Keely Hodgkinson, the 22-year-old Olympic gold medalist in the 800 meters, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming pressure and expectations. Jo Pavey, a five-time Olympic athlete, reflects on the significance of this achievement for young athletes. Food writer Meera Sodha discusses her new cookbook and how cooking became a healing ritual during tough times. Additionally, experts examine global IQ trends affected by malnutrition and the importance of early childhood nutrition, emphasizing its impact on brain development.
Keely Hodgkinson's historic Olympic gold medal win marks a significant achievement for female athletes in Team GB, reflecting her resilience under pressure.
Meera Sodha's journey of rekindling her passion for cooking amid personal challenges highlights the emotional restorative power food can offer.
The discussion on malnutrition underscores its detrimental effect on IQ levels, particularly among women and children, stressing the need for improved nutritional support.
Deep dives
Keely Hodgkinson's Historic Victory
Keely Hodgkinson achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Olympic gold medal in the 800 meters, becoming only the tenth British woman to do so in athletics history. At just 22 years old, she has progressed from a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics to a world champion, showcasing her exceptional talent. Hodgkinson expressed the immense pressure she faced leading up to the race, underlining the significant expectations placed upon her as a favorite. Her victory was marked by a mix of relief and excitement, highlighting the importance of her support team in helping her manage the psychological challenges of the event.
Jo Pavey's Insights on Olympic Pressure
Jo Pavey, a five-time Olympian, provided her perspective on the pressures of competing at such a high level, particularly for young athletes like Hodgkinson. Pavey emphasized that controlling one's nerves and channeling them positively can significantly impact performance, especially in a highly competitive Olympic environment. She detailed Hodgkinson's strategic approach to running the race, noting her ability to take control early on, which played a critical role in her success. This combination of mental focus and physical preparedness is essential for athletes aiming for Olympic glory.
Mira Soda on Returning to Cooking
Mira Soda shared her journey of rediscovering her passion for cooking after experiencing a period of burnout. Initially disengaged from food and kitchen work, she found inspiration when her husband expressed a need for her to cook for him, prompting her to reenter the kitchen with renewed energy and joy. Soda's new cookbook reflects her journey back to cooking, focusing on meals that brought her comfort and joy during challenging times. Her work emphasizes the emotional connection to food and the significance of cooking as a restorative practice amidst life's difficulties.
The Impact of Nutrition on IQ Levels
Research discussed highlights how malnutrition, particularly among women and children, negatively affects IQ levels and cognitive development globally. Key findings indicate that adequate nutrition during the first thousand days of life, from conception to two years old, is crucial for brain development. The report outlines how poverty, conflict, and societal norms, like sexism, can limit access to nutrition, particularly affecting mothers and their children. Addressing these issues through improved nutritional support and education is essential for enhancing not only individual IQs but also broader societal potential.
Bill May's Advocacy for Men in Artistic Swimming
Bill May, a prominent figure in artistic swimming, discussed the recent inclusion of men in the sport at the Olympics, encouraging a more inclusive atmosphere. Despite the absence of male athletes in the current Olympic team, he expressed optimism about opportunities for future male competitors to enhance the sport. May reflected on the historical challenges of men participating in artistic swimming and emphasized the need for equal representation alongside women. His advocacy focuses on breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of athletes to embrace the sport, regardless of gender.
Keely Hodgkinson has won gold in the women's 800 metres at the Paris Olympics. It's only Team GB's 10th ever female gold medal in athletics. Nuala McGovern is joined by five-time Olympic athlete Jo Pavey to reflect on Keely's success and what it means for the career of the 22-year-old.
The Paris 2024 Olympics was set to be the first where men could compete alongside women in the synchronised swimming, now known as artistic swimming. Bill May has been campaigning for this change for the last 30 years. He speaks to Nuala about why he thinks men should be included in the sport.
Food writer Meera Sodha’s new cookbook, Dinner: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes for the Most Important Meal of the Day, pays homage to the restorative power of cooking for the ones you love. Meera says it was written in the midst of ‘a difficult personal time and much reflection.’ She joins Nuala to talk about mental health and rediscovering her love for food.
Do you have any idea what your IQ is? New analysis from The Economist shows that brain development is being hindered across the world due to a lack of nutrition, war and even sexism - issues mainly affecting women and children. Are they getting left behind? Nuala is joined by the Deputy Editor of The Economist, Robert Guest, and Dr Meera Shekar, Global Lead for Nutrition at The World Bank’s Health, Nutrition & Population Global Practice.
Emma O’Halloran’s opera, Mary Motorhead, tells the story of a woman who is behind bars for murder. Emma speaks to Nuala about showing a different side to the stereotypical female opera lead.
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Producer: Lottie Garton
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