The Pursuit of Excellence

Synopsis

Explores the ambition, determination and passion of those who pursue distinction in unconventional fields.

First Air Date: 2007-07-11

Last Air Date: 2007-09-05

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 4

Networks: PBS

Seasons

Season 1 (2007)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Synchronized Swimming (2007-07-11)

The U.S. Open is the climactic final event of the U.S. Synchronized Swimming season. This program follows two teams of ambitious and athletic girls, and one determined boy, through intense training and team bonding until they meet in a spectacular display of churning water and synchronous limbs. For these future Olympians, the perfect make-up, the colorful costumes and those permanent smiles mask the fierce competitive spirit each needs to win.
Ep. 2: Ferrets (2007-07-18)

Cavort with the mischievous and often quirky ferrets that compete in the largest and most popular ferret show in the country.
Ep. 3: Hairworld (2007-07-25)

They call it the "Hair Olympics." In Moscow, more than 40 countries compete at the International HairWorld Championships in timed tests of hairstyling skill. The competition is a spectacle - vivid sculptures of hair adorn stunning models in killer heels as the stylists fight for the judges' attention. This program follows Team USA as they embark on months of rigorous training until finally their dreams unfold on the competition floor.
Ep. 4: Lords of the Gourd (2007-09-05)

The extreme gardeners who compete at the annual Cooperstown Weigh Off have one obsessive goal - to raise the biggest pumpkin in the world. These gurus of the gourd nurture their fruits through harsh weather, floods, animal attacks and even sabotage to produce pumpkins of gigantic proportion. Follow Joe Pukos and his fellow competitors through the final harrowing days of harvest and the journey across New York State with the bulging behemoths.