EXCLUSIVE: Content material firm Harder Than You Think (HTYT) and podcast creator Persephonica have unveiled Paralympian podcast Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?.
The manufacturing – which is a spin-off the Emmy-winning Paralympic documentary Rising Phoenix – is co-hosted by U.S. Paralympian Matt ‘the Armless Archer’ Stutzman, and Michael Johnson, the monitor and area legend with 4 Olympic Gold medals below his belt.
The eight-part sequence, which intention to clarify the sacrifice and energy it takes to make it as a Paralympian, is launches in the present day, as pleasure builds across the upcoming Paralympics in Paris from August 28 to September 8.
Stutzman and Johnson will speak to a variety of Paralympians together with U.S. monitor star Hunter Woodhall, UK sprinter and bike owner Kadeena Cox, Norwegian rowing champion Birgit Skarstein; Argentinian wheelchair tennis star Gustavo Fernández and French Blind Footballer Gaël Rivière.
Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? is the most recent manufacturing in a sequence of movies, TV exhibits and podcasts produced by HTYT to inform the story of the Paralympics.
Stutzman, who was born with out arms and makes use of his legs and toes when competing in archery contests, gained a silver medal within the 2012 Paralympics, and likewise took half within the 2016 version. He additionally featured within the unique Rising Phoenix documentary
“I used to be proud to be a part of the Rising Phoenix film and happy with its impression on the Paralympic motion,” he stated.
“This podcast sequence goes to take this to a complete new degree. As a Paralympian, I do know the facility of the Video games, however by these athletes’ unbelievable tales within the sequence I hope we are going to change how individuals take into consideration incapacity eternally.”
Iconic sprinter Johnson, who loved a high-profile 2024 Olympics as one of many athletics commentator for the BBC, stated the chance to work on the podcast fed into his passions.
“I really like storytelling. As an elite athlete I’m at all times on the lookout for nice tales from sport that exhibit excessive efficiency and the pursuit of excellence. We’ve spoken to some extraordinary Paralympic athletes for this podcast, and I’m excited to have labored with the workforce behind Rising Phoenix to share their tales with the world this summer time,” he stated.
HTYT Founder and President Greg Nugent stated the discussions provided a uncommon perception into the problem of reaching the extent wanted to compete within the Paralympics.
“These superb in-depth discussions about what it actually takes to be a Paralympian are outstanding portraits of outstanding athletes,” he stated.
Persephonica CEO and founder Dino Sofo stated the present chimed with its slate of podcasts tackling politics, historical past and leisure, which embody Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver’s Miss Me, Dua Lipa: At You Service, and Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall’s The Information Brokers.
“Michael Johnson and Matt Stutzman are two of essentially the most recognisable and skilled athletes within the Olympics and Paralympics. They’re the proper guides to introduce our viewers to discover what it actually takes to develop into a Paralympian.”
This new sequence is supported by Procter & Gamble and adidas, and will likely be accessible on all podcast suppliers.
