Beyond the Dream on Channel 9 – It is one of the fiercest rivalries in world sport spanning decades, Australia versus the United States.
With never before seen footage and exclusive one-on-one interviews with the greatest swimmers of all-time, Boiling Point – Swimming’s Greatest Rivalry, showcases an in-depth look into the biggest moments in Olympics history between these two nations, premiering Sunday, June 9 at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
This special marks the first of five blue chip documentaries in the landmark new series Beyond The Dream in the lead up to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, with the series to continue along Nine’s eight year journey through to Brisbane 2032.
Nine sits down for exclusive first-hand accounts with the greats behind these monumental races, including five-time Olympic gold medalist and Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe OAM, the most successful Olympian of all time Michael Phelps, reigning Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus, as well as Olympic two-time gold medalist Michael Klim OAM, Olympic gold medalist Duncan Armstrong, and more.
Boiling Point celebrates the intense rivalry, amazing races and remarkable swimmers who have made this extraordinary and competitive battle between Australia and the USA in the pool one of the highlights of every Olympics.
The feature begins with the unforgettable and historical Australian men’s 4×100 metre relay in Sydney 2000. For the very first time, we relive it with all four of the Australian swimming greats who made it happen, Ian Thorpe and Michael Kim alongside fellow Olympic gold medalists Ashley Callus OAM and Chris Fydler OAM, to tell their own individual stories about the great race, including an incredible revelation from Thorpe into what occurred behind the scenes.
In an exclusive interview with a man who needs no introduction, with the most Olympic medals in history including a record 23 gold medals, Michael Phelps is undeniably the most successful and decorated Olympian of all time.
We also talk to NBC’s lead swimming expert and U.S Olympic Hall of Fame member, Rowdy Gaines, in an exclusive interview with the voice of swimming in America, on his 30 years experience, perspective and insight into USA’s swimming landscape across the decades.
We sit down with one of the greatest duos in Australian swimming, Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder Duncan Armstrong and his larger than life coach, the ever charismatic Australian swimming legend Laurie Lawrence.
We delve into the amazing bond and relationship the pair had that transcended athlete and coach. We also look back at Lawrence’s mighty influence in Armstrong’s historic and incredible record-breaking victory over USA champion Matt Biondi at the Olympic Games Seoul 1988 in the final of the men’s 200 metre freestyle, and the secrets behind the victory.
Also speaking exclusively to Nine, Australia’s reigning Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus, revealing the story behind her incredible victories at Tokyo 2020 against the greatest female swimmer of all-time and seven-time Olympic gold medalist, USA’s Katie Ledecky. Titmus is currently in preparation for the upcoming Australian Olympic Trials with hopes the pair’s rivalry continues in Paris 2024.
Director of 9Now and Programming, Hamish Turner, said:
“Swimming is ingrained in Australia’s sporting culture, every four years new Olympic and Paralympic heroes are crowned continuing a rich tradition. This in-depth documentary series is the first to be produced by an Australian broadcaster. Nine extends its gratitude and appreciation to the incredible Olympians and Paralympians past and present who have offered their time to tell their stories.”
Beyond The Dream goes beyond the headlines to discover the untold stories that led to some of the greatest Olympic and Paralympic moments. With unprecedented access, this brand new documentary series will capture the raw spirit of some of the greatest athletes of all time.
Beyond The Dream: Boiling Point – Swimming’s Greatest Rivalry is produced by Wide World Of Sports, in association with Dreamchaser, for the 9Network.
BEYOND THE DREAM: BOILING POINT – SWIMMING’S GREATEST RIVALRY – PREMIERES SUNDAY, JUNE 9 AT 7.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW
Media Release – Nine
Beyond the Dream on Channel 9
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Beyond the Dream on Channel 9
