De veertiende aflevering van de Derde Ronde LA podcast biedt een diepgravende discussie met Peter Blange, een icoon in de volleybalsport. Het gesprek begint met een terugblik op Blange’s beginjaren en zijn ervaringen tijdens de Olympische Spelen van 1984, waar Nederland niet deelnam, maar waar Blange zijn carrière in het nationale team begon. Hij bespreekt de toestand van het volleybal in Nederland tijdens die periode, waarin de sport nog niet de erkenning en structuur had die het nu geniet. Het gesprek ontvouwt zich verder en belicht de rol van de Nederlandse volleybalbond en de inspanningen die zijn geleverd om de sport naar een hoger niveau te tillen.

Blange’s inzichten over de transformatie van het team onder leiding van coach Arie Selinger zijn bijzonder intrigerend. Hij benadrukt hoe Selinger's innovatieve benadering en zijn focus op intensieve training de spelers hebben geholpen om het niveau van hun spel drastisch te verhogen. Dit leidde niet alleen tot betere prestaties op internationaal niveau, maar creëerde ook een cultuur van hard werken en toewijding binnen het team. Blange deelt zijn persoonlijke worstelingen en overwinningen in deze transformatie, en hoe deze ervaringen hebben bijgedragen aan zijn groei als speler en als individu. Het gesprek belicht ook de dynamiek binnen het team, de rivaliteit en de vriendschappen die zijn ontstaan, en hoe deze elementen cruciaal waren voor hun uiteindelijke succes.

De aflevering biedt een schat aan waardevolle lessen over teamwork, doorzettingsvermogen en de impact van leiderschap in de sport. De verhalen van Blange zijn niet alleen een eerbetoon aan de geschiedenis van het Nederlandse volleybal, maar ook een inspiratiebron voor toekomstige generaties sporters die streven naar uitmuntendheid in hun vakgebied.

Takeaways:

• In deze aflevering bespreken we het bijzondere verhaal van Peter Blange, een legendarische volleyballer.
• Peter Blange reflecteert op zijn Olympische ervaringen, waaronder vier deelnames aan de Spelen.
• De ontwikkeling van het Nederlandse volleybalteam is essentieel voor het behalen van Olympische successen.
• We onderzoeken de impact van trainers en coaches op de sportieve groei van atleten.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• RTV Rijnmond
• NVOD
• Dutch Olympians
• FC Amsterdam
• Nationale Nederlander
• Sporthal Bankras
• Martinez
• Delta Lloyd AMVJ
• Zonhoven
• Catania
• Parma
• Hellas
• Hermes
• Starlift Voorburg
• Ron Zwerver
• Richard Schuil
• Christiaan Varenhorst

This podcast episode delves into the intricate interplay between politics and the Olympic Games, focusing specifically on the events of the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the 1948 London Olympics. The discussion begins with a thorough examination of the 1936 Games, during which Jesse Owens' remarkable achievements not only shattered athletic records but also directly challenged the prevailing Nazi ideologies of racial superiority. We explore the profound implications of these Games, noting how the political climate of the era permeated the sporting spectacle, with Germany leveraging the event as a platform for propaganda. Transitioning to the 1948 Olympics, we highlight the absence of Germany and Japan due to their roles in the recent global conflict, emphasizing the enduring impact of political decisions on international sporting events. Throughout this discourse, we engage with the remarkable athletic feats and the broader socio-political context, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how these Olympic Games were not merely athletic contests but pivotal moments in history.

The thirteenth episode of our podcast delves into the intricate intersection of sports and politics, exploring two pivotal Olympic Games: Berlin in 1936 and London in 1948. We commence with an analysis of the Berlin Games, a significant event held under the oppressive political climate of Nazi Germany. The episode highlights the remarkable athletic feats that occurred during these Games, particularly the extraordinary achievements of Jesse Owens, whose four gold medals not only showcased his unparalleled talent but also served as a poignant rebuttal to the Nazi ideology of racial superiority. Owens' performance is framed within the socio-political context of the time, illustrating how the Olympics became a stage for propaganda, as epitomized by Leni Riefenstahl's film 'Olympia', which celebrated the athletes while simultaneously glorifying the Nazi regime. The discussion further examines how the political machinations surrounding the Games impacted the athletes, including the inclusion of Jewish athlete Helena Mayer, whose participation was a calculated move by the regime to mitigate international criticism.

