In this episode, Les and Danny sit down with Ken Clark. Ken is a leading expert in speed and sprint biomechanics, serving as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physiology and Biomechanics from Southern Methodist University and is recognized for his scientific research on the mechanical factors that influence athletic performance and injury mechanisms, with a special focus on speed development and sprint technique.
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Episode Timestamps
- 00:00 – Intro | Hero, hardship, highlight — Dr. Clark’s background
- 01:30 – Sprint Mechanics | Vertical vs. horizontal forces
- 04:00 – Acceleration & Top Speed | How forces change over distance
- 09:00 – Research Insights | What separates elite sprinters
- 13:25 – Two-Mass Model | How sprinters strike the ground
- 18:00 – Foot vs. Ground Speed | Surprising biomechanics
- 23:07 – Braking Forces | Why faster sprinters brake harder
- 29:30 – Tendon & Stiffness | Pre-activation and connective tissue
- 44:30 – Injury vs. Performance | Foot mechanics and stiffness balance
- 52:30 – Training Takeaways | Plyos, strength, and sprint programming
- 01:01:55 – Closing Thoughts
