The American Athlete takes an in-depth look at athletes and goes beyond the statistics to reveal their fascinating journeys. Uncovering their defining moments is more important than any award these gifted individuals could have won. We will present their story in an engaging way while tapping into sports history that relates to their own.

As part of ESPN`s 2002 Black History Month programming, this show honors some of the "foot soldiers" of sports - the second and third generation of barrier breakers who continued the fight on the fields and courts of America. In the 50s and 60s, as the Civil Rights Movement escalated and began to level the playing field for all Americans, a small group of Black athletes were conducting their own non-violent revolution. This program pays tribute to the lives and careers of the second wave of Black athletes. In this roundtable program, we learn about the achievements of second generation athletes Charlie Scott, Tommie Smith, Dave Stewart, and Art Shell; superstars who toiled under a sometimes subtle and sometimes overt racism - but who helped to create an environment where today`s superstars thrive largely on their ability alone. We also hear about their experiences on the frontlines of change in the sporting world.

Documentary feature exploring the rise of African-Americans to positions of greatness in American sports. Stories are told of boxers, tennis players, runners, and basketball players, athletes who either suffered the indignities of racism, helped break down its walls, or enjoyed the opportunities afforded by past struggles.

You root for their team and you know their stats, but how well do you really know your favorite athlete? Young Hollywood invites you to experience life during the off-season for these men and women. Find out who they are and what they love to do when they hang up their jersey, and get to know the person beyond the athlete.

Hatice, a young and ambitious weightlifter living with her unemployed mother, aims to win the lifetime allowance provided to athletes who win medals in international competitions. In her pursuit of success at all costs, she decides to use an unconventional doping technique at the world championships: She will get pregnant, boost her hormones, and then have an abortion. But when her attempts don’t go as well as she’s anticipated, she has to take unexpected detours.

The essence of competition and a relationship to coaches and mentors are just two of the many reasons why youth sports are a positive influence on America's youth. Learn first hand how developing their game on the field has helped a collection of children and young adults mature off of the field.

Seref, who returns to his country after many years in America, as a dollar billionaire with a cowboy hat on his head, and with his Dallas-type boots has an interesting past: Twenty years ago he has lost his sweetheart Melek to his closest friend, and furthermore, has been put in prison. He found a way to escape from prison, going to America, the country of dreams. Here, he has become a businessman with boundless wealth, known as Seref The Turk. When he returns to his country as an American, even though he has some commercial aims in mind, his real desire is to take revenge. He will settle accounts with the friend who stabbed him in the back many years ago, and with Melek who is betrayed him. However, when he sets foot in Turkey with yearning, he meets 'Small America' in chaos. On top of that, while looking for Melek, he finds himself in the middle of a funny and exciting adventure where sexuality and violence mingle.

A man returns to Rouen, after fifteen years in the United States, and feels like a stranger among old friends.

After the horror of the Civil War, 'ignorant' Christopher Newman made his fortune. He travels to France is search of cultural treasures. He won't get past the Paris nightlife. After an affair with a haughty painter, he falls in love with the daughter of the late marquis de Bellegarde. She was married off and traumatized by her abusive late husband for the family's sake. Her elder brother supports their ruthless mother, but junior Valentin is besotted with the artist and strikes a partnership with Christopher.

Set at the turn of the century it presents a story of a famous Polish athlete, Zbyszko Cyganiewicz. It begins in a small town where a traveling circus attracts a shy boy into a phony wrestling game to please the crowds. The youth, however, takes his strength seriously, eventually defeating a name wrestler in a fair match. Angered circus manager fires him; he leaves happily due to two wrestler brothers who were harassing him. The wrestler goes on to fame, performing in the world's top arenas, and one day is serenaded by a tenor from the crowd. Fame brings him women and admirers but he is uncompromising on his profession. He has his revenge on one of his tormentors defeating him in the ring. One day, attending a game in a tuxedo, he is challenged by another of the brothers and drawn into a brutal game, in course of which he kills his opponent. Thus his career ends.