Legacy: Sports Stories

What would you do if playing the sport you loved almost killed you? That was the question Christian Eriksen faced after he collapsed on the pitch during the Euros in 2021. He returned to football 8 months later. He collapsed again earlier this year… But what is Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, and more importantly, is it preventable?  Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on In...

Tennis has a hidden underworld. Beyond the glamour of the Slams and the pristine lawns of Wimbledon, the sport's lower levels are dogged by fears of match-fixing. And the problem isn't going away. This is how criminals are exploiting the sport and why tennis players are so vulnerable. Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on Instagram and TikTok for even more Legacy stories. Got...

OnlyFans creators are tapping into football to get exposure with a massive male audience, and this summer's World Cup presents a golden opportunity to recruit new subscribers. But how does this strategy work, what does it tell us about modern football fan culture online, and what are some of its far-reaching consequences? Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on Instagram and Ti...

On June 14th, to mark Flag Day in the US and Donald Trump's 80th birthday, the UFC is coming to The White House. Or more specifically, UFC Freedom 250. Why is it happening, especially when America remains at war with Iran? And why is the lineup so... underwhelming? Today's episode unpacks what we know so far. Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on Instagram and TikTok for even...

After their first Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, Cape Verde have become a force to be reckoned with in African football, driven by their incredible fanbase and their talent both at home and in the country's wider diaspora. This is how the second smallest nation at the 2026 World Cup finals upset the odds and achieved a massive dream. Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on Inst...

For some Spaniards, bullfighting is an iconic symbol of heritage and identity. For others, it’s an abusive practice that belongs in the past. And most recently, it’s become the stage of a major culture war, pulling in debates about nationalism, identity, and even far-right movements. So how did a centuries-old spectacle become the battleground of a new culture war in Europe? Follow us on YouTube f...

Next month sees the Enhanced Games hit Las Vegas. Dubbed the 'Steroid Olympics', it's an event where performance-enhancing drugs aren’t banned, but part of the spectacle. From the big-money investment, to the high-profile athletes involved, this is everything you need to know about what might be the most divisive sporting event of all time – and why we should all pay attention. Follow us on YouTub...

Once the "horse racing of the poor," pigeon racing is now a lucrative industry, built on a deep bond between fanciers and their birds. But now, they are under attack. This is the story of how Belgium - the cradle of the sport - has been rocked by a series of million-dollar bird burglaries, and how the community is fighting back. Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on Instagram...

Andrés Escobar Saldarriaga was one of Colombia’s most loved and iconic footballers. But the 1994 World Cup changed everything. On the world’s biggest stage, Andrés made one mistake. A mistake that would cost him his life. Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on Instagram and TikTok for even more Legacy stories. Got a story you think we need to tell? DM us on Instagram or e...

This is the story of The Barkley: one of the most brutal endurance races you’ve probably never heard of. And what it reveals about our relentless hunger for pushing our bodies to the limit. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share. This is Legacy: Spotlight, where we tell sports stories that matter. New episodes every fortnight. Follow us on YouTube for every story i...

How did China and the US mend their relationship in the 1970s through... ping pong? This is the story of how two players changed the course of history. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share. This is Legacy: Spotlight, where we tell sports stories that matter. New episodes every fortnight. Follow us on YouTube for every story in video and get us on Instagram and Ti...

Niccolò Cannone is known to rugby fans as one of Italy’s most physical and dependable forwards. But why does he dream of playing in one of the world's most brutal sports once he's retired? If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share. This is Legacy: Spotlight, where we tell sports stories that matter. New episodes every fortnight. Follow us on YouTube for every story in...

Women have been competing in Nordic combined at the World Cup and World Championship level, but the Olympics? Still off-limits. This is the story of  Annika Malacinski , one of the world’s top women in Nordic combined and a leading voice fighting for Olympic inclusion. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share. This is Legacy: Spotlight, where we tell sports stor...

Welcome to Legacy Spotlight, the new series from Stak, where every two weeks we tell you a sports story in under 15 minutes. Stories that go beyond scores, stats, and trophies. Stories that go to the heart of why we all love sport. Stories that remind us why we care. Sports stories that matter. Subscribe and follow along now, and if you’re new here, be sure to check out our longer-form documentari...

Eric Morante is abruptly pulled from The Golden Gloves - without warning. And no one will tell him why. Thank you for listening to Defiant. Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. Fro...

 Eric Morante prepares for a fight that could change everything: not just for himself, but for amputee boxers everywhere. Thank you for listening to Defiant. Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Extraordinary sporting stories...

What was a grassroots movement teaching amputees how to fight is now a nationwide movement. And as a result, Eric Morante has set himself a new mission.  Thank you for listening to Defiant. Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Ext...

Eric Morante had lost his leg, his purpose, and entered some of the darkest years of his life. But then, his childhood passion offers a lifeline. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. From Stak, this is Defiant. The fourth series of the award-winning Legacy. For more content and exclusive extras from Defiant and previous seasons of Legacy , be sure to follow us on YouTube. You can als...

Eric Morante was 21 years old, a fiercely loyal squad leader already on his third tour in Iraq, when a sequence of events would turn his whole world upside down… Thank you for listening to Defiant. Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us....

11th of September, 2001. The day of America’s worst terrorist attack. And the moment a young kid makes a decision that will change his life forever. Thank you for listening to Defiant. Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Extraordi...

Eric Morante was a boy torn between boxing and the marines when – on September 11th, 2001 – the decision became clear. Defiant traces Eric's journey to the US Marines, moving through deserts, disasters, and one life-changing day where a whole new struggle began. It asks us to consider what can be achieved when sport is seen as therapy, when we strive to push past the limits we place on ourselves,...

Nicky tries to track down a current NYCB dancer who will share their story and their experience of the Company. And then, one day in February 2025, one of NYCB’s longest-serving principal dancers steps forward, ten days after her retirement. She’s ready to talk. Thank you for listening to Dancing with Shadows. Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your po...

In 2018, Alexandra Waterbury filed a lawsuit against Chase Finlay and New York City Ballet that made headlines worldwide. Chase had taken sexually explicit photos and videos of Alexandra without her consent, and shared them with other male dancers in the Company. Ever since then, Chase’s silence has stretched on, heavy and unbroken. Until today. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. F...

In December 2017, five former dancers came forward and accused Peter Martins of verbal and physical abuse. But not everyone in the ballet world was ready to listen. Nicky sits down with one of the dancers who testified against him – and another who stood firmly in his defence. Two perspectives, one deeply divided Company. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. From Stak, this is Dancin...

Carrying on a legacy like George Balanchine’s was the impossible job. But when Peter Martins took control of the Company, the consequences for one dancer were particularly devastating. Nicky tracks her down and hears her story… Part Two of The Weight of Grace is out right now. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. From Stak, this is Dancing with Shadows – the third series of the award...