REAL Sports with Bryant Gumbel S28E07 - July 2022

PHANATIC: Correspondent Mary Carillo details the inside story of the man behind the most beloved mascots in sports. Over 40 years ago, Dave Raymond created the Philly Phanatic, an electric-green muppet with a mischievous personality that made him a star. In the years since, Raymond has developed more than a hundred mascots across sports and business - bittersweet success born from personal struggles and heartrending devotion. Producer: Nisreen Habbal.

BIRD BRAINS: Each year, more than a dozen teams set out to prove they are the best in the world at one of the most unusual competitions ever: bird watching. The eagle-eyed observers set out across the great state of New Jersey to participate in a contest lasting 24 consecutive hours.  The team that spots and identifies the greatest number and variety of birds within that period is declared the winner with a grand prize of…zero dollars. In his first piece for Real Sports, Ariel Helwani reports. Producers: Chapman Downes/Evan Burgos.

SUMO:  Real Sports travels to Japan for a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the world of Sumo wrestling. Correspondent David Scott learns the ancient rules and traditions of the country's 2000-year-old national treasure – and why some consider it the most demanding sport on the planet. Producer: Jordan Kronick.