Had to show some love to ESPN's latest masterpiece in its 30 For 30 series with 9.79* premiering last night. It told the story of Ben Johnson's world-record setting 100m Final at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, and his subsequent disqualification just days later after testing positive for steroids. The documentary also dives into his rivalry with Carl Lewis in the years leading up to the Olympics and the impact the race and awareness of PEDs in sports has had on the participants and to the general public. Interviews with both Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis helped give us that direct perspective on the story that anyone under 25 was unable to witness in 1988. Even if you're a mere casual observer of track and field, you'll be intrigued from the start. I highly suggest you scour your ESPN listings to find the next airing. Above is the trailer to further reel you in, and below: the actual race itself - crazy to watch this raw piece of history.
Earlier this morning, Tip Harris made his First Take debut and sat alongside Stephen A Smith to talk about Atlanta sports and Eagles QB, Mike Vick. With his big gold chain around his neck, T.I. was able to actually hold his own on the sports discussion. Not bad Tip, Not bad at all. Check it out!
I, among many other sports documentary enthusiasts, am of the highest of excitement for the return of ESPN's 30 For 30 series. (Sidebar: Kuda & I watch about one a week at the office, hah.) The second documentary slated for release this October (the 9th to be exact) is '9.79*' - the story of Ben Johnson's world record 100m race at the '88 Olympic Games, only to be asterisked after he tested positive for anabolic steroids just days later. The trailer above was released today and it's already, as expected, riveting. (Full synopsis below).
ESPN's 30 For 30 returns on October 2nd, making it a trifecta for sports-loving hip hop fans everywhere. If you're keeping track at home, that's 30 For 30, NBA 2K13, and Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, m.A.A.d. city. Ladies, plan for a ladies night.
The 100-meter men’s final at the 1988 Seoul Games was the fastest and perhaps most thrilling sprint in Olympic history. But within 48 hours, gold medalist Ben Johnson had tested positive for anabolic steroids, and scandal reigned. This one race still haunts the eight men who took part. But what brought them to the starting line? And what happened to them since?
