The Real Science of Sport Podcast Spotlight: Failing to Science the Sh*t Out of Running / A Legal Lens on Liability and Sports Injury
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Jul 2, 2025 Matt Kemp, a sports law expert and partner at Becker Kemp Solicitors, dives into critical discussions around accountability in athletics. He reflects on the impact of David Roche's DNF at the Western States 100 and the complexities of performance science. The conversation explores the legal landscape, particularly a notable rugby case involving a spinal injury and reckless play. Kemp emphasizes the blurred lines between acceptable risk and negligence, urging for stricter athlete protections in the evolving world of sports.
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David Roach's Scientific Race Effort
- David Roach promised to "science the shit" out of Western States 100 but dropped out at mile 62.
- He faced polarized social media reactions with criticism despite applying lots of available science creatively.
Failure Fuels Scientific Learning
- Failure to meet a scientific training hypothesis provides the best opportunity to learn and improve.
- Disproving a hypothesis is valuable and should be embraced to understand underperformance.
Four-Minute Mile Hype Flaws
- Nike's attempt to break the women's four-minute mile fell well short and appeared never feasible.
- Media and scientists exaggerated factors like drafting benefits, revealing flaws in hype and pseudoscience.