Winning 2017
Distributed by Passion River Films, 154 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059; 732-321-0711
Directed by Jacqueline Joseph
DVD, color, 77 min.
General Adult
Athletes, Disability, Competitions, Psychology, Sports
Date Entered: 01/04/2019
Reviewed by Linda Frederiksen, Washington State University, Vancouver, WANadia Comaneci, Martina Navratilova, Edwin Moses, Jack Nicklaus, and Esther Vergeer: all celebrated world champion athletes. From gymnastics to tennis to golf to track, the five athletes profiled in this educational and motivational documentary describes the journey to the top of his or her chosen event, focusing on both the challenges and rewards of record-breaking competition.
Interviews with each of the iconic athletes outlines career highlights, as well as a few of the lows. Family interviews and photographs, along with archival footage of Olympics, Wimbledon, Masters, and Paralympics triumphs, provide further insight into these extraordinary individuals’ skills. Additionally, comments by coaches, mentors, other competitors, and a sports psychology academic help fill in personal stories for Comaneci, Navratilova, Moses, Nicklaus, and Vergeer and an understanding of their achievements.
The drive, commitment, and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and succeed on the world stage, as well as the legacy each leaves behind, makes for an uplifting narrative. Recommended for sports physiology and psychology programs, as well as general audiences.