In the cutthroat world of elite athletics, where victory is measured in milliseconds and glory is a fleeting prize, what is the ultimate cost of greatness? This is the haunting question at the heart of Olympo, the new eight-episode Spanish-language drama from Netflix. Hailing from Zeta Studios, the creative powerhouse behind the global phenomenon Elite, the series thrusts viewers into the high-pressure cauldron of a top-tier training center, masterfully blending the addictive tensions of a teen drama with the razor-sharp edges of a conspiracy thriller. It follows a proven formula for international success: a magnetic young cast, a claustrophobic setting where ambitions fester, a central mystery, and unapologetically queer storylines that are central to its identity.
Inside the Pyrenees High-Performance Center
The series unfolds within the stark, demanding walls of the CAR Pyrenees, a high-performance facility that serves as both a training ground and a crucible for Spain’s most promising young athletes. This is no idyllic sports camp; one character calls it a “cage of sharks, snakes, and vultures disguised in perfect bodies,” a brutal assessment that sets a tone of ruthless rivalry. The narrative ignites when Amaia Olaberria, the disciplined and seemingly untouchable captain of the artistic swimming team, is defeated for the first time by her best friend, Núria Bórges. This personal loss quickly morphs into suspicion as Amaia observes other athletes making inexplicable leaps in performance. She begins to unravel a conspiracy suggesting that doping is not just present but institutionalized. The ultimate prize is a lucrative sponsorship from Olympo, a powerful and enigmatic sportswear brand whose motives appear increasingly sinister. The corporation, however, functions less as a direct villain and more as a thematic catalyst, representing the corrupting allure of fame and fortune that pushes these young talents to their ethical breaking points. The story is not about corporate malfeasance, but about the moral erosion of those desperate for the glory it promises.
A Cast of Ambitious Contenders
Olympo is anchored by a compelling ensemble of young actors who masterfully portray the drive and desperation of their characters. Clara Galle, whose own background in gymnastics lends an athletic authenticity to her performance, stars as Amaia Olaberria. Amaia starts as a product of the system, defined by her iron will, but her journey transforms her into its chief investigator. She is joined by Elite alum Nuno Gallego as her darkly conflicted boyfriend, rugby player Cristian Delallave, and María Romanillos as her ambitious rival, Núria Bórges. The cast also features Nira Osahia as a track star with a tragic past, alongside Martí Cordero and Najwa Khliwa as other athletes ensnared in the web of competition. A true standout, however, is the embattled rugby player Roque Pérez, played by Agustín Della Corte, a former professional rugby player from Uruguay whose experience brings a palpable realism to the role. In a series populated by characters often consumed by their own ambition, Roque emerges as the story’s empathetic and moral center. His primary struggle is not with internal demons but with external prejudice, as he confronts rampant homophobia in the hyper-masculine world of rugby. This focus elevates his character, turning his rebellion against a toxic culture—and his tender relationship with teammate Sebas Senghor (Juan Perales)—into a profound act of courage.
Sacrifice, Secrets, and Seduction
The series relentlessly explores the immense physical and psychological toll of pursuing greatness, examining how such pressure can shatter ethical boundaries. A core theme is the dual nature of the body—both a machine to be optimized for sport and a commodity to be branded and sold. The show’s aesthetic, built around what it calls “perfect bodies,” is in constant, fluid motion, juxtaposing the public spectacle of performance with private, intimate encounters that expose the characters’ raw vulnerabilities. These frequent, torrid scenes are far from gratuitous; they are integral to the storytelling, shifting power dynamics and fueling character development. This creates a potent tension between the body as an instrument and the body as a self. Furthermore, queer themes are not just an element but a foundational pillar of the show’s identity. With its unapologetic LGBTQ+ representation and a pervasive homoerotic tension, Olympo proudly positions itself as the spiritual successor to Elite’s legacy of championing queer narratives.
The Architects of Success
The series’ polished, high-impact feel is no accident; it is the product of a strategically assembled creative team. Created and written by Jan Matheu, Laia Foguet, and Ibai Abad, the project is helmed by directors with carefully curated expertise. Marçal Forès has a proven track record in the teen genre, having previously collaborated with star Clara Galle on the Through My Window film saga. Ana Vázquez provides a direct link to the show’s spiritual predecessor, having directed episodes of Elite, while veteran Argentine director Daniel Barone brings a wealth of drama-directing experience. This formidable lineup from Zeta Studios signals a deliberate, polished approach aimed at both replicating and evolving a winning formula.
A Must-Watch Contender on Netflix
With its high-stakes drama and unflinching exploration of ambition, ethics, and identity, Olympo arrives as a dynamic and complex new force in Netflix’s Spanish-language catalog. It successfully leverages the framework of its predecessors while carving out its own distinct territory, using the demanding world of elite sports as a powerful lens to ask what we are willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of victory.
The first season of Olympo, consisting of eight episodes, premiered globally on June 20.
Watch on Netflix.
