The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Join DiscourseThe Spotlight is inspired and informed by our Discourse community. If you want to be part of that, sharing insights and inspiration with listeners, you can become a Patron of the Podcast here, make a monthly pledge, and the VIP room is yours to explore! It won't cost you even 2% of what the Enhanced Games are charging, and our advice actually works, and is safe!Show notesAt 1:09. In the Discourse Digest news roundup, Gareth and Ross tackle three stories where science and policy collide. First up, the Enhanced Games’ latest scheme—inviting people to pay $399/month for performance-enhancing drug guidance under the guise of anti-aging and health. Then, a look at World Boxing’s new sex screening policy for the women’s category: what the language really means, why it matters, and how sport might manage it. Finally, a compromise attempt in California where extra medals are awarded to navigate the inclusion of trans-identified males in girls’ sport—Gareth and Ross explore what’s gained and lost in that trade-offAt 25:39. A new Listener Lens feature this week comes from Discourse member Tony, who asks: how should you judge your warm-up before a race? Ross and Gareth explore what a warm-up really prepares—neuromuscular readiness, not just heart rate—and share insights from fellow Discourse members who’ve fine-tuned their routinesAt 33:35. And Finally (not quite today!), British ultra runner William Goodge is under fire after suspicious data emerged from his trans-Australia record attempt. Ross recalls a similar case he investigated, and the duo asks: why, in an age of abundant tracking tech, are we still debating whether these runs really happened?At 42:58. This week’s Center Stage belongs to one of the most dramatic finales in recent Grand Tour history. Simon Yates won the Giro d’Italia with a stunning final mountain stage raid—equal parts science, strategy, and surprise. Mike and Ross unpack the physiology and tactics behind Yates’ triumph: Did del Toro and Carapaz concede the maglia rosa because they hit their physiological limits, or were they undone by tactical missteps and pacing errors? And what about Wout van Aert, the satellite rider whose power and presence may have changed the race’s outcome? From record-breaking efforts to tactical stalemates, we break down the science that decided the GiroLinksNick Harris on the Enhanced Games dealWorld Boxing announce the sex screening policyTony's question about Warmup HR, as discussed in Listener Lens (Discourse members only)Story of Rob Young's questioned ultra performance, with a link to the report I co-wrote on itAnalysis of Yates' record performance on the FinestereDerek Gee's Strava file Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the intriguing concept of a physiological budget in training, highlighting how short bursts of intensity may lead to training 'bankruptcy.' Discover insights from the Giro d'Italia and how to balance exertion and recovery for optimal performance. Shift gears to rugby with the introduction of a 20-minute red card rule, allowing teams to substitute players mid-game. Analyze public reactions and the safety implications of this change, fostering a thought-provoking discussion on officiating and player conduct in the sport.

Ryan Sandes, a trail running legend from South Africa, shares his insight after finishing second in the grueling Cocodona 250-mile challenge. Alongside Sean Robson, they delve into the intense physical and mental demands of ultra-endurance racing. Topics include the significance of gut health and nutrition for performance, the necessity of mental resilience, and the vital role of crew support. They reflect on the camaraderie within the ultrarunning community and the evolution of such extreme races, highlighting personal experiences and preparation strategies.

This discussion takes a deep dive into the thrilling yet controversial aspects of cycling, particularly the chaotic gravel stages of the Giro d’Italia. It examines the challenges of concussion protocols in cycling and the need for better safety measures. The conversation doesn't shy away from the controversial peptide BPC-157, exploring its dubious healing claims and ethical implications. Finally, it critiques early talent identification in young athletes, advocating for a more inclusive approach to foster genuine growth.

Dive into the science of endurance nutrition where elite athletes consume jaw-dropping amounts of carbohydrates for peak performance. Find out if the body really utilizes these carbs or if there's a limit. Plus, explore the intriguing cases of doping in sports, including a tennis player banned for IV infusions and a cricketer facing suspension for cannabis. The conversation also touches on emerging teen sprint talents and the lasting impacts of concussions on athletes. It's a blend of sports science, ethics, and the cutting edge of athletic performance.

Join The Discourse CommunityIf you enjoy the podcast, you’ll love our Discourse community. Become a member of “The Science of Sport” community by joining with a small monthly pledge on Patreon — and be part of the conversation behind the conversation.Show notesIn this week’s Spotlight, we open with a brisk roundup of major stories from the world of sport and policy. We look at new developments following the UK Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act, including the first tangible policy response. We also revisit the resolution of the tragic ice hockey case involving manslaughter charges, and World Athletics’ announcement of its “Ultimate Championship” event—an innovative idea, but not without flaws. Gareth raises some pointed criticisms about the competition format and the puzzling exclusion of key athletics disciplines.Next, we talk talent. The NFL Draft always offers a window into the world’s most elaborate selection process—but also its inefficiencies. We reflect on how early selection often produces more busts than brilliance, yet remains largely unchanged due to structural inertