Flame Bearers: Female Olympians & Para Olympians

{By: Jamie Mittelman} The Olympics and Paralympics happen every four years, but have you ever wondered what happens to the athletes AFTER the Games? We are so excited to share that Flame Bearers: Keeping the Fire Burning launches this fall, spotlighting women athletes from the Tokyo and Beijing Games. What happens when the Olympics and Paralympics end? When our world’s best athletes step off the world stage and into everyday life? In the past two seasons of Flame Bearers, we delved into how our world’s best women athletes got to the Games, when all eyes were on them…This season we will discuss how they stay focused when the focus is on them? What is a normal day like? This fall, we dive into the future plans and musings of women athletes who reflect on their accomplishments and enjoy life outside the Games.

First time hearing about Flame Bearers? 

We got you! We’re the only global storytelling platform specifically for women Olympians and Paralympians. We tell stories, via podcast and short video format. Flame Bearers is in the top 2% of all podcasts globally, with listeners in 47 countries and counting. We elevate some of the biggest names in sports, but also unsung heroes who are not receiving the credit they deserve. We are a microphone for the causes athletes care most about be it racial justice, pay equity, mental health or disability bias. While we don’t want to spill the beans on who we’re spotlighting in Season 3, we guarantee they are some of the most inspiring athletes from every continent! 

Why should you care?

According to the Women’s Sports Foundation’s 2020 Chasing Equity report, in the US just 3.2% of sports media coverage is devoted to women’s sports. On a global scale, that number is even lower globally and coverage is practically non-existent for Paralympians (shoutout to NBC for covering the Paralympics primetime for the first time this year!) A lack of representation makes it near impossible for younger girls to see their future selves in someone who doesn’t ‘exist’ today. We elevate the voices of women from all backgrounds and experiences — and in doing so celebrate different models of success. Check out the first two seasons of Flame Bearers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts + keep your eyes pealed for Season 3, coming this