The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Dr Nick Tiller literally wrote the book on it, The Skeptics Guide to Sports Science (available from Amazon HERE). As an exercise scientist at Harbour-UCLA in the US, columnist, writer and author, Tiller challenges many of the claims made by marketers and others, in the name of sport science. With the team Tiller delves into[...]

The team is joined by Professor Stuart Phillips from the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and one of the leading experts on resistance training. Phillips is the Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE), the McMaster Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Health Research and Lab Lead for the Exercise Metabolism Research Group.[...]

A wrap-up of the best stories on our Discourse channel: Spring marathon season: The top performers / Should Eliud Kipchoge go to the Paris Olympics? / Why track and field athletes are earning prize money in Paris for the first time / Is the UCI doing enough to ensure the safety of pro cyclists? /[...]

Building on from our previous discussions on optimal fuelling for endurance exercise, in this episode we go deep into the details of why carbohydrates are the rocket fuel for our bodies, and how we can take advantage of metabolic agility and different fuel strategies to unlock performance gains. To do this, we are joined by Dr[...]

In this special episode we join an exclusive panel discussion - in partnership with World Rugby - to debate the future of the sport as it battles to find a balance between the welfare and safety of players and the enjoyment of the game by both participants and spectators. On the panel is Dr Eanna[...]

It's one of the hottest topics on our Discourse channel but can World Rugby's new law proposasl preserve the spectacle of the game while still ensuring player safety? The team dig into some of the changes being trialled and proposals for more changes.Plus ultra runners Camille Herron - who broke six world endurance running records[...]

Never-say-die Maddie le Roux may have been forced to give up her dream of becoming a professional cyclist until the Zwift Academy changed her life and her career. Here's how hard work and pure determination helped this bubbly 27-year-old turn a dream into a reality. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy[...]

Is the field of sports science facing a credibility crisis? According to guest Dr Joe Warne, key instigator of the Sports Science Replication Centre at the Technological University in Dublin, most of the research done in the field is unreliable. So what is the true picture, how can studies be done better, what role do[...]

Knowing how to measure and train close to your VO2Max may lead to big performance gains. But what is VO2Max and what's the best way to use it? We also discuss the latest developments around rugby's smart mouthguard and the announcement by World Athletics that they are trialling a new way of measuring the long[...]

Can you make your own sports drink and what would be the right mix? Here's what to look for. The team also tackles (see what we did there!) the use of smart mouthguards in rugby, whether trail star Stian Angermund was really guilty of doping, why parkrun has removed some of its records from its[...]

The team are joined by renowned sports dietician, Australian Louise Burke, to discuss everything from keto and fasting to the latest guidelines in fueling and nutrition in sport. Burke has spent over 40 years working in the field of sports nutrition and is an academic and author. She was the head of sports nutrition at[...]

Welcome to the Science of Sport Discourse. A monthly wrap of all the stories doing the rounds on our Patreon and newly-launched Discourse channel. Want to be part of the discussion? Become a supporter of the Science of Sport Podcast on Patreon HERE and get free access to our exclusive Discourse channel moderated by Gareth[...]

Swiss rider Marcel Guerrini is at the top of the pile when it comes to the world's best XC mountain bikers. The team take a look into his world to talk about sacrifice, training, race tactics and pacing. Guerrini is a regular top-five finisher at World Cups and is aiming to qualify for the Olympics[...]

To kick off Season 6 we wrap up some of the latest news from the world of sports science including the craziness of world running records, UCI bans on in-turned brake levers, one athlete's crazy high VO2 Max numbers and why cold weather may increase the risk of concussion in contact sports.SHOW NOTESLetsrun article on[...]

The team talk to Dr Zoe Schaedel on the impact of menopause on sleep patterns and how to resolve them. Schaedel has 15 years of experience as an NHS GP in the UK with expertise in menopause care, sleep problems, sexual health and contraception. She is an accredited British Menopause Society (BMS) Menopause Specialist and[...]

Join host Mike Finch, Dr Jill Warner and Emeritus Professor John Warner to break down the effect allergies have on sleep quality. The panel discuss the various allergens affecting sleep - from dust mites in your bed to cat dander - and how best to deal with them. Dr Jill Warner has a BSc in[...]

In this case study Prof John Warner interviews a mother whose 8-year-old child suffers from persistent allergies. Could it be dust mites? Listen in on this consultation to see how allergies are diagnosed.Prof. John Warner is a Professor of Paediatrics at Imperial College London and the University of Cape Town. His research has focused on[...]

It's been a big year in the world of sport and the team wrap up some of the highlights, focus on the trending sports science stories (incl. Taylor Swift's unlikely running regime) and our selection of the best sporting events we witnessed and, would have liked to have witnessed.SHOW NOTESArticle showing that cold water immersion[...]

Co-hosts Dr Jill Warner and Mike Finch are joined by Dr Simon Durrant, Associate Professor at the School of Psychology, University of Lincoln and Chairman of the British Sleep Society, to discuss the relationship between sleep and mental health, the most common sleep disorders and how to treat them and how sleep can determine your[...]

