May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this month, we’re exploring aspects of mental health as it pertains to sports. We’re kicking it off with our interview with Olympic figure skater Gracie Gold. Gracie won a bronze medal in the team event at the Sochi 2014 Olympics.

Gracie is an advocate for good mental health, having spent time in a treatment facility to help her cope with an eating disorder and depression. In 2024 she released a very candid memoir titled Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F*cking Up, and Figuring It Out (affiliate link) that delves into Gracie's highs and lows as an elite figure skater.

Trigger warning: We talk with Gracie about eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and suicial ideation in this interview.

Also on this episode: It's a quiet news week in the Olympic and Paralympic world, but we have news from Milan-Cortina 2026 and LA 2028, plus updates from Team Keep the Flame Alive members Olivia Chambers, Elizabeth Marks, Daniel Romanchuk, Jimmer Fredette, and Kenny Bednarek.

If you heard what's going on with our TeePublic store and want to get a Keep the Flame Alive shirt or sticker while the store is still availble, go here.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics.

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USA Cycling's Senior Data Analyst Ryan Cooper joins us to talk about Project 4:05, the quest to win the women's track cycling team pursuit gold medal at Paris 2024.

The US wasn't considered much of a contender for the podium--defending gold medalists Germany and reigning world champions Great Britain were considered to be the main teams vying for the top prize.

However, Ryan developed a process to uncover more with data analytics using machine learning and real-time analytics to optimize rider selection, race strategy and aerodynamic efficiency.

If all went according to plan, Team USA's riders Jennifer Valente, Lily Williams, Chloe Dygert and Kristen Faulkner could top the podium with a time of 4:05.

Hear Ryan's process, the race results and the subsquent major award beyond the gold medal that USA Cycling received for this endeavor.

Follow USA Cycling on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok!

In Milan-Cortina 2026 news, we have updates on ticket sales, volunteers, sneakers and the construction of Arena Santa Giulia, the new ice hockey stadium. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons also has high hopes for improved accessibility.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from Alison Levine, Kim Rhode and Dick Pound.

For more information and a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe

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3x Paralympian and U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program member SFC Elizabeth Marks joins us to tell us about her experience in the pool at Paris 2024. Ellie competed in seven events, winning five silver medals. Ellie tells us what she thought about her third Games, including her thoughts on the infamous Paris 2024 chocolate muffins.

We also discuss how swimming is an intellectual sport, how she's adapted to the sport throughout her career, and how she mentors other athletes.

Learn more about the U.S. Army's WCAP here and follow Ellie on Insta! Special thanks to the U.S. Army for making this interview possible.

We also have a lot of news from upcoming Games! Milan-Cortina 2026 has unveiled its torches. LA 2028 announced a new Olympic venue plan, new events, and an athlete quota that will see more women than men at these Olympics.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from:

• Sprinter Kenny Bednarek
• Former fencer Olya Abasolo Ovtchinnikova
• Fencer Nick Itkin

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. If you appreciate the work that goes into this show and want to give back, learn how to do so here. All patrons (including free levels) will soon be able to access a special episode, so sign up today!

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Become a patron and get bonus content: http://www.patreon.com/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at https://flamealivepod.substack.com/subscribe

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348