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Deep Dive: Touch the Wall (2014)

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Film Lens

Touch the Wall
Touch the Wall is a documentary about American swimmers Missy Franklin and Kara Lynn Joyce as they prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The film details their experiences in training and competition, highlighting the dynamic between the veteran swimmer Joyce and the younger Franklin. Joyce joins Franklin's age-group swim club, leading to a transformative partnership where both athletes learn from each other. The film captures their journey through Olympic Trials, where they face separation due to coaching decisions and circumstances. Their reunion at the Trials serves as a pivotal moment, redefining their understanding of success in the sport. Directed by Christo Brock and Grant Barbeito, the film emphasizes the emotional and physical strength of female athletes.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Olympic swimmers Missy Franklin and Kara Lynn Joyce.
  • •Follow their training and competition leading to the 2012 Olympics.
  • •See the emotional bond between veteran and young swimmer.

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the Stars Denver Film Festival to 2800 people.
•Touch the Wall was funded through Kickstarter and private funding in 2013.
•The New York premiere was co-presented with USA Swimming on November 23, 2014.
•The film features Olympic Gold-Medalist Missy Franklin and Silver-Medalist Kara Lynn Joyce.

Perfect For

Swimming enthusiastsOlympic sports fansFemale empowerment advocates