6 sports movies to ignite your Olympic passion

Mankind’s ambition to go beyond the limits of what’s humanly possible is at the heart of the Olympic Games. When it comes to the epic multi-sport event, people tend to focus on the awards podium and medalists. Yet, the pursuit of sporting excellence is the real mission of the Games, pushing athletes to be faster, go further and aim higher.  

While there aren’t prizes for fourth place, the event’s greatest moments are not simply the ones where records are broken. The real legends are the ones who defy expectations, stage incredible comebacks or exemplify soul-stirring humanity and sacrifice in the midst of heated competition. Taking a page from the epic heart and spirit of the Olympics in Paris, here are six films to compel and inspire you. 

1. Against All Odds: The Alwyn Uys Story 

Against All Odds: The Alwyn Uys Story is a powerful, inspiring and sleek sports documentary. An embodiment of the Olympic spirit, this film is based on the remarkable true story of a promising athlete who dared to push the limits of the human body after a life-altering car accident. 

Directed by prolific film-maker Stefan Enslin, this documentary has an all-access feel, making it a deeply human story about recovery and the relentless pursuit of one’s wildest dreams. There’s no denying the true grit, driven by a real contender in Uys whose never-say-die attitude compels him on a quest to become the first paraplegic person to swim to Robben Island. 

2. Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season

After a record-breaking career, it’s no wonder Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn is known as the “Queen of Skiing”. While the legendary American alpine skier has claimed four World Cup championships, she imbues the Olympic spirit in her sheer resilience and determination. Lindsay Vonn: The Final Season is testament to her sporting achievements as well as her courage in overcoming adversity. 

This gripping and intimate sports documentary delves into the legend’s attempt to clinch the record for most World Cup wins and leave on a high. Faced with injury and overcoming emotional setbacks, this powerful film captures Vonn’s defiant attitude and the thrill of a gritty competition. 

3. Beyond the River 

Beyond the River is a stirring sports drama based on an inspiring true story about an unlikely Dusi canoe marathon pairing in Siseko Ntondini and Piers Cruickshanks. Featuring spirited performances from Lemogang Tsipa and Grant Swanby, Beyond the River channels the raw emotion, rugged determination and teamwork required to go for gold. 

Tapping into the Olympic spirit, this guts-and-glory tale from Craig Freimond is a distinctly South African underdog sports drama. From stunning photography from the Valley of a Thousand Hills to a nostalgic soundtrack, it's easy to cheer these fierce contenders over the finish line in one of the toughest canoe races on the planet. 

4. Champions 

Champions is based on Campeones, a Spanish sports comedy drama about a stubborn former minor-league basketball coach who commandeers a team of underdogs. Kingpin actor-director duo Woody Harrelson and Bobby Farrelly are two of each other’s biggest fans. Together they power a hilarious and heartwarming story about coaching a squad of mentally disabled players. 

Fun, tender and authentic, Champions speaks to the Olympic spirit in its desire to open the competition up to everyone. Casting actors with similar disabilities to the characters they’re playing, this charming, uplifting and stirring underdog sports drama aims to be fully inclusive and representative. 

5. Big George Foreman 

His name may conjure up the sizzle of the eponymous lean, mean health grill but George Foreman first became famous as a boxing legend. An Olympic gold medalist at the 1968 Olympics, the two-time world heavyweight champion embodies the indomitable spirit of the Games, also known for his famed “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against Muhammad Ali. 

Big George Foreman chronicles the icon’s life, ranging from his difficult upbringing to boxing glory and a spiritual awakening. Known in the boxing world for his devastatingly powerful punch, this spirited and well-acted biopic captures life-defining moments from his athleticism and faith to entrepreneurial ventures. 

6. The Fastest Woman on Earth 

There’s no substitute for speed. For fearless competitor Jessi Combs, racing and speed became her life’s mission, pushing the boundaries of human resilience to achieve the near-impossible. In the stirring sports documentary, The Fastest Woman on Earth, viewers get an intimate and poignant exploration of her attempt to break the land speed record. 

An honest and heartbreaking character portrait, The Fastest Woman on Earth also serves as a celebration of the charismatic and inspirational figure’s life. Filled with eye-popping visuals and exhilarating racing action, this documentary embodies the true sacrifice and pioneering spirit of what it means to be an Olympian.