Intelligence Squared A Delicate Game: Confronting Brain Injury in Sport, with Hana Walker-Brown
Apr 20, 2022
Hana Walker-Brown, a multi-award-winning audio documentary maker, explores the troubling relationship between sports and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). She shares powerful stories from athletes like former rugby star Steve Thompson, who suffers from memory loss, and delves into the dangers of concussions versus sub-concussive hits. The conversation addresses the urgent need for safety protocols, the cultural barriers around acknowledging brain injuries, and the evolving perspectives on masculinity and health in sports.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Jeff Astle's Story
- Jeff Astle, a West Bromwich Albion player, died at 59 from dementia caused by repeated head trauma.
- The FA and PFA promised a 10-year study, but it was never conducted, leading to the Justice for Jeff campaign.
Slow Change in Football
- Despite studies showing increased neurodegenerative disease risk in football players, change has been slow.
- This is partly due to sports being a business concerned with litigation and payouts.
Kids Imitate Professionals
- Children imitate professional athletes, necessitating changes at the professional level for broader impact.
- Clear examples and protocols are crucial, especially for children who lack professional medical support.
