Across the world, there are extraordinary people who have had to overcome extreme hardship and prejudice to be able to compete. Raw, a Eurosport original podcast series produced by MUNDIAL, goes under the skin and into the heart of the issues and obstacles professional sportspeople have had to overcome to reach the top.

Premiering on Wednesday 19 May, the eight-episode series will be released weekly across all major UK podcast platforms until Wednesday 20 June. Renowned presenter Owen Blackhurst, host of MUNDIAL’s multi-award winning Spotify Original podcast, GIANT, will be joined by a series of pioneering figures from the world of sport, who tell their stories of remarkable defiance in the face of the issues that they have overcome.

Episode one sees women’s boxing pioneer Jane Couch and world title challenger Natasha Jonas discuss their battles in the face of horrific discrimination within the sport and how their perseverance has left their profession in a much-improved place for future generations.

Scott Young, Eurosport SVP Production and Content said:  “Raw features some of the most remarkable athletes that have had to overcome so much just to compete, let alone perform at the highest level of their sports. 

“We’re pleased to continue our mission of unlocking the power of sport by educating audiences everywhere, igniting conversations around our values and telling inspiring stories from sport. 

“MUNDIAL are award-winning content creators and their position and tone of voice matches perfectly with our vision. Our partnership will enable us to further this by producing an authentic series that we know listeners everywhere will be stimulated, fascinated and captivated by while listening to each episode.”

Owen Blackhurst, host of Raw and MUNDIAL Head of Business said: “We came away from the first meeting with Eurosport incredibly excited about the prospect of making this series because of the shared goal to tell important stories that often fly under the radar and don’t get the exposure they deserve. These aren’t really sports stories, they are human stories. Stories about learning to walk again. Being used as a drug mule by people smugglers. Fighting insidious sexism for the right to compete. We’re very privileged that these incredible people shared their stories with us, and are proud to share them with a global audience.”

Raw is the latest original series produced by Eurosport in collaboration with authentic content creators. It follows the launch of Eurosport’s original short film series Trailblazers in partnership with Refresh Sports Consultancy and Production, which shines a light on the world’s greatest sporting icons through engaging animation, archive content and contemporary interviews. The ten-part series features biweekly episodes that celebrates those who did more than just win, but also pioneered change in society.

The full schedule of Raw episodes and athletes featured includes:

Episode 1 (19 May) – Jane Couch & Natasha Jonas (Boxing)
Topic: Gender equality.

Episode 2  (26 May) – Ryan Boyle (Cycling)
Topic: Disability 

Episode 3 (2 June) – Alison Van Uytvanck and Greet Minnen (Tennis)
Topic: Sexual orientation

Episode 4 (9 June) – Serge Betsen (Rugby)
Topic: Pain

Episode 5 (16 June) – Farid Walizadeh (Boxing) and Asif Sultani (Karate)
Topic: Displacement

Episode 6 (23 June) – Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian (Bobsleigh)
Topic: Identity

Episode 7 (30 June) – Marcel Kittel (Cycling)
Topic: Mental Health.

Episode 8 (7 July) – DaMarcus Beasley and Daryl Dike (Football)
Topic: Racial Inequality 

This new launch enhances Eurosport’s UK podcast portfolio. The Bradley Wiggins Show by Eurosport and Re-Cycle air regularly throughout the cycling season, tackling all the key talking points and race action as well as reliving memorable moments from years gone by.