It's an odd start to a biographical film when a disclaimer announces that "All characters in this film are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons [...] is purely coincidental and unintended." That, and having a full 2 minutes + on a pre-opening credits scroll of distribution and production partners. But maybe that second bit is a quirk of Indian cinema, or at least of Indian cinema streamed in the United States (in this case, on Amazon Prime).

Once things get underway, Gold is a fairly conventional sports success story, inspired by India's 1949 gold medal-winning team at London 1948. Set amidst the turbulent times of India's emerging political break from Great Britain's rule, the real world facts are, after three consecutive gold medals representing British India and an eight-year gap in the Olympic schedule due to World War II, India wins its first Olympic title as an independent nation in 1948. And that win - in London - comes at the expense of Great Britain itself, finally reappearing at the Games after a 20 years absence. By the way, India would also win the next two Olympic titles, cementing its place in dynastic legends of the Games.

Along the way, there are requisite obstacles - Nazis, the British, sociopolitical turmoil, bureaucrats, and team infighting. Tapan Das, a fictional character, overcomes a lackluster reputation to build a winning team that lifts the spirit of the new nation.

Gold has a nice look, filmed crisply and colorfully. And, it is certainly refreshing to see a movie devoted to such a lesser-known (in the U.S.) Olympic sport. One can accept most of the film's artistic and dramatic license on the specific details of the path to Olympic gold - remember that opening disclaimer noted above. But Gold really presses the patience with India's gold medal match, presenting a score of 4-3 over Great Britain - in the rain! barefoot! -  when in actuality they won in a pedestrian 4-0. 

If you can look past all the "creative liberties", it's a light and uplifting couple of hours, especially for an Olympic sports-obsessed viewer...and one that respects the sport's status in India.

p.s. Who doesn't appreciate a couple of musical Bollywood interludes?

Too many lumps in my throat to count. A documentary on the power of paralympians and the Paralympics, Rising Phoenix is a must-see for those looking for stories on determination, on elite competition, on...athletes.

How well do you know badminton star Ayaka Takahashi?

Elena Richter and Camilo Mayr announce retirement from Germany's archery team.

FINA.org checks in with Ye Shiwen, who's looking at Tokyo to get back to past Olympic glory.

Zhan Beleniuk is looking to make a mark in Ukraine beyond the mat.

Katerina Johnson-Thomson shares her personal experience with racism with British Vogue.

No pressure, Carlos Yulo.

Sara Kolak looks past recent injuries to reap the advantages of a coaching change for more Olympic success.

Add multiple-medalist Will Claye to the list of Olympic athletes with an album out. Congrats!

(p.s. Noah Lyles has new music, too!)

Finally, Rest in Peace to Folke Alnevik, who passed away at the age of 100. Alnevik was credited as the world's oldest Olympic medalist, after his bronze medal in the track 4 x 400 meters relay for Sweden at London 1948. USA's John Russell (equestrian bronze, Helsinki 1952) is now the oldest medalist, also at 100.

Draves is honored as a Google Doodle on the anniversary of her first of two gold medals at London 1948. At those Games, the native San Franciscan was the first woman to win both diving events - springboard and platform - and the first American woman to win two diving gold medals. One milestone often overlooked is her also becoming the first Asian American gold medalist, having won her springboard gold two days before Sammy Lee's own platform diving win. More information on this groundbreaking Olympian is here.

Congratulations, Vicki!

On this date eight years ago, London 2012 officially opened. The Games featured 10,768 athletes from 204 countries, and represented the second time London hosted.

Fanny Blankers-Koen's exploits at London 1948 are the focus in the latest entry of the "Beyond the World War II We Know" series from The New York Times.  Competing at the first post-war Games, Koen - who appeared 12 years earlier at Berlin 1936 - won four gold medals in track & field.

Stina Nilsson doubles down on her 2020 switch from cross-country star to biathlon.

The International Skating Union has a roundup of short track stars' training during the Covid-19 lockdown.

World Athletics: Darlan Romani pushes past Tokyo 2020 postponement disappointment to train for another podium.

Interested in knowing more about Rikako Ikee, the star of Tokyo 2020's one year-out celebration?

Olympic Channel: Mai Murakami is recovering from injury and looking forward to lots more gymnastics.

RTE shares a look at modern pentathlete Natalya Coyle as she pushes through the lockdown to reach Tokyo 2020 in top form.

The Associated Press has their own look at would be-Olympians' perspective of Tokyo 2020 at the would-be 2020 start.

Phil Dalhausser wins his 100th career beach volleyball title, joining an exclusive club of top performers.

Sanya Richards-Ross shares her Beijing 2008 heartbreak with The Players' Tribune in empathy with the frustrations of missing the Olympics this year for Tokyo 2020 athletes.

And...right on the heels of the one year-out celebration, here's a reality check. Whomp Whomp