In the past year, FloTrack has taken an in-depth look at some of the world's best athletes through our FloFilm documentaries. Olympic gold medalists, American record-holders, and NCAA champions highlight the list of athletes featured in the documentary series that FloTrack has produced this year. Here are some of the best films produced in 2016. 

Northern Arizona: THE PROGRAM

Before Northern Arizona won the program's first NCAA cross country title ever, FloTrack followed the men's team during the early part of the 2016 fall season while the Lumberjacks held the No. 1 team ranking. The stakes were high as NAU head coach Eric Heins was closing in on his 10th and final season for the program. He was supporting his wife while she pursued her dream job as an education supervisor at the Space Center Houston in Texas. This year marked his last cross country season at a program that he built into a consistent contender at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. While Heins completed his final season, coach-in-waiting Mike Smith worked alongside him to become immersed in the team culture and make for a smooth transition upon Heins' departure. 

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Episode 1

The first episode dives into the history of the Northern Arizona program during Heins' tenure. It's a rich history which includes 26 Big Sky Conference Championships and five NCAA podium finishes. All-Americans, national champions and Olympians occupy the list of talented athletes that Heins has coached, notably Lopez Lomong, Diego Estrada, and David McNeill. The episode also introduces the top-ranked 2016 team and shows the reaction to Heins' departure, which begs the question--how can two head coaches work together to earn the program's first NCAA title in history?

Episode 2 

The second episode introduces the 2016 team at the height of the program's powers. Led by All-American Futsum Zienasellassie, the Lumberjacks had one focus: win the school's first NCAA championship and do it for their coach. 

After the series aired in early November, Eric Heins and his team accomplished their goal of winning the NCAA cross country crown. 

The Trials of Shalane Flanagan

The two-part series of "The Trials of Shalane Flanagan" takes an inside look at one of the best American distance runners in history and what has made her truly great. From her die-hard "kamikaze" racing style to her unmatched drive to be the best, Flanagan has emerged as a fierce competitor on the Olympic stage. 

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Episode 1

Flanagan's approach of "all or nothing" has carried her to multiple American records, an Olympic bronze medal and several top world championship and Olympic finishes. And when you look at her running-centric upbringing, the accomplishments are just part of her incredible story. 

Episode 2

The second episode relives the experience of Flanagan earning a bronze medal in the 10K at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and dives into her accomplishments that have led up to the 2016 Olympics and her hopes for the marathon in Rio. 

After the final episode aired in February, Flanagan went on to place third at the Olympic Trials and sixth overall in the Olympic marathon. Flanagan led the best team-wide finish in the event with Desi Linden finishing seventh and teammate Amy Cragg closing in for ninth. It was the United States' best team performance at the Olympic Games. 

LaShawn Merritt: DRIVEN

FloTrack went back home with Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt to get an inside look at the journey that made him one of the best 400m sprinters in the world. Merritt has experienced the highest highs--an Olympic gold medal, and the lowest lows--the loss of his older brother. Through the challenges, Merritt has emerged stronger than ever.  

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Episode 1

In the first episode, Merritt takes FloTrack back to his hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, where he developed as a talented trumpet player and athlete in multiple sports. Track found Merritt in between football during his junior year of high school. He didn't grow up with the best facilities, but the 400m champion has always found "beauty in the struggle."

Episode 2

The second episode picks up after the high of becoming an Olympic and world champion. But Merritt's world came crashing down in 2009 when he failed a drug test after using over-the-counter male enhancement pills. Merritt was suspended from the sport but returned in 2011 and claimed a silver medal at the world championships. In the face of a major setback, Merritt credited his support system of family and friends who helped him return to the sport he loves. And after running a personal best at the age of 29 at the 2015 world championships, Merritt set his sights on the world record and Olympic gold in Rio. 

After the final episode aired in March, Merritt went on to earn a bronze medal in the 400m and finish sixth in the 200m at the Olympic Games. He was also part of the gold medal-winning 4x400m relay team. 

Evan Jager: DRIVEN

FloTrack got an inside look at the life of American record-holder Evan Jager. From his college days at Wisconsin to his early pro running career, Jager has ultimately found his stride in the steeplechase. 

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Episode 1

The first episode dives into Jager's decision to leave Wisconsin after his first year of college in favor of a pro running career under coach Jerry Schumacher in Portland, Oregon. His decision to turn pro and an untimely injury at USAs threw Jager "to the wolves" very early but ultimately made him develop into a more mature athlete. He eventually tried the steeplechase, an event he has remained with ever since. 

Episode 2

The second episode chronicles Jager's accomplishments in the steeplechase, notably his American record in Paris, which he ran despite falling over the final barrier. His disappointing sixth-place finish at the 2015 world championships ignited a fire within him for 2016--the year when only two races matter. 

After the final episode aired in March, Jager won his fifth national title in the steeplechase and earned a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Rio. His performance marked Team USA's first men's steeplechase medal in 32 years. 

Vashti Cunningham: DRIVEN

FloTrack went back home with Vashti Cunningham, the world indoor high jump champion and daughter of NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham. As a senior in high school, Cunningham solidified herself as one of the best high jumpers in the world and eventually signed a professional contract with Nike. 

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Episode 1

The first episode chronicles Cunningham's sudden rise as the next great high-jump star. From her home of Las Vegas, Nevada, Cunningham trains with the help of her father and coach, Randall. 

Episode 2

The second episode begins by introducing the Nevada Gazelles Track Club where Cunningham's father trains dozens of successful athletes in the Las Vegas area. After winning the world indoor title, Cunningham became a professional athlete at the young age of 18. After an exciting year, the teenage phenom set her sights on the Olympic Games. 

When the last episode aired in July, Cunningham jumped an American junior record and personal best of 1.97m to finish second at the Olympic Trials. She went on to place 13th at the Olympic Games.