Join Dr Dale Rae, Director: Sleep Science, Cape Town and Senior Lecturer at the Division of Physiological Sciences, University of Cape Town, and co-hosts Dr Jill Warner and Mike Finch as they talk about the special challenges adolescents have when it comes to sleep time, regularity and requirements. Understand why teenagers sleep at odd hours,[...]

SHOW NOTESLug worm hemoglobin doping: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/marine-worm-haemoglobin-could-be-the-new-frontier-of-blood-doping/ Interesting perspectives on sport as entertainmentTransgender Injury in footballSnooker transgender controversyICC bans trans womenMAIN TOPICIs the Wim Hof method effective? Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team are joined by Dr Dale Rae, Director at Sleep Science and a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Physiological Sciences at the University of Cape Town, to break down the special sleep needs of sports, and active, people. The team talk about how to earn a 'nap' licence, how much to sleep if[...]

From the producers of The Science of Sport podcast, comes a limited 6-part series Unlocking Your Sleep Potential. In the first episode hosts Dr Jill Warner and Mike Finch speak to Dr Allie Hare, a consultant physician in respiratory and sleep medicine and president of the British Sleep Society. The team break down the basics[...]

Former world steeplechase champion, Norah Jeruto, was recently cleared of doping charges despite adverse findings in her biological passport. Does this put the credibility of the passport at risk or is the unusual case a once-off? PLUS Caster Semenya's controversial 'tell-all' book and reactions, can you ingest carbs through your mouth and does the latest[...]

In a recent story on Outsideonline.com top cyclists are reported to be ingesting huge quantities of carbohydrates in recent years which could explain some of their amazing performances. We ask whether this trend is new, how super 'carbing' is done and how it may work for anyone undertaking an endurance event PLUS we wrap up[...]

This week World Rugby announced that they will be including head accelerations measured by smart mouthguards into the sport's head injury assessment protocols used at the top level of the game to help identify potential head injuries during a game. This is how they work, why the tech could be a game changer and the[...]

Keith Lewis is the Laws Co-ordinator at World Rugby and Founder of RugbyReferee.net and is at the fulcrum of many of the law changes in the world of rugby union. The team scrum down to discuss how the laws have changed the game over the years, how to manage the balance between player safety and[...]

John Dobson is one of South Africa's most celebrated rugby coaches. As head coach of the Stormers franchise, who won the 2021-22 United Rugby Championship, Dobson is renowned as one of the most passionate and knowledgeable coaches in the game. The team talk candidly to Dobson about tactics, what coaches say to players at halftime,[...]

Having just returned from a week at the Rugby World Cup, Prof. Ross Tucker explains the amazing tech used to spot concussions during RWC matches. Plus the team discuss how the tackle rule is not a perfect science and if 'bomb squad' tactics further threaten player safety. PLUS latest doping news and a Vuelta a[...]

Ron Rutland arrived in Paris on 7 September 2023, concluding the fourth leg of a remarkable (and not always planned) journey that has spanned a decade and four Rugby World Cups. Beginning in 2013, Ron rode from Cape Town to London via every country in Africa, then London to Tokyo, Tokyo to Auckland, and Auckland[...]

Ross is joined in Paris by Guardian Chief Sports Reporter, Sean Ingle, to look back on the recent World Athletics Championships, but with a focus more on the off-track news stories, including the state of anti-doping in sport, conflicts in the media zone, and the marketability of the sport and its athletes. They also look[...]

Why the Owen Farrell incident may well have saved rugby / Remco Evenepoel takes on the best stage racers at this year's Vuelta a Espana: Can he dominate? / All the best performances and stories from the World Athletics Championships. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Q-Collar is a device that is promoted to prevent concussion and "protect the brain during repetitive head impacts", and has been spotted around the necks of athletes in a number of sports, ranging from cricket to football. But do these claims and promises stand up to scientific scrutiny? Is there a sound biological rationale[...]

Day 5 from the World Athletics Championships threw up some intriguing storylines. An upset in the men's 1500m, as history repeated in the GB (actually Edinburgh Athletic Club) vs Ingebrigtsen rivalry, Karsten Warholm returned to the top step of the 400m hurdles podium, and there was an agreed tie for gold in the Women's Pole[...]

Mike is on the ground in Budapest, and the duo are doing LIVE Instagram chats every morning, discussing the big stories from the World Athletics Championships. In this episode, we go back to Night 3 to talk about the women's 100m champion and a press conference that Mike attended (and asked a question that got[...]

From creating a healthy relationship with food to eating for performance, looking after young athletes is a complex issue with long-term repercussions. The team sit down with dietician Dr Sarah Chantler, from Leeds Becket University, to discuss the challenges and solutions. A must-listen for parents and young athletes alike. PLUS World Cycling Champs review, Owen[...]

From pro cyclists to runners and cross-country skiers, altitude training is a popular preparation method for a major event. But is it as simple as training high? The team break down the benefits, the science and the reasons why it may not work for everyone. SHOW NOTESArticle on the AFL’s potential reduction in contact trainingArticle[...]

The critical moments that split the top contenders at this year's Tour de France rose more than a few eyebrows. The team take an in-depth look at the cycling spectacle, look closer at the numbers we know and discuss the merits of full disclosure by the top riders to help rebuild trust in cycling performances.[...]

