Sue Bird knows Team USA has a target on its back: 'It's a part of what makes it great'

We have travelled the world to find the best football stories ahead of the WWC in France. There are two exclusive interviews with senior FIFA officials: Fatma Samoura (Secretary General) and Sarai Bareman (Chief Women’s Football Officer). Plus, we went to Malaga to speak to refugee Ode Fulutudilu about her call up to the South Africa squad. We also took a trip to Orlando, USA, to speak to Jamaican teenager Jody Brown on playing against her idols.LINKSAda Hegerberg episodeEd Knowles on TwitterNicklas Vinde on TwitterFatma Samoura on TwitterSarai Bareman on TwitterOde Fulutudilu on Twitter

5 Juni 201930min

His vision became impaired but it meant earning a shot at his dream: representing his country at Tokyo 2020. British judoka Elliot Stewart had given up on following his father’s footsteps to become an Olympian. When he lost his sight, he lost his job and was unsure of his direction in life. Stewart returned to judo, came third at the World Championships, and looks to be a strong candidate for the British Paralympic team.“I lost my vision. But I can do the sport that I love. And go to the place that I’ve always wanted to go which is the Paralympic Games.”LINKSElliot Stewart Twitter British Judo Twitter Ed Knowles Twitter David Weir episode

29 Maj 201924min

John McAvoy is an Ironman triathlete. The first part of his life was spent in prison or committing serious crime. Now, he’s broken world records in indoor rowing and had top-level meetings with the UK government the UK government. McAvoy vowed to change his ways when his friend died in a car chase. He left behind a criminal life of chasing money to focus on motivating and inspiring people. “If you gave me the option between winning a gold medal at the Olympics, or sacrificing my whole athletic career to stop one kid going to prison: I’d sacrifice everything,” he said to the Olympic Channel Podcast.LINKSJohn on InstagramOlympic Channel on InstagramEd on Twitter

22 Maj 201946min

The Norwegian striker is going for her fourth consecutive Champions League title and has broken goal records consistently. The Olympic Channel Podcast found out about why she’s passionate about equality in women’s football, her Ballon d’Or win, and her ambitions with club Olympique Lyonnais.LINKSAda Hegerberg InstagramNicklas Vinde TwitterEd Knowles Twitter

15 Maj 201924min

Depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder all disrupted the dreams of American figure skater Gracie Gold.She won two US National titles as a teenager and took an Olympic bronze medal home from Sochi 2014. But in 2017 she withdrew from competition to seek treatment for her mental health.Gracie is now taking a day-by-day approach to recovery as she explains in this honest, open, and raw interview.LINKS:Gracie Gold on Instagram Evgenia Medvedeva, Jason Brown and Brian Orser episode Ed Knowles on Twitter

8 Maj 201932min

Pita Taufatofua grabbed everyone’s attention when he arrived at Rio 2016’s Opening Ceremony with his bare, coconut-oiled chest. And then he did it again at PyeongChang 2018 in below freezing conditions. From escaping avalanches in Iceland to ending up thousands of dollars in debt, the Tongan took on every problem with a smile. His sporting career started in taekwondo, then he moved to cross country skiing, and now he’s hoping to become a kayaker. Pita’s positivity is infectious so we joined him for in depth chat at his home in Tonga.LINKS:Pita Instagram Ed on Twitter Kristina Vogel episode

1 Maj 201927min

As Alexandra Banfield prepares to represent England at the 2019 ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, the Solihull-based athlete explains how she balances an emotional job as a chemotherapy nurse with the rigours of training for a major competition. Plus, we sent influencer Gina Scarangella to London to see how the sport has grown in the country.LINKSEverything you need to know about the 2019 ICU World Cheerleading ChampionshipsEd Knowles on Twitter

24 Apr 201915min

She’s fast. She’s Jamaican. And she’s coached by four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon. Briana Williams won the 100m and 200m at the U20 World Championships. Now, she is hoping to reach the 2019 World Championships (‘if her coach knows what he’s doing’ – Ato’s words not ours!) and maybe even Tokyo 2020. We spoke to both about sunglasses, Jamaican beaches, and beating FloJo’s long-standing sprint records.LINKS:Briana Williams on Instagram Ato Boldon on Twitter Bobby Clay episode

17 Apr 201921min