The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Get ready for some shocking track and field revelations! The women’s 100m will see all rounds on one day, raising eyebrows about athlete welfare. Meanwhile, triathlon faced chaos with miscounted laps, provoking a debate on rule integrity. Boxing is turning into a spectacle with the controversial Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul fight on the horizon. Plus, discover the surprising cardiovascular risks spectators face when emotionally invested in games. This week, sports management and science take center stage in fascinating ways!

The International Olympic Committee may soon implement policies to protect women's sports by limiting trans-identified males and athletes with DSDs from competing. A heated debate erupts between WADA and USADA regarding the controversial Enhanced Games, raising questions about the integrity of competition. Meanwhile, US sprinter Marvin Bracy-Williams faces a lengthy ban after cooperating in an investigation, hinting at deeper issues within anti-doping enforcement. Tune in for insights on complex challenges in sport, gender policy, and athlete integrity.

Explore the fascinating world of endurance as the hosts unravel its complex history and scientific debates. They dive into Tim Noakes' controversial theories, including the brain's role in regulating fatigue. Discover the significance of anticipatory regulation and how athletes experience perceived exertion. Ross shares insights from his research, including unique heat trials and the impact of pharmacology on performance. With captivating examples, they question our understanding of human limits and the potential to push beyond them.

Dive into an exhilarating recap of the New York City Marathon, where pacing strategies and thrilling finishes keep the excitement alive. Discover Joe Klecker's ambitious plan to consume 175 grams of carbs per hour and the unique insights on high-carb fueling. The discussion then shifts to WADA's potential ban on Ozempic, weighing its impact on performance and health risks. Finally, elite athlete Laura Hottenrott raises concerns over frequent blood testing in doping controls, sparking a thought-provoking debate on its implications.

The discussion kicks off with an analysis of various doping cases, including a complex ban for marathon runner Ruth Chepngetich. They dive into Imogen Simmonds' unique contamination defense involving her partner. The podcast also tackles the metabolic costs of exercise, debating whether it truly aids in weight loss, with conflicting studies on energy expenditure. Finally, the hosts explore innovative heat training techniques and weigh in on impressive athletic feats, like Kipchoge's sub-2 marathon versus Sorokin's 100-mile record.

This discussion dives into whether cardio training undermines strength gains and reveals the surprising minimal interference in most athletes. It also tackles the pressures on tennis players, evaluating claims about increased injuries due to busy schedules and equipment changes. A stark look at doping prevalence comes to light, with self-reported rates suggesting a troubling honesty among athletes. Lastly, the intriguing concept of a new performance metric, W', is explored, shedding light on how athletes can optimize their training strategies.

Forty-year-old lawyer Andrew Feather hit the news headlines recently when he 'beat' Tadej Pogacar in an exhibition handicap uphill cycle race. Even though Feather may not have actually ridden the Pogi challenge faster than the world number 1 (he won by three minutes after getting a six minute head start with the rest of the amateur field), his performance was still staggering given that he is an amateur with all the pressures of a full-time job and a family eating into his time. Feather is arguably one of the most celebrated non-professionals in the world and, as a four-time British Hill Climb champion, has the palmares to prove it. In this interview, Feather shares his insights into training, racing and dropping weight when it matters.Support us on DiscourseAs Gareth mentioned, Discourse is our "sponsorship", our sole source of income. But it's way more than that - it's a community of experts and enthusiasts who share knowledge on everything sports science related. To become part of that, become a Patron of the site and join the conversation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the intricate dynamics of pacing and physiology with thrilling insights from recent marathons. Explore how small pacing errors can lead to significant consequences for elite runners, like Kiplimo's dramatic performance. Discover the fascinating implications of carbohydrate intake on endurance and the brain's role in regulating fatigue. Hear about tactical shifts for athletes like Femke Bol as they transition races. Plus, the surprising effects of heat and race environments on marathon success are unpacked in detail.

Delve into the intriguing world of bro science and learn how to differentiate fact from fiction in fitness advice. Explore the complex issues surrounding NCAA athlete trafficking, which raises questions of opportunity versus exploitation. Discover the latest findings linking contact sports to neurodegenerative diseases and the ethical implications of concussion detection methods. Finally, find out whether breakfast truly fuels morning workouts or if a good night's meal is enough.

Explore the fascinating evolution of player physiques in AFL and rugby, highlighting how professionalism has transformed these sports. Delve into the rapid development of women's rugby, alongside England's dominance at the World Cup. Get insights on the Ryder Cup drama, including crowd behavior and strategic analytics. The discussion also touches on controversial CAS decisions regarding athlete defenses and the alarming rise in ACL injuries, all underscored by a critical look at cycling's recent world championships.