ESPN Films and espn-W Present ~ Nine for IX

I just received this sweet package from a giveaway hosted by Blitz and Glam! From the producers of 30 for 30, Nine for IX,  is a documentary series presented  by ESPN Films and espn-W. It will entail fascinating stories of women in sports through the eyes of female filmmakers. Good Morning America co-anchor, Robin Roberts, and co-founder of Tribeca Film Festival, Jane Rosenthal, are also executive producers. The Nine for IX  films first aired this past Summer–can’t believe I missed it.–BUT a big thank you to Tamara for making it possible! The series includes a 4-Disc set with 9 titles and 2 bonus films:

Venus VS.
Pat XO
Let Them Wear Towels
No Limits
Swoopes
The Diplomat
Runner
The 99ers
Branded
2 bonus films: Coach and Abby Head On

Catch a glimpse into one of the films:

Nine for IX: ‘Runner’
Directed by Shola Lynch

Film summary

The expectations were sky-high for American distance runner Mary Decker as she lined up to make her Olympic debut in the 3,000 meters at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Decker had displayed unwavering dominance in every distance (from 800 to 10,000 meters) heading into the event, and her wholesome image graced magazine covers and adorned walls all over the world.

At age 25, it was her first Olympics; stress fractures in her leg kept her out of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, and the U.S. boycott prevented her from competing in the 1980 Moscow Games. The 3,000 in L.A. was to be her coronation, the gold medal that would validate her greatness.

But there was another compelling figure in the race, a 19-year-old barefooted South African running for Great Britain, Zola Budd. Just past the midway point of the race, Budd crowded Decker on the inside lane and, in the panic and urgency of the moment, they collided. Decker fell to the track. Budd would regain her stride, but she finished a distant seventh behind the winner, Romania’s Maricica Puica.

Decker initially blamed Budd, but in later years they reconciled and tried to get past the collision. Still, Decker’s one moment of heartbreak came to define what should have been a glorious career.

“Runner” revisits one of the most infamous moments in sports history, and what life has brought the athletes since.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdXvtHf7_k4

I can’t wait to get started watching! If Nine for IX  interests you, visit here. Check your ESPN guide to see when it airs again or to purchase–visit iTunes or Amazon.

Have you seen the Nine for IX documentary? If so, what’s your favorite film?