Thrills of Competitive Swimming and BMX

Joshua Cheptegei is the Olympic 10,000m champion, after he beat a stellar field in a fast race to open the Track programme in Paris. We discuss that race, and the Ethiopian tactics that set it up perfectly for Cheptegei. We also discuss the BMX racing, where France reach new levels of euphoria with a clean sweep of the men's podium, while Australia dominated the women's race to win gold. BMX racers produce the highest power output recorded in the sport - over 2000W to get the first bend advantage that often decides the race. We explore that and explain the metabolic demands of the race. We then preview the day ahead, where Katie Ledecky aims to cement her legacy, and the women's 100m title will be decided on the track. Will Sha'Carri Richardson do what she did in Budapest, or might the occasion, and some rivals, upset the race favourite?

Show notes

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Sean Ingle's article on the technology boost for track athletes in Paris

Another piece by Sean, this one on the World Record in the 4 x 400 mixed relay

Piece on Cameron McEvoys shift in training

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