Dane Jonas Vingegaard produced arguably the greatest individual time trial in cycling history during the 16th stage of the 2023 Tour de France. The team discuss the numbers, implications and the many questions that such a dominating performance raises. PLUS Carlos Alcaraz's biggest challenge in his tennis career after his Wimbledon victory, Caster Semanya's latest[...]

A rare case of CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in a young female sportswoman asks the question: Are women more susceptible to head injuries than men? Plus the controversy around an English cricket repor on racismt, the Ben Stokes stumping affair and how some sports are dealing with fat shaming among young sportspeople.SHOW NOTES:CTE case identified[...]

From the Netflix Tour de France series to the death of pro rider Gino Mader and Geraint Thomas's bicarb blame, the team look ahead to the 2023 Tour de France. We also discuss the latest research into concussion and contact sports, Lance Armstrong's transgender series and an amazing, but obscure, running record.SHOW NOTES & LINKSRugby[...]

From ultra-distance events like the Comrades Marathon to the tracks of the Diamond League, athletics records are being broken at every turn. The team drill down to the realities of technology and discuss its influence over these performances to put them into perspective. We also discuss World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz's cramping implosion at this[...]

In the aftermath of Evans Chebet's win in Boston and Kelvin Kiptum's sensational victory in London, the world of marathon running has been turned on its head. The team look closely at the latest results from the World Marathon Majors and ask whether the Kipchoge days are finally coming to an end and if the[...]

Around the world, the way that young talent is identified is often done without an understanding of how young athletes develop. We talk to Norwegian researcher in the field, Eirik Halvorsen Wik, PhD, from Cape Town's Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine at Stellenbosch University, for a close look at the challenges faced by young[...]

In the second of our two-part special on fatigue we examine Fatigue Resistance or durability. Is it just a modern term for an old concept, what does it really mean and what sort of training helps build it.SHOW NOTESCaught My Eye SegmentThe Zwift study looking for remote research participations, as submitted by Gareth D England’s rugby[...]

Mental and muscle fatigue is part of every sporting endeavour. But what is fatigue? What happens in the body when we get tired and is it possible to push beyond our perceived limits? SCROLL TO 19:35 FOR THE MAIN TOPICSHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye:The case of the cheating fishermen  The article on the fallout from the[...]

At first glance the story of New Zealand's Zane Robertson is just another web of lies. But is it? The team take a close look at one of the most tragic doping cases in recent times. Plus World Athletics recently announced new rules regarding transgender and DSD athletes. We ask how does the decision impact[...]

Over the past few years English schools have begun to introduce non-competitive sport in an effort to be more inclusive. But is that the right strategy when it comes to producing future champions and developing a 'winning' mentality? The team take an in-depth look into the evidence surrounding the debate and examples of countries that[...]

Christopher McDougal's latest book, Born To Run 2, revisits the barefoot and minimalist movement that upended the world of running over a decade ago when he published his first book Born To Run in 2009. But what does the latest research say and is running barefoot the key to running nirvana?SHOW NOTES:Sean Ingle’s report after[...]

Author and motivator Richard Sutton talks about his experiences working with some of the world's best tennis players and within the Chinese Olympic structure. Sutton's unique insight makes for a fascinating discussion on what really motivates success and how it plays out at the top level of sport. Sutton recently released his third book 'Thrive:[...]

Respected sports journalist and writer Clinton van der Berg talks about his journey writing his book 'Guns And Needles: A Journey into the heart of South Africa's sport's steroid and drug culture." Van der Berg shares how he managed to get sports people, accused and convicted of doping, to tell their story; how he found[...]

From sudden death in exercise to risk factors, screening and heart health in sports, the team talk to Dr Jonathan Drezner, Director of the University of Washington's Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology and co-Chair of the UW Medicine Cardiovascular Wellness and Prevention Programme. He is Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Sports Medicine and serves[...]

England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) recently announced a new tackle law which could have far-reaching ramifications for the safety of the game and, potentially, the style of play. The radical change, due to be instituted in the amateur game on July 1, 2023, has met with controversy but will it really put an end to[...]

In this first episode in 2023, the team discuss the pros and cons of early specialisation, alcohol and exercise, ketones and what caused American footballer Damar Hamlin's sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of a game.SHOW NOTES:The bicycling magazine article on alcohol in cycling: https://www.bicycling.com/health-nutrition/a42259477/cycling-drinking-alcohol-effects/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_byc&utm_medium=email&date=010223&utm_campaign=nl30130268&user_email=011b810884e3e70b55fc3ab4cdb827f5f8bcb56bf8fd283524686fb8195fcc2f&utm_term=AAA%20--%20High%20Minus%20Dormant%20and%2090%20Day%20Non%20Openers%20%28NEW%29Armand Duplantis documentary: https://www.svtplay.se/video/jxkavqg/armand-duplantis-born-to-fly?position=10&id=jxkavqgZwift Academy documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wGa8Cc1P3oMy Patron article on sudden cardiac arrests and[...]

The team are joined by Sean Ingle, chief sports writer for The Guardian, to talk through the highs, lows, dramas and celebrations from one of the busiest years in world sport. From outrageous cheating and doping scandals to top performances at the World Athletics championships, the ongoing transgender debate, the state of marathon running and[...]

