The Dark Pact of Athletic Glory and Suffering

We cheer their triumphs—but we rarely see the toll. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the painful paradox at the heart of elite sport: the glory fans celebrate is often built on profound personal suffering. From Andy Murray’s emotional retirement to the raw comebacks of Paris Olympians like Florent Manaudou and Adam Peaty, and the mental health struggles of icons such as Simone Biles, the stories behind the medals reveal a world shaped by relentless pressure, punishing training, and coaches who prioritize discipline over joy. Yet, for spectators, this very risk and hardship is part of what makes sport feel meaningful. What do we really ask of the athletes we idolize—and what do they sacrifice to deliver the moments we love?https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/08/23/elite-sport-isnt-meant-to-be-fun-is-it