When we look at international sporting events, certain countries always excel in a particular discipline – there is always a nation that takes all the medals in a sport they seem to have made their own.

“At the Heart of Sport” looks at the unique links that exist between a nation and its favoured sport. It tries to explain why some countries are more successful in a particular discipline than others and how they achieve to maintain their standards and form future champions. At the Hear of Sports looks beyond the podiums and the clichés. The series investigates in the stadiums, on the tracks, in the fitness studios or at any training centre that is likely to hold the key to success, such as schools and military barracks or the state-of-the-art training camps for future champions. At the Heart of Sport is a voyage of discovery of various sports throughout the world, visiting the towns and villages in each country who have ‘produced’ the best and have become the standard bearers.

This is also a story of individual men and women - those who dedicate their life to sport. We meet with teachers, coaches or champions who personify a national heritage or a certain concept that has led a country to dominate a sport. The root of success lies in the ability of each nation to promote a sport and continuously discover new talent.


The films:
FRANCE - FENCING
GREAT BRITAIN - ROWING
HAWAI - SURFING
HUNGARY - WATER POLO
ROMANIA - GYMNASTICS
YUGOSLAVIA - BASKET BALL