Episode 1: The Hunt For Gold

Tune into the pulse-racing first episode of the new Channel 4 documentary series The Path to Paris: The Hunt For Gold as we follow some of Britain’s biggest track and field stars striving for Olympic glory in Paris this summer. Episode one, in this two-part series, provides unprecedented access into the lives of National Lottery funded athletes Keely Hodgkinson, Josh Kerr, Jake Wightman, and Morgan Lake.

From rigorous training sessions in Britain to crucial competitions in America, viewers will witness every step of their preparation; from the highs to the lows. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the athletes' mental and physical challenges and insight into how the funding raised by National Lottery players supports their dreams as they fight to represent their country.

In the first episode, we delve into the worlds of 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson, 1500m runners Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman, and high jumper Morgan Lake. Through exclusive access to their coaching teams and daily routines, the series captures the pressures and triumphs of being elite athletes. We see Keely racing against top competitors and handling the media’s demands, Jake fighting to overcome the disappointment of previous injuries, Josh aiming to outperform his Norwegian rival, and Morgan striving to fulfil her early promise as a junior world champion.

The documentary also catches up with some athletics legends including Lord Sebastian Coe, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Greg Rutherford MBE. They share insights into their own Olympic experiences, the transformative impact of National Lottery funding on British athletics over the past three decades and what it will take for this year’s athletes to succeed.

Prepare to be inspired by the dedication and resilience of our nation's athletes as they embark on their journey to Paris.

Watch episode 1 ‘The Path to Paris: The Hunt For Gold’ on Channel4 on Saturday 20th July at 5pm (repeated on Sunday 21st at 10pm).