British football journalist Ben Lyttleton literally wrote the book on football penalties. As the author of 'Twelve Yards: The Art and Psychology of the Perfect Penalty' and 'Edge: What Business Can Learn From Football', Lyttleton is arguably the world's leading authority on the subject. His encyclopedia-like and passionate knowledge of both the game of football[...]

With World Cup football in the air, the team talk to sports data specialist Omar Chaudhuri, Chief Intelligence Officer of the Twenty First Group, about the stats and data that matter in world football. Chaudhuri explains how data has changed the game, what the numbers say about the best players in the world and who[...]

The team gets to grips with the inner workings of a top professional football team in an interview with Nick Chadd, the Head of Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning at Portuguese giants Benfica. Chadd offers a unique perspective when it comes to player management, rest and recovery, talent identification and, most importantly, managing performance.[...]

Does playing contact sports make you more likely to suffer long-term damage later in life? And does it matter? During the recent International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prof. Ross Tucker witnessed two sides to a controversial story that has both legal and ethical implications. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy[...]

In this first of a three-part series on rugby union, we discuss the women's game with passionate rugby journalist Jess Hayden. We delve into the rapid growth in participation, viewership and interest in the last five years, and discuss the unique medical and welfare challenges faced by women, and the research that needs to be[...]

The question as to whether disabled athletes with prosthetic limbs can compete in able-bodied events has been steeped in controversy since the days of Oscar Pistorius in 2009. But since American Blake Leeper hit the headlines in 2019 the debate has been re-ignited with two groups of scientists on opposing sides. We speak to one[...]

Few have studied protein in sports as much as Prof Stuart Phillips, from the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Together with the team, Phillips shares some of the latest research on the value of protein in exercise sports, discuss whether protein supplementation has any real value in enhancing recovery and performance[...]

From the young talents of US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz and Tour of Spain champion Remco Evenepoel to the good and the bad of commentators, the team wrap up a week of sporting action plus delve into how sugars are processed by the body during exercise and how to best to make them work for[...]

Elite ultra runner Jenna Challenor made headlines during the recent 89km (56-mile) Comrades Marathon when she crawled across the finish line on all fours to finish fourth. Mike Finch talks to her about her Comrades experience, how she dealt with debilitating long Covid, training and pacing strategies and how to tough it out.SHOW NOTES: Jenna[...]

The team take a look at the world of endurance running after the recent Comrades Marathon and discuss why humans are so successful at long distance running. We discuss adaptations and physiology, how muscle is affected by long distance running and why long distance trail events are so different from long road events from a[...]

The team speak to cardiopulmonary physiotherapist Samantha Holtzhausen about the role of effective breathing in life and exercise. Holtzhausen explains why good breathing can aid performance, reduce illness and even make you happier, and then gives some practical advice on how to improve your breathing.SHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye Topic:A paper that describes the second wind[...]

From amateur to pro, allergies affect a relatively large proportion of athletes. But the latest treatments and protocols could end the suffering. The team talk to specialist allergologist Prof. Claudia Gray about the latest research and treatments, what allergies really are and the surprising prevalence of allergies among sports people.SHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye Segment on[...]

How does exercise affect heart rate (HR)? The team discuss everything from HR drift and fatigue to a special interview with Heart Rate Variability (HRV) expert Marco Altini. We break down why HRV may be the best way to measure physiological and psychological stress and why it's opening up a new way of heart rate[...]

09:13 - 2022 World Athletics Championships: From suspect timing systems to the accidental super shoe, the biannual celebration of track and field served up a feast of talking points including what the future of the sport may look like. 57:37 - Tour de France: The fans conundrum: Most exciting Tour in years or are we[...]

From understanding heart rate zones to the best stance for recovery, the use of TUE's in sport after the Rafael Nadal-Thibaut Pinot controversy and how heat training affects haemoglobin production in training. Plus much more. We answer the most intriguing questions from our Patron supporters.Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsportSHOW NOTES: The podcast we did on[...]

Former Royal Marine, Green Beret and now amateur cyclist Richy Poynter transports us deep into the mindset and training of an elite soldier. From physical fitness to both emotional and mental challenges, Poynter offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to make it through and how some of the lessons he learnt as a[...]

From the extremes of cold water swimming to how the body loses heat and hyperthermia. The team takes a deep dive into the fascinating physiological effect of cold on the exercising body, how to deal with it and what you can expect when the temperatures dropShow notes and links:The study that measured how long it[...]

The team take on three different subjects in our new segment called 'Caught My Eye." We tackle the subject of how different rules and regulations in women's soccer can improve the quality of the game to the potential of African riders to start dominating world cycling and the relationship between sleep and concussion in impact[...]

The team take a critical look at an interview with Simon Lockett, Global Category Director of Running Footwear at adidas. Simon and his team are involved in the overall strategy, product creation, and go-to-market approach for a number of franchises including ADIZERO racing footwear and the Duramo franchise. He works together with a team of expert product managers who work alongside[...]

Excuses for doping are as varied as the drugs available on Amazon (yep, it's that easy!). But what does it take to be a doper? Are authorities winning the war and is American track superstar Shelby Houlihan really guilty of being a doper herself? The team unpack it all in this latest update on the[...]

