The first episode begins with the UK's poor performance in the 1996 games at Atlanta, and how the Government diverted National Lottery funding to provide the best possible training for the nation's athletes.

The series concludes with a look at preparations for the 2012 London Olympics, exploring the search for new talent through the story of Helen Glover, who went from PE teacher to Olympic rower. Featuring interviews with Victoria Pendleton, Chris Hoy, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Nicola Adams and Ellie Simmonds.