Directed by Phil Turner, this six-episode series features the intense journeys of elite athletes, their coaches, and the high-stakes drama of competition. With a production pedigree that includes acclaimed documentaries like Amy and the riveting Diego Maradona, the expectations were high. But did Sprint cross the finish line, or did it trip over its own laces?
From the opening frames, it’s clear that Sprint has a thrilling concept. The series promises a close look at the lives of athletes who train tirelessly, battling personal struggles and professional setbacks, all while keeping up with high demands: public, private, media, sponsor, etc. One can almost envision the scene: athletes huddled with coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists, sharing secrets of their success. Alas, what we get instead is a somewhat sterile presentation, similar to watching a motivational montage on a mediocre YouTube channel.
Source: Netflix
Sure, we see Olympic champions like Allyson Felix and giants of the sport, but the series quickly falls into a familiar pattern. Much like Netflix’s Drive to Survive, this series falls short of delivering depth and creativity too. It seems to adhere to a formula that prioritizes flashy visuals and dramatic moments over authentic storytelling. Filmmaking quality is disappointing and schematic, with a lack of emotional depth and a reliance on basic social media-like compositions. Did we really need yet another docuseries that seems tailored for the algorithm rather than the audience?
The music choices—an unending playlist of “motivational” hip-hop and R&B workout tracks—might pump you up before a gym session, but they quickly become a distraction here, drowning out the emotional highs and lows of the athletes’ journeys.
As for the athletes themselves, they are undoubtedly a mixed bag. Some exhibit impressive sportsmanship and humility, particularly the Jamaican competitors, whose grounded demeanor shines through in stark contrast to some of their American counterparts. It’s hard not to cheer for those young men and women from Jamaica, the UK or Italy especially when you hear stories of them running barefoot in their early races or maintaining a humble, low-profile life even today. Meanwhile, the U.S. team appears more concerned with image and ego, opting for flamboyant hairstyles and elaborate social media presence over the grit and determination that once defined the sport. Are we witnessing the evolution of athletes into celebrities? Perhaps. But in this series, that transformation feels more like a missed opportunity to highlight the heart and soul of athletics.
The coaching interviews, featuring past legends of the sport (hi there, Usain Bolt), provide some relief from the present-day spectacle. Watching these icons reflect on their careers, joys and hardships offers a fascinating glimpse into a time when sportsmanship reigned supreme and athletes were celebrated for their dedication rather than their TikTok followers.
Source: Netflix
Editing, too, deserves a mention—more for its chaos than its cohesion. The series leans heavily on flashy graphics and sound effects, creating an experience that feels jarring rather than engaging. The rapid-fire pace, coupled with loud, attention-grabbing transitions (whoosh, whoosh and more whoos), detracts from the storytelling. It is as if the editors, in their rush to create excitement, forgot to pause and let the narratives breathe.
In essence, Sprint is a series of missed chances. It aspires to shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of world-class athletes, and inspire us viewers to work hard and bounce back from adversity, but the execution falls flat.
So, as we gear up for the next season, one can only hope for a recalibration—a return to the roots of storytelling that celebrate the raw, unfiltered experiences of remarkable athletes. In the end, isn’t that what we really want? A glimpse behind the curtain, a chance to understand not just the speed of the runners, but the strength of their spirit.
You can catch Season One of Sprint: The World’s Fastest Humans on Netflix now, with Season Two set to drop in November.
~ by Dora Endre ~
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