From top level cyclists to world-class runners and speedskaters, pro training regimes offer a fascinating look into what it takes to count yourself among the world's best. Recent research among top-level athletes is also leading us to question entrenched training methods as sports scientists continue to learn more about the way the body adapts and[...]

In this cycling special, we take a deep dive into the numbers that helped Mathieu van Poel win the Tour of Flanders, why new research on cadence has challenged decades-old beliefs and how sportspeople with heart problems may still be able to compete at the top level thanks to modern technology. Get bonus content on[...]

Transgender athlete Lia Thomas recently won the 500-yard title at the US National College Swimming (NCAA) Championships triggering an uproar and suggesting that her participation may have wide-ranging implications for women's sport. At the recent MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston, Prof. Ross Tucker was invited as a guest to discuss the transgender issue[...]

Viewership figures are down, fewer cities want to host them and their integrity is being seriously challenged. What does the future of the Winter and Summer Olympic Games look like? The team talk to the Chief Sports Reporter of the UK's The Guardian, Sean Ingle, and renowned author, journalist and columnist David Epstein to present[...]

Prof. Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch break down the various forms of energy the body uses, how they work, how we fuel them and when to use what. Plus learn to decipher the ingredients in energy supplements, understand why carbs are still king and how best to train your body to become an[...]

What makes world-class ice hockey players, cross-country skiers or biathletes? We ask two experts to help explain the special set of skills needed to compete at the top level, the challenges athletes face and the training they do to compete. If you've never understood anything about the Winter Olympics here's your chance to take a[...]

Welcome to endurance month! In this episode the team break down the mechanics of endurance, the five challenges that long-distance athletes face, how the body changes the longer we exercise and why humans are more adapted to going long than any other living creature on the planet. We also ask whether excessive exercise is always[...]

Welcome to Season 4 of the Science of Sport Podcast! So what happens to our bodies when the temperatures go up? The team dig into the mechanics of exercising in hot conditions, how to cope with extremes, the differences are between heat stroke and heat exhaustion, when it's too hot to train and why sporting[...]

In this bonus episode, Ross shares brief thoughts on the latest, inevitable and increasingly volatile controversy in the transgender athlete debate. Swimmer Lia Thomas has been shattering university records, setting the fastest times in the USA, and is well on the way to becoming the highest profile trans women athlete to date. Her times as[...]

In this bonus episode, Ross sits down with Dr Emma Hilton, a developmental biologist who has outspokenly defended women's sport and explained the science and physiology of male vs female sporting performance differences. In a candid conversation, she shares insights ranging from political to philosophical, both personal and scientific. Why is the recent IOC Framework[...]

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced controversial new transgender guidelines which could threaten the future of women's sport. But what does the evidence say and why did the IOC ignore the science? Mike Finch and Prof. Ross Tucker explain all. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Responders and non-responders are easily identified but poorly understood. Elite coach and sports scientist John Kiely from the Institute of Coaching & Performance, University of Central Lancashire, discusses why our response to training is about more than just genetics, offers tips on how to change mindset and trust in the process and if neurobiology can[...]

Coaching development specialist Stuart Armstrong, of Sport England, discusses the role of sport in childhood development with Prof. Ross Tucker. The two answer controversial questions from our Patreon supporters and delve into the murky world of early recruitment and why healthy sport has nothing to do with future champions. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted[...]

Lachlan Morton is an Australian cyclist famous for taking on audacious endurance challenges, including his recent solo 5500km Alt. Tour de France. In this interview Morton talks about his philosophy, how he gets through the tough moments and how he and his EF Education-Nippo team come up with his crazy challenges. Funny and inspiring, Morton[...]

Stuart Armstrong has made a career coaching sport and his role at Sport England is to help coach the coaches and make sport and exercise accessible to all. In this interview, Armstrong talks through the challenges of balancing the thirst for future champions and creating a healthy environment for kids and teenagers to thrive... no[...]

In the ongoing debate and discussion about the risk of injury in rugby, many people have suggested that cutting the number of substitutes is the easiest and most obvious "fix". The truth, however, is a little more complex than this, because there are grounds to suggest that doing this will backfire and make the situation[...]

In this follow-up podcast, sleep science specialist Dr Dale Rae returns to answer all your questions from polyphasic sleeping, eating right for your sleep type, finding your optimum sleep time and coping with frustrating 3am insomnia.Follow Sleep Science on Instagram on @sleepscience_ or visit their website on www.sleepscience.co.zaYou can also support the Science of Sport[...]

All Black legend Conrad Smith, from the International Rugby Players body, talks to Prof. Ross Tucker on World Rugby's newly-released guidelines for contact in rugby training, how it will hopefully impact player welfare and why the new guidelines are not as radical as they, at first, seem.The contact load guidelines we discuss can be found[...]

The UK Sports Councils have released guidelines on transgender participation in sport, following an exhaustive and comprehensive review process. The two key points made are: 1) to confirm that the current policy that suppresses testosterone for twelve months is not fit for purpose, because advantages are retained even after testosterone is reduced, and 2) that[...]

