ignited their love of sport.
Whether an Olympic or Paralympic athlete, the athletes all share in the fact that their journey towards the Games would have been impossible without the support of their friends and family.
The series is available to watch now for free on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and on the official Olympics apps for mobile and connected TV devices.
Ferdinand Omanyala of Team Kenya celebrates following the Men's 100m Round 1 heats on day five of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium. He features in episode one of new Olypmic Channel Series "The Startling Line"
Episode 1 - Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya, athletics)
Known as the ‘Fastest Man in Africa’ for his prowess in the 100m, Ferdinand Omanyala is setting his sights on becoming the fastest man in the world at Paris 2024. We follow him as he travels back to his hometown of Kitale in Kenya to receive blessings from his peers and uncover the remarkable story of his origins.
Episode 2 - Manon Claeys of (Belgium, equestrian)
Two-time medallist in dressage at Tokyo 2020 Manon Claeys shares her inspiring journey back from a severe injury to the Paralympic podium. After her accident, she thought she would never ride a horse again. Now, together with her cherished horse Katarina, and surrounded by her team and family, she trains to achieve a gold medal at Paris 2024.
Manon Claeys is an equestrian athlete from Belgium, and hopes to add to her medal tally at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Discover her story in episode 2 of new Olympic Channel series: The Starting Line.
Episode 3 - Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (Spain, judo)
When Nikoloz Sherazadishvili’s family moved him from Georgia to Spain at a young age, his father instilled a love of judo in him. He quickly felt at home at the local club of Brunete, in the outskirts of Madrid, where everything started with his first coach Quino Ruiz. As he gears up for his second Olympic Games, he’s competing on the mat for Spain but also holding Georgia and the memory of his father close to his heart.
Episode 4 - Carlota Dudek (France, breaking)
A young female breaker for France, Carlota Dudek is training to qualify for the Olympic Games to showcase her unique style to the world, inherited from her mother Cuban of origin. We travelled with her from Paris to her hometown in the heart of Provence where her life-long dance journey began.
Episode 5 - Ezra Frech (United States, athletics)
As the reigning high-jump world champion, Ezra Frech prepares to return to the Paralympic Games for the second time. He reflects on his remarkable journey with his father and together with his mother, takes us to meet their beloved Californian community as they organise a unique event for adaptive sports in Los Angeles.