Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Olympic Dreams of Russian Gold - Over the Limit

A Storyville documentary offering unprecedented access to the hidden world of elite gymnasts and the unrelentingly brutal training demanded by the Russian system.

'You're not a human being, you're an athlete,' 20-year-old Rita is told by one of her two merciless coaches as she prepares to represent Russia in rhythmic gymnastics at the Olympics. It is the most crucial year of her career and her last chance to achieve her ultimate dream, a gold medal. However gracefully Rita catches rings or rolls a ball across her shoulders, her coaches expect more from her, time and again. Described as the 'Black Swan' of sports documentaries, Over the Limit offers unprecedented access to the hidden world of elite gymnasts and the unrelentingly brutal training demanded by the Russian system.

1 hour, 10 minutes

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:11

    Queen

    We Are The Champions

  • 00:17

    Dalida, Claude Denjean

    Mama

  • 00:18

    Yo-Yo Ma, Eugene Ormandy, The Philadelphia Orchestra

    I. Allegro

  • 00:27

    Annie Lennox

    Spell

  • 00:30

    A Great Big World, Dan Romer

    Say Something

  • 01:08

    Max Richter

    Path 5

Broadcasts

Featured in...