Golf Channel's Lauren Thompson to Host 'Heart of a Champion' on NBC

Series Premieres Saturday on NBC, Sharing Inspirational Stories Throughout the World of Sports

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – NBC Sports, NBC Entertainment and Litton Entertainment – the preeminent independent producer of award-winning family programming – announced a new 30-minute series, Heart of a Champion with Lauren Thompson, sharing the powerful and inspiring stories of successful athletes who exemplify what is really means to be a champion. Heart of a Champion is part of NBC’s all-new three hour Saturday morning ‘The More You Know’ family programming block, premiering Saturday, Oct. 8.

Airing weekly on Saturday or Sunday mornings (check local listings) and hosted by Golf Channel’s Lauren Thompson, the series will delve into inspirational stories from every corner of the world of sports, designed to introduce children and their families the athletes who embody the spirit of goodwill of competition and who have overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams.

"I believe that in this day and age, it is especially important to deliver positive and inspiring stories, ones that all ages can truly enjoy and draw upon,” said host Thompson, co-host for Golf Channel’s daily news and lifestyle show, Morning Drive. “It is nothing short of an honor to be able to show the journeys – from trials all the way to achievements – for today's most celebrated athletes. This is a series the entire family can get behind, and I hope it is as fantastic to watch as it is to be a part of.”

Saturday’s premiere episode will feature:
· Athletes from the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil opening up on when and how their dreams to ultimately become an Olympic athlete began.
· The inspirational story of NASCAR driver Ryan Reed, who at age 17 was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and, despite being told he would never race again, realized his dream of becoming a professional race car driver just a few short years later through hard work, nutrition and treatment.
· The story of the most important member of the Crystal Palace Football Club in the English Premier League, not a player on the field but someone who flies above it – Kayla the Eagle – and the harrowing backstory and journey to becoming the face of the franchise.
· The story of LPGA Tour professional and major champion Stacy Lewis, whose biggest accomplishment in her career is overcoming scoliosis to be able to fulfill her dream as a professional golfer.

Throughout the series, Heart of a Champion will introduce audiences to professional and amateur athletes who have overcome obstacles to ultimately achieve transcendent moments in sports. Heart of a Champion proves that a champion is not only defined by their speed, strength and agility, but also by their grit, resiliency and heart.