Back on Board: Greg Louganis

Saw this at Doc NYC and do not remember the last time I was so enthralled by a documentary. The film follows the life story of perhaps one of the greatest Olympic athletes and definitely one of the greatest Olympic divers of all time: Greg Louganis.

The film reveals Louganis' life from early childhood, where he was just getting into the sport, and struggling with being gay in a homophobic sport and world -- and follows him on his life journey to becoming one of the most successful athletes of all time. That journey was not without hardship, and the film touches upon a side of the story that would have gone otherwise undocumented by history -- what happens after the fame. Greg himself reveals to us how, despite being a huge Olympic star, his emotional and financial life was crumbling, and he felt rejected by the diving community itself.

Another important thing about this documentary is that it demonstrates the power of documentary filmmaking to create change. At one point in the film, Greg laments that he never got a Wheaties box with him featured on the cover, despite many other equally and less successful athletes receiving that honor. Because of this film, a petition was started, and Greg finally got that Wheaties box.

Greg Louganis' story is a truly gripping story and Cheryl Furjanic does a phenomenal job of capturing Greg's journey from start to finish. You'll laugh, smile, and cry watching this story that's gone largely untold, but needs to be heard. Do NOT miss this one! You will not be disappointed.