Personal Gold: An Underdog Story

Personal Gold: An Underdog Story is an inspirational 2015 sports documentary that documents an incredible journey of four underfunded and overlooked female cyclists. Directed by Sky Christopherson and Tamara Christopherson, the film stars Dotsie Bausch, Jennie Reed, and Sarah Hammer, who play themselves and provide heartfelt and personal interviews.

The film dives deep into the world of competitive women's track cycling, specifically in the lead up to and during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The focus is on four diverse and dedicated athletes: a mother, a fighter, a survivor, and a wife, each with unique personal trials and tribulations of their own.

Bausch, Reed, and Hammer join Lauren Tamayo and become the Women’s Track Cycling Team for the United States. They are portrayed as underdogs from the onset, with limited funding and resources, minimal media attention, outdated technological support, and almost no prospect of achieving success at the prestigious international games. Despite these overwhelming odds, these brave women nonetheless decide to defy expectations and challenge the established powers in this intensely competitive sport.

The film not only highlights the athletic struggles but also offers an intimate look into the personal lives and motivations of these remarkable athletes. Sarah Hammer, a seven-time world champion who contended with retirement and an eating disorder, is one of the film's focal points. Dotsie Bausch's remarkable journey from a former model battling anorexia to an Olympic cyclist provides an emotional rollercoaster. Jennie Reed, a single mother and world champion cyclist whose first experience at the Olympics ended up in disappointment, is another inspiring character.

Personal Gold: An Underdog Story goes beyond just documenting their efforts on the track, delving into their personal struggles and the broader cultural and societal pressures they faced. It also gives a voice to these hardworking athletes who often go unnoticed in the mainstream media and underscores the gender disparities and unequal footing shown towards woman athletes on an international level.

The film does an exceptional job of capturing their training regimens, using innovative high-speed cameras to catch the high-intensity action. The significant aspect of this documentary is the introduction of a new form of training using data-driven technology and biofeedback instead of relying solely on conventional means. This new approach allowed the cyclists to take control and maximize their training, making the most of their limited resources.

This documentary is a gripping human story, exploring issues crucial in today's world. It touches on topics like eating disorders, the struggle for equality in sports, relationships, motherhood, and more. Through all physical and emotional pain, the film examines how these women overcome personal and professional obstacles to make an unexpected run for the medals.

Audiences will find themselves in awe of the perseverance and dedication these athletes showcased. As they cheer on the athletes in their journey, audiences get an insider's view of how thrilling, hard, and emotionally draining it is to compete at the highest international level of sports.

Personal Gold: An Underdog Story is very much a human drama, showing us the real people behind the athletes. It presents an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and achieving success despite all odds. Featuring brilliant cinematography and giving viewers an in-depth look into a sport that is not often showcased in mainstream media, Christopherson captures the intensity and raw emotion associated with the world of track cycling.

In conclusion, Personal Gold: An Underdog Story is an inspiring journey that should serve as a testament to human spirit, determination, teamwork, and the sheer will to succeed. It is a film not only for sport lovers, but also for anyone who appreciates stories of human resilience and triumph over adversity. This movie illustrates that in the face of unbelievable odds, hard work and a team's collective spirit can emerge victorious.