American Neal Henderson is one of the most celebrated coaches in endurance sports - particularly triathlon and cycling. Having coached pros like cyclists Rohan Dennis and Evelyn Stevens to Hour records (and most recently bronze in the Olympic time trial for Dennis), Henderson has trained all levels from first-time finishers to national and World champions[...]

From weight loss to fuelling for performance, the team demystify the world of sports nutrition with leading sports nutrition specialist Prof. Graeme Close. Close is a Professor in Human Physiology at Liverpool's John Moores University where he combines his academic research with nutrition and physiology consultancy to some of the worlds leading sporting individuals and[...]

Climbing makes its debut at the Tokyo Olympics and the format is both controversial and fascinating. Here's all you need to know about one of the four new sports being showcased in 2022 from UK-based climbing specialist Ollie Torr.Ollie is one of the founders of Lattice Training, and also works as a coach within the[...]

Stuart McMillan is one of the world's most respected sprint coaches. Currently in his 25th year of professional coaching, McMillan has worked with professional and amateur athletes in a variety of sports - with the focus being on power and speed development. He is an accredited S&C and Sprints Coach and has personally coached over[...]

The team are joined by gymnastics coach, biomechanist and former competitor Dr Helen Bayne to talk through the scoring systems, debate the controversies and pick the favourites for this year's Tokyo Games. PLUS: Is Simone Biles really the greatest gymnast of all time? Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more[...]

SOS Podcast co-host Prof. Ross Tucker took on the challenge of riding half the distance of each 2021 Tour de France stage to see how he would cope. This is what he discovered about himself, his body and his mind after over 60 hours of riding in three weeks. PLUS the team wrap up the[...]

Slovenian Tadej Pogačar has dominated the 2021 Tour de France but questions about his performance remain given cycling's doping history. How much do we know? What can cycling do to become more transparent and is seeing really believing? The team also catch up with all the latest Olympic news including the recent State of Emergency[...]

The 2021 Tour de France has highlighted the spread of ages among the leading contenders from 41-year-old Alejandro Valverde to defending champion Tadej Pogacar: How normal is this and how do riders extend their careers? The team also investigate the crash-prone first week and look at whether there is any such thing as perfect cycling[...]

The 2021 Tour de France is set to be a battle of the all-rounders with less climbing and more time trialling: The team look at the form book and the course, discuss the different training strategies of the favourites and pick the contenders. PLUS... Olympic organisers set to allow non-cheering spectators while the controversy over[...]

When Danish football star Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during a Euro 2020 clash it raised the question of sudden cardiac arrest in world-class sportsmen and women: But how often does it happen, who is at risk and what could have caused it? The team also discuss the positive dope test of American track[...]

Whether it's endurance, strength or agility, defining 'fit' is a complex subject. The team talk through definitions, how fitness depends on your discipline or lifestyle, how to know if you're fit and when fitness goes too far. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to fitness it's a case of use it... or lose it! But how fast do we lose fitness, how can we limit the damage when we take time off and is there such a thing as muscle memory?SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:Kramer et al 2017 - an amazing study where people were given[...]

Allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sporting competitions has created a storm of controversy around human rights. The team get to grips with the facts around moves to prevent transgender athletes from competing in certain women's sports and why fairness, and even safety, are at stake. We also unpack recent comments made by American[...]

Disordered eating is common among sportspeople, both amateur and professional. The team talk to dietician and psychologist, Kim Hofmann, about why most people experience it, how to identify bad habits and the secrets of a healthy - and sustainable - eating plan.Recommended reading:Geneen Roth, Breaking Free From Emotional EatingJan Chozen Bays, Mindful Eating: A Guide[...]

With thousands of studies being conducted around the Covid pandemic, many are now finally producing results. Prof. Ross Tucker and co-host Mike Finch look at the latest research in sport and if fitness level can help mitigate the severity of both Covid and other diseases.SHOW NOTESThe “open window” debate: A debate between scientists about the[...]

In this episode, the team answer your questions. We tackle the effects of the Covid pandemic on elite sport progression, whether the mind is capable of pushing the body to greater performance, how delayed specialisation may benefit young sportspeople and the importance of self talk no matter what your sport.Support our podcast. Visit https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsport Get[...]

When the UK Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) recently found former Team Sky and British Cycling head doctor, Dr Richard Freeman, guilty of illegally ordering testosterone for an unnamed rider, it sent shock waves through British sport. The team talk to renowned sports journalist Sean Ingle of The Guardian who followed the case closely for[...]

Sleep, and the quality of it, can dictate everything from our moods to our sporting performances. Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch interview sleep science expert Dr Dale Rae for a deep dive into the importance of sleep, the effects of poor sleeping habits, how genes can dictate whether we are larks or owls,[...]

We asked our Patreon community to pose their most vexing sport science questions so that we could answer them. Prof Tucker and Mike Finch discuss everything from salty sweaters to the real facts behind the 80-20 endurance training rule, women-specific training protocols and the accuracy of modern-day fitness smartwatches to predict VO2 max.NOTES:2020 Review on[...]

S3, Ep1: In our first episode of 2021 Mike Finch and Prof. RossTucker discuss the science of staying motivated, if Body Mass Index (BMI) is outdated and how exercise affects body temperature. We also discuss plans for the year, the issue of health versus performance and whether or not the Tokyo Olympics may go ahead[...]

