A gripping Spanish drama, set within the realm of elite sports and its hidden corners, is a compelling watch on Netflix
In the heart of the Pyrenees, the Spanish Netflix series "Olympo" unfolds at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Pirineos, a training center for young athletes with dreams of European finals and Olympic glory. The story revolves around Amaia Olaberria, a principled and determined synchronized swimmer, who becomes suspicious of her fellow athletes' extreme and dangerous risk-taking to achieve success, fuelled by the sponsorship of the clothing brand Olympo.
Set against the intense backdrop of the high-pressure training center, the series delves into Amaia's quest to expose the unethical practices behind the sponsorship. Starring Clara Galle, known for "A travers ma fenêtre", as Amaia, the series also features Maria Romanillos and Nuno Gallego, both renowned for their roles in Elite, as well as Yanira Osahia and Agustín Della Corte.
"Olympo" masterfully weaves together themes of ambition and pressure in sports, ethics and corruption in competitive sports, friendship and betrayal, and the cost of winning. The show offers a compelling exploration of the gruelling physical and mental demands placed on young athletes aiming for elite success, and the dark side of sports sponsorship and the lengths to which organizations and athletes go to win.
As Amaia investigates the doping program within the training center, she struggles to find support and her own performance suffers, creating conflict and personal challenges. The tension culminates when it becomes clear that Amaia herself has taken the same undetectable drugs to match the enhanced performance of her teammates.
The series, which consists of eight episodes, has been praised for its energetic pacing, strong performances, and suspenseful storyline. Filmed in the town of Panticosa, at the foot of the Aragonese mountains in Spain, "Olympo" also offers a chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of this Spanish municipality.
Since its launch on June 20th, "Olympo" has topped the Netflix charts, pushing Ginny & Georgia to second place. With its mix of teen drama and thriller, and its narrative reminiscent of the Elite series, the show has captured the attention of viewers beyond just fans of sports genres.
As the first season finale of "Olympo" leaves the story open-ended, hopes for a sequel are high. However, as of now, Netflix has yet to confirm a second season for this gripping Spanish drama.
During the intense training sessions, Amaia Olaberria, the protagonist of "Olympo", finds solace in in-flight entertainment, like movies-and-tv, to relax and gather her thoughts. On her frequent travels to investigate corruption, she enjoys the entertainment as a reminder of the ethical world she's fighting to protect.