Transitioning to the 1948 London Games, we reflect on the aftermath of World War II and the absence of Germany and Japan from the competition. The London Games marked a significant return to international athletics, with a focus on the resurgence of sportsmanship and global unity. We pay tribute to Fanny Blankers-Koen, who emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, winning four gold medals and capturing the imagination of the public. Her performances are celebrated as not only athletic triumphs but also milestones in the evolution of women's sports, challenging societal norms and expectations. The episode encapsulates how the Olympics, while often marred by political undertones, also offer a platform for athletes to transcend boundaries and inspire future generations.

In our in-depth examination, we juxtapose the contrasting narratives of the two Olympic Games, emphasizing how the political landscape influenced the athletes and the broader implications for society. The Berlin Games serve as a cautionary tale of how sports can be co-opted for political ends, while the London Games exemplify the potential for sport to unite and heal a fractured world. Through engaging dialogue and rich historical context, we invite listeners to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Olympics and the role of athletes as agents of change. The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective, hinting at future discussions on the evolving nature of the Olympics and its relevance in contemporary society.

Takeaways:

• The political landscape surrounding the Olympic Games has always been intertwined with sportsmanship, as evidenced by the events of 1936 and 1948.
• Jesse Owens' remarkable achievements at the 1936

Derde Ronde van Los Angeles van 1932 tot 2028!

Aflevering 12: Bizar voorval voor Carla Beurskens in 1984 tijdens de eerste olympische marathon voor vrouwen!

The focal point of our discussion revolves around the historic Marathon for Women, which took place in 1984, marking a pivotal moment as it was the inaugural marathon for women in the Modern Olympic Games. This groundbreaking event not only showcased the extraordinary capabilities of female athletes but also underscored the long-standing debate regarding the physiological equivalence of male and female competitors in distance running. The episode delves into the remarkable journey of Joan Benoit, who emerged victorious in this momentous race, despite having undergone knee surgery just weeks prior. We also reflect on the challenges and adversities faced by other participants, including the unfortunate incident involving Carla Beurskens, whose race was irrevocably altered by an unforeseen mishap. Through this examination, we aim to illuminate the significance of this marathon in the broader context of women's athletics and the evolution of gender parity in competitive sports.

The 1984 Women's Marathon is portrayed as a watershed moment in the realm of athletics, serving as a catalyst for the recognition of female endurance athletes on a global platform. The speakers engage in a thorough analysis of the event, starting with the backdrop of women's athletics leading up to the Olympics. They reflect on the prevailing skepticism surrounding women's ability to compete on equal footing with men in such a grueling event, yet they laud the courage and determination of the women who participated. Joan Benoit’s remarkable victory is highlighted, especially considering her recent knee surgery just weeks prior to the race. This achievement not only shattered existing records but also served as a powerful statement about the potential of female athletes. The episode further dissects the race conditions, such as the high humidity, which complicated the athletes' performances and contributed to varying outcomes, including challenges faced by other competitors like Carla Beurskens and Gabrielle Anderson-Swiss. The speakers articulate how these narratives intertwine to form a larger story of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of equality in sports, making it clear that the 1984 marathon was not merely a race, but a profound statement about women's rights in athletics.

Takeaways:

• The inaugural Women's Marathon at the 1984 Olympics marked a significant milestone in athletics history.
• Joan Benoit, a remarkable athlete, won the first Women's Marathon with an impressive time.
• The challenging conditions during the marathon included high humidity and warm temperatures, impacting performance.
• The media portrayal of Gabrielle Anderson-Swiss during her struggle in the marathon highlights gender biases in sports coverage.