From shoe tech to the effect of crowd support on performance, 2020 has been an unprecedented year that also provided some unique opportunities. Together with some of the leading voices in global sports science, Prof. Ross Tucker and Mike Finch look forward to the breakthroughs and controversies likely to dominate in 2021, why they matter[...]

In early October 2020, World Rugby released its Transgender Guidelines aimed at protecting player safety. But the guidelines were followed by controversy with some unions even refusing to implement them, Prof. Ross Tucker, who was part of the World Rugby committee that decided on the guidelines, explains why the science makes sense and why all[...]

The ground-breaking 2020 London Marathon saw the great Eliud Kipchoge lose his first marathon since 2013 as Ethopian Shura Kitata took the men's win and Brigid Kosgei the women's title. But the real story of the marathon was the weather and what really happened to Kipchoge on race day. Prof. Ross Tucker and Mike Finch[...]

Slovenian Tadej Pogacar's sensational penultimate stage performance up the famed Les Planche de Belle Filles, on his way to his overall win, will go down in legend as one of most dramatic moments in Tour de France history. Prof. Ross Tucker and Mike Finch break down the numbers, discuss the implications and wrap up an[...]

Do excitable fans on the side of the roads really present a threat to cyclists in the midst of the Covid pandemic? Join Mike and Ross for a second week analysis of the 2020 Tour de France as they delve into the facts, the numbers and the stats and look forward to a thrilling final[...]

This week double Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya lost her appeal in a Swiss Federal Court to have a decision made by World Athletics - effectively forcing her to lower her testosterone levels artificially in order to compete in her favoured event - overturned. Ross and Mike break down this complex issue, question some of[...]

The first week of the delayed 2020 Tour de France threw up some big surprises and some stunning performances. But what does all the data say about the state of the sport, the contenders and what it takes to win? Prof. Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch take a deep dive into the first[...]

From vitamins to weight-loss tablets, muscle builders and energy drinks, supplements promise a quick fix to performance and health. But is there any evidence that they work? Join Prof. Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch as they lay bare the often murky, and unregulated, world of supplements, the bogus claims and some of the[...]

The perfect hydration strategy during exercise is simpler than you think. Join Prof. Ross Tucker and Mike Finch as they delve into the science, discuss how advice has been corrupted by suspect marketing claims and why drinking too much may be a bigger threat to health. Support our podcast @ https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsport Get bonus content on[...]

Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is one of the most popular terms in endurance sport and used by both professional and amateur racers. Take a deep dive into the what, how and use of FTP, what it really means in the world of sports science and why it's often misunderstood as a training tool. Essential listening[...]

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently advised against the use of masks while exercising. Prof. Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch explore the real risks, the science and the performance effects of wearing a mask when breathing gets heavier. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ill-fated Adria tennis Tour, headlined by world number one Novak Djokovic, was a lesson for sporting organisers around the world in what not to do during the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Ross Tucker and Science of Sport podcast host, Mike Finch, discuss what organisers did wrong, how they could have made it happen safely and[...]

With soccer matches already under way and many professional sports looking at innovative plans to get back in action, Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch explore the various models being used and what sports' recovery could mean for the rest of society. We also talk about the effect of spectator-less games on performance and[...]

Taking part in regular exercise throughout your life has truly remarkable effects on performance and ageing. Prof. Ross Tucker and Mike Finch discuss the effects of age on our bodies, how to design the perfect 'active' life, push back the years and find motivation... no matter how old you are! APOLOGIES FOR SOME OF THE[...]

The impact of the Coronavirus across the globe has been felt in every sphere of life, including sport. From the cancellation and postponement of most major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, to the future of the professional game, Covid19 is likely to have a lasting effect. Join Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch[...]

From ice baths to Tom Brady's infrared pajamas, the science of recovery is full of wild claims and wonder products. Join Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch as they interview world-renowned science journalist - and author of the 2019 book Good To Go - Christie Aschwanden, and explore the real science behind athletic recovery[...]

Cut through the hype and discover what the science says about training just right... no matter what your sport. Join host Mike Finch and world-renowned sports scientist Prof. Ross Tucker as they explain the fundamentals of a good training plan, how the body gets fitter and stronger, long slow distance vs intervals, how to recover[...]

Nike's newly-released Alphafly Next% - released just four days after new regulations on shoe design were announced by World Athletics - will do little to restore the integrity of distance running times and records. Prof Ross Tucker and sports editor Mike Finch, together with guest biomechanist Geoff Burns, explain how the sport may have changed[...]

From the shoe that broke running, to drug cheats, Caster Semenya, Alberto Salazar, the best way to make a champion and Red-S, our first season of the Science of Sport Podcast was never short on controversy. Host Mike Finch and Prof. Ross Tucker name their award winners of the year, look back on the lessons[...]

As one of the world's top obstacle racers and ultra runners, Amelia Boone is regarded as one of the toughest female athletes on the planet. But a lifetime battling eating disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) almost cost the American her life and her sporting career. In this interview with Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike[...]

Join Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch - with guests exercise physiologist and scientist Dr Trent Stellingwerff and former elite runner Hilary Stellingwerff - as we look into the causes, culture and psychology of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and the controversy surrounding Mary Cain and the Nike Oregon Project. We look into the[...]

