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Summer is in full swing for Beyond Sport and whether you’re poolside, on the pitch or simply enjoying slow mornings and long days, we’re back with a fresh round of recommendations to satisfy your sports and social impact appetite. From inspiring athletes to thought-provoking podcasts and binge-worthy documentaries, these picks are perfect to pack for your next getaway — or to simply relax with wherever you are.
Federer: Twelve Final Days – Documentary
An intimate exploration of the final chapter of Roger Federer’s iconic tennis career. Starting with his emotional September 2022 retirement announcement, viewers are granted behind‑the‑scenes access to Federer preparing for his final match at the Laver Cup in London alongside rivals-turned-friends like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The film reveals the quiet vulnerability and enduring friendships behind a global legend.
This isn’t just a sports documentary, it’s a deeply human story about legacy, humility and sport’s ability to unite across competition, culture and time. At a time when athletes are increasingly using their platforms for more than medals, Federer’s graceful farewell reminds us that sport can be a powerful source of empathy, connection and shared humanity. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good story — Twelve Final Days will move you.
After the Lights – Podcast
What happens after the final whistle blows? When the cameras stop rolling and the crowd fades away? This new podcast dives into the untold stories of UK athletes navigating life beyond the game from Olympic champions to grassroots heroes.
Hosted by a mix of journalists and former athletes, each episode explores identity, mental health, purpose and the emotional toll of walking away from a life built on sport. The series sheds light on the pressures athletes face, not just in competition, but in what comes next. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in athlete wellbeing, the power of storytelling and how sport can lead important conversations about mental health, equity and reinvention.
Running While Black – Book
In this compelling memoir and cultural critique, New York-based runner, activist and mental health advocate, Alison Mariella Désir exposes the deep racial inequities embedded in the long distance running world. From being one of the few Black faces at races to confronting the danger of simply jogging while Black, she reveals how a sport marketed as “for everyone” often excludes and endangers people of color. Inspired by the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in the U.S., Désir dives into the history, industry and personal experiences that shaped her activism and identity as an endurance runner.
This book calls to reimagine sport as a space for justice, joy and belonging. It’s not just about running, it’s about who gets to move freely, who gets to feel safe and how we can make fitness communities truly inclusive. A must-read for athletes, advocates and anyone interested in the sport.
Winners – Film
Set in Berlin, Winners follows eleven-year-old Mona, a Syrian Kurdish refugee who fled Syria for Germany with her family. She struggles with the new language and culture but finds solace and identity on the football pitch, a skill she brought with her to Germany. Recognized for her talent, Mona is invited to join a girls’ football team, a turning point that transforms how she and her teammates experience community, trust and resilience.
Through football, these young girls find solidarity, self-expression and belonging in a city that often feels foreign. Winners is a heartfelt exploration of how sport can break down barriers, foster community and empower young women facing displacement, isolation and prejudice.
We hope these stories of resilience, resistance, redemption and representation help you recharge and reflect on the power of sport to move us, shape us and drive change.
Have a recommendation of your own? Tag us @BeyondSport to let us know what you’re watching, reading or listening to.
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