Foundling | Tortoise Investigates

Ros Hemmings, a local resident with deep ties to the Walkers, shares her firsthand accounts from the scandal that gripped their small Welsh village. She reveals how Sally Walker's quiet demeanor masked alarming secrets, including the stunning disappearance of £64,000 from accounts. Local witnesses, Janice and Debbie, discuss the community's betrayal and emotional confusion as the true story behind Raynor Winn's bestselling memoir unfolds, altering their perception of the Walkers and challenging the narrative of sympathy that emerged.

Explore the intriguing story of Raynor Winn's memoir and its massive impact on readers globally. Dive into the surprising allegations questioning the truth behind her claims of hardship and healing through nature. Listen as the reporter uncovers a tip-off about the author's identity, the emotional responses of fans, and the controversies surrounding the memoir's authenticity. With a film adaptation on the horizon, the tension between reality and storytelling only grows. What happens when a narrative's truth is put under the microscope?

Lydia Gard interviews Vitomir Maričić, a Croatian freediver caught in a scandal regarding drugs and safety in the sport. Vitomir shares his journey in freediving and how he's modernized training methods. They discuss the balancing act between competition safety and making the sport more appealing for viewers. Vitomir confronts allegations of doping, claiming misunderstandings and emphasizing the need for clear medical protocols. Lydia's investigation seeks to spotlight both sides of the saga and the broader implications for the freediving community.

Sam Zenifu, a Greek pool and depth diver, shares his concerns about a viral freediving video that glorifies dangerous behavior, prompting critical community reactions. Fernando Bezo Silva, an emergency doctor specializing in lung injuries, provides insights into the medical risks of lung squeezes and the frequency of blackouts during elite competitions. They discuss the complex issues of doping in the sport, the impact of social media on influencer behavior, and the need for more research on the long-term effects of these risks.

In a compelling discussion, Boris Spajic, a former Croatian freediver and national team coach, reveals insights into the culture of freediving and the role of money and professionalism in ethical choices. Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency, offers a deep dive into doping enforcement and the complexities of defining what constitutes doping. Together, they explore the systemic issues of corruption, the moral dilemmas faced by athletes, and the challenges of policing small sports, highlighting the urgent need for cultural change to protect athletes.

William Trubridge, a New Zealand freediving world-record holder and organizer of the Vertical Blue competition, shares his pivotal role in the 2023 doping scandal. He dives into the controversial decision to search athletes’ luggage, revealing shocking finds of pharmaceuticals and benzodiazepines. Trubridge faces accusations of bias while grappling with the intense atmosphere during the investigation. The fallout leads to mixed reactions within the freediving community, alongside concerns of safety when sedatives are involved in extreme diving.

Lydia dives deep into the world of freediving in Kalamata, Greece, while investigating doping allegations. She uncovers rumors about record-breaking performances and examines the use of benzodiazepines in the sport. The podcast reveals the risks of using sedatives underwater and raises concerns about safety as the sport grows. Divers express fears about the normalization of experimental substances and the tensions brewing in their closely-knit community. The atmosphere thickens with the promise of a dramatic confrontation in the future.

In this discussion, elite freediver Gary McGrath and world-record holder Dave Mellor share insights into the exhilarating yet controversial world of freediving. Gary reveals the allure of Dean's Blue Hole and the sensory experience of deep dives. Both guests confront the troubling doping rumors that have shaken the community, detailing the emotional upheaval among divers. They also explore the tension between competition and the sport's spiritual roots, emphasizing the ongoing struggles for integrity and unity in freediving.

Three years ago travel writer Lydia Gard discovered freediving almost by accident. It’s an extreme and beautiful sport defined by one simple objective: to dive as deep as you can on one single breath. Record holders are now routinely diving to more than 120 metres, pushing the sport and their bodies to find out what’s humanly possible.Through her coach, Lydia was drawn into a small but fanatical community of competition athletes all united in their drive for depth, and that’s where she stumbled on a darker side of the sport. Rumours swirled that a group of top divers were doping to get deeper, faster. As the community began to turn on each other over the allegations, one prominent diver decided to take the law into his own hands. A secret sting operation was meant to put an end to the problem by bringing the alleged dopers out of the dark, and into the light. But the issue hasn't gone away. And now, a lot of people who’ve been too scared to speak up, are ready to talk. Episode 1 will be available to listen to on Tuesday 18th November.Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Reporter - Lydia Gard Producer -  Gary Marshall. Music supervision and sound design - Karla PatellaSound design - Rowan BishopPodcast artwork - Lola Williams Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne Executive producer - Basia Cummings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carola Vinuesa, a geneticist involved in notable cases like Kathleen Folbigg's, and Katerina Bakoyani, an investigative journalist from Athens, dive deep into the tragic case of Roula Pispirigou, accused of murdering her three children. They discuss the flaws in the police investigation and the potential for genetic testing to challenge her conviction. The conversation highlights how media portrayal influences public opinion and raises critical questions about justice and the role of scientific evidence in the courtroom.