Professor Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch looked at the effect that modern day tech has on sport, its role in performance and what the future looks like. We discuss everything from the effect of cellphone distraction on athlete performance, what some federations have done to push back on tech in order to retain integrity,[...]

From law changes to concussion research, World Rugby has taken a proactive approach to make the game safer at all levels. Professor Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch discuss the research and findings into the risks of contact sports around the world, why rugby is leading the way in player safety and what Chronic Traumatic[...]

Mechanical Doping or Tech Breakthrough? Nike's controversial carbon-plated Vaporfly running shoe has forced us to recalibrate what performances mean. Host Mike Finch joins sports scientist Ross Tucker and biomechanist Geoff Burns to look at the tech, how it works, why it has had such an impact on world marathon performances and what authorities may need to[...]

Is Eliud Kipchoge's second attempt at breaking the two-hour marathon mark a human advance or just a technological sidestep? In October the world's best marathoner will attempt to run inside 120 minutes using every advancement available from carbon-plated shoes to carefully-planned pacing and drafting strategies. Understand how VO2 max, running economy and lactate threshold affect[...]

In one of the most dramatic weeks in athletics history, legendary American coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years for doping offences, 37-year-old Kenenisa Bekele missed the world record in the marathon by a scant two seconds in Berlin and there was controversy and celebration at the World Athletics Championships in Doha. Host Mike[...]

The World Athletics Championships takes place in Doha from September 27 to October 6 and handling heat, hopefully, will the major talking point. From midnight marathons to air conditioned stadiums to the best way to stay cool, we tackle the science of heat in athletic performance. We also look into the latest doping controversies and[...]

Join Prof Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch as they speak to renowned author Peter Bills about his latest book 'The Jersey: The Secrets Behind the World's Most Successful Team'' (Pan Macmillan). Bills - one the UK's foremost sports journalists and writers - spent four years researching the book on the New Zealand All Blacks[...]

Join one of the world's most outspoken voices in rugby, former Springbok player, international coach, analyst and World Rugby advisor Nick Mallett as we explore what it takes to make it to the top level of international rugby union. Mallett describes - in bone-crunching detail - the pressures of being in the scrum, what players[...]

Why do sportsmen and women cheat? Because they are human. But when is cheating just sporting gamesmanship or plain fraud? We look into some of the most elaborate cheating scandals in history, how they did it and how some of them (almost!) got away with it. From having an invisible twin to being contaminated by[...]

Prof Ross Tucker and journalist Mike Finch interview David Epstein, author of the New York Times best-selling book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World . The team focus in on the debate around late specialisation in sport, why champions like Tiger Woods may be the exception rather than the rule and the impact[...]

Prof. Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch delve into the real facts and stats behind what makes a world class sportsman or woman. Find out if when and where you are born can make a difference to sporting success, whether practice really makes perfect, how early to specialise and if your youngster has what it[...]

Explore the challenges of working as a doctor at the Tour de France as Ross and Mike talk to Dr Adrian Rotunno, one of the team physicians for the UAE Team Emirates pro cycling team. Rotunno talks candidly about being a doctor in a pro cycling world tainted by doping; what it takes to keep[...]

Professor Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch dig deep into the world of drugs in sport: What are they? How are they used? What percentage of athletes take illegal performance-enhancing drugs? Are authorities winning the war or is there not enough will to fight? An unashamedly honest and objective look at the impact of drugs[...]

Join Professor Ross Tucker and host Mike Finch as they chat to cricket doctor Dr Janine Gray about the complexities of sports injuries, how to protect your back no matter what sport you play, why so many young cricketers suffer from stress fractures and why hand-eye co-ordination ability may be linked to your economic status.[...]

Former international opening batsman and coach of both the South African and Indian cricket teams, Gary Kirsten talks frankly about the modern game, the impact of the shorter formats, what it's like to face up to the fastest bowlers in the international game, winning a World Cup with one of the most supported sports teams[...]

In this emotional interview, Olympic middle distance runner and former 5000m and 10 000m NCAA champion, Dominique Scott-Efurd opens up about the training, self sacrifice and dedication needed to mix it with the best in the running world. Scott takes us through her tough training regime, the lessons learnt from moving from her home in[...]

World-renowned sport scientist Professor Ross Tucker and veteran sports journalist Mike Finch explore the science behind running shoe technology. Explore whether or not cushioning and pronation-control really work, find out if expensive shoes are really any better than cheaper options and the best running shoe options to buy next time you're at the local shoe[...]

On May 1, 2019 double Olympic and three-time World 800m champion Caster Semenya lost her case against the IAAF in the Court of Arbitration forcing her to take medication to lower her testosterone levels if she is to continue to compete in her favoured events. Mike and Ross analyse the controversial ruling, debate the facts[...]

Since 2009 Caster Semenya has ignited debate around female athletes with differences in sex development that may give them have an unfair advantage due to differences in testosterone levels. Professor Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch explain the issues and why this may be a 'no win' situation for sport. Get bonus content on[...]

An introduction to the Science of Sport Podcasting series with Professor Ross Tucker and veteran sports journalist Mike Finch Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.