Winning

Winning is an extraordinary documentary film from 2016 that explores the lives and accomplishments of some of the most renowned global athletes. Providing an intimate look into the disciplines, motivations, trials, and triumphs of these sports legends, the film's stars are five global iconic and transcendent athletes – Jack Nicklaus (golf), Nadia Comaneci (gymnastics), Edwin Moses (track and field), Martina Navratilova (tennis), and Esther Vergeer (wheelchair tennis).

Directed by Jacqueline Joseph, the movie masterfully traces the journeys of these athletes from their early years through their rise to the pinnacle of their sports. The documentary juxtaposes their experiences while exploring common themes in their stories. One gets to see the sheer determination, willpower, and single-minded focus required not just to reach the top but also to stay there.

Nadia Comaneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics and a five-time gold medallist, shares her childhood in Romania, her relentless training under Bela Karolyi, her breakthrough at the Montreal Olympics, and her life after gymnasium. The film contrasts her experiences with American track and field star Edwin Moses, widely considered one of the greatest hurdlers of all time. Moses, who won gold medals at the 1976 and 1984 Olympics, gives a recount of his own obstacles, his exceptional career run, and his fight against doping in sports.

Martina Navratilova, a dominant force in women’s tennis deemed as one of the greatest female athletes of all time, gets candid about her career switch, her struggles with attachment and sexuality amidst an international career and her confrontation of taboos on the world stage. Her story is a tale of courage and resilience, breaking barriers in a time when athletes were not openly LGBTQ+.

Adding intrigue, the movie uses rare archival footage, beautifully shot interviews, and surprising revelations to hold the viewer’s interest. These legends have their personal stories recounted in their own voices, which adds a strong emotional element and authenticity to the film. Scenic locations, powerful music, and exceptional cinematography create an immersive experience and set the mood right.

Winning takes a deep dive into the subjects’ personal lives to understand what made them unparalleled champions. It unravels the hidden aspects of their lives that are usually overshadowed by their sporting feats, capturing the human side of these world-class competitors. Each athlete's story is unique and different, revealing personal battles, psychological challenges, and the individual's resilience amid their pursuit of greatness. The film shows that their path to success was never easy and was often strewn with insurmountable obstacles that they beat down with persistence and grit.

Regardless of your interests in sports, Winning offers a universal appeal by delving into themes of dedication, passion, resilience, and personal challenge that can resonate with anyone striving for success in any field. This film is a meditative exploration of the meaning of true champions, encapsulating the full essence of sportsmanship and the human spirit that drives us to excel. It offers a compelling narrative about the overwhelmingly human side of sports – the side that makes you cry, applaud, and celebrate the human spirit.

While Winning captures the essence of the pressure, sacrifices, and uncompromising willpower demanded in pursuit of the dream, it also underscores the profound joy that success brings to the athlete, and the world that cheers them on. The movie serves as an inspiration and motivation, telling the audience that no matter the hurdles, success is within reach for those who dare to chase their dreams.

In essence, Winning is a brilliant documentary that narrates the struggles, challenges, resilience, and triumphs of five athletes who changed the world of their respective sports forever. It's a must-watch tribute to five of the most legendary athletes, full of captivating real-life stories of extraordinary men and women who reached the top of the Olympics and showed the world what it truly takes to win. It is an unforgettable, touching, and defining sports movie that will inspire everyone who watches it.