Dan Snow's History Hit

A History of Cheating with the QI Elves

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Episode notes

As the 2024 Olympics get underway, Dan is joined by the QI Elves James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski to talk about cheating in sports - why do we do it and how far back it goes (spoiler: a long time!) From the man who jumped into a car during the 1904 Olympic marathon to the Puerto Rican twins who swapped places at the Los Angeles Games long jump, here are some of the most audacious stories.

James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski have a new book called 'A Load of Old Balls: A QI History of Sport'

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Max Carrey.

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