The athletes are training, the torches are burning, and the start of the Summer Olympics is just days away! But if you’re not in the spirit yet, we’ve rounded up some inspirational – and true – stories to get you prepped for the pomp and circumstance.
Sounds of the Games
Put the power of music to work with some of the epic scores written specifically for the Olympic games.
“Summon the Heroes” is an orchestral composition written by the incomparable John Williams for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. It premiered during the opening ceremonies and is available for you to stream anytime you need to feel heroic here on Spotify. Plus, the album of the same name includes this star track plus other uplifting and nostalgia-inducing melodies.
“Call of the Champions” was also composed by John Williams for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is equally as goose-bump-inducing. Enjoy it here.
Let’s Go to the Movies
This line-up of Olympic classics will have you ready to stand up and cheer!
Chariots of Fire
Telling the story of two track athletes training for the Paris Olympics in 1924 (and yes, that’s right – the Olympic games were held 100 years ago in the same city) this movie also has an epic score. With different backgrounds and religious beliefs, these runners had to overcome issues of pride, racism, and their own consciences.
Cool Runnings
Who can forget the unexpected yet true story of four Jamaican men who form their country’s first ever bobsled team to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary? It’s a classic tale of perseverance, persistence and a reminder not to overlook the perceived underdogs.
Miracle
Culminating in what has been called “one of the greatest moments in sports history,” this intense story follows a motley crew of college ice hockey players as they compete for the United States in the 1980 Olympic games. Just try not to cheer as they go up against the Soviet Union in a cold war of their own!
The Boys in the Boat
The University of Washington’s inexperienced rowing team shells out incredible teamwork and courage as they compete in the 1936 Olympics held in Nazi-contorlled Berlin. The adversity they faced during the height of the Great Depression is as inspiring as it is gut wrenching.
Athletes To Watch: Paris 2024
Getting back to the current athletes, you can learn more about twelve of the top European athletes heading to the 2024 Olympic Games this summer. These short videos give a behind-the-scenes look at their preparations and background stories, and might just give you some new talent to root for.
Watch The Games Live
You can watch all of the exciting and inspiring action when the 2024 Summer Olympics, technically the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and branded as “Paris 2024,” officially kick off on July 26th and end on August 11, 2024. Experience both the Opening Ceremonies and Closing Ceremonies live on NBC and Peacock.
Get the full details on all of the exciting events here and start planning your watch parties. Let’s go, team(s)!