EPISODE · Jun 11, 2022 · 49 MIN
Escaping persecution and finding the NBA
from Not by the Playbook · host BBC World Service
As the NBA finals continue we hear the remarkable story of three generations of the Grunfeld family, from their escape journey from Nazi persecution to Olympic glory and beyond. A former pro baller himself Dan Grunfeld has written "By The Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, A Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream".Ahead of the 50th anniversary of Title IX with the help of Dr Bonnie J Morris we look at the impact the legislation has had in levelling the playing field in women’s sports, and how its influence spread far beyond the USA and into global professional sport.Ending a professional sporting career is one of the hardest things an athlete will ever have to do. Paul Felder had a long and successful career as an MMA fighter. So how did he come to terms with putting an end to what he loved? He decided to dedicate himself to a new sport, one with less kicking and punching! Paul has entered a new Pro Am Triathlon competition the PTO and a documentary is chronicling his attempt to swim, cycle and run back to the top.Photo: Dan Grunfeld and his grandmother Anyu who escaped Nazi Europe and found a home for Dan's father Ernie in America, and specifically the NBA Credit: Dan Grunfeld)
What this episode covers
As the NBA finals continue we hear the remarkable story of three generations of the Grunfeld family, from their escape journey from Nazi persecution to Olympic glory and beyond. A former pro baller himself Dan Grunfeld has written "By The Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, A Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream".Ahead of the 50th anniversary of Title IX with the help of Dr Bonnie J Morris we look at the impact the legislation has had in levelling the playing field in women’s sports, and how its influence spread far beyond the USA and into global professional sport.Ending a professional sporting career is one of the hardest things an athlete will ever have to do. Paul Felder had a long and successful career as an MMA fighter. So how did he come to terms with putting an end to what he loved? He decided to dedicate himself to a new sport, one with less kicking and punching! Paul has entered a new Pro Am Triathlon competition the PTO and a documentary is chronicling his attempt to swim, cycle and run back to the top.Photo: Dan Grunfeld and his grandmother Anyu who escaped Nazi Europe and found a home for Dan's father Ernie in America, and specifically the NBA Credit: Dan Grunfeld)
NOW PLAYING
Escaping persecution and finding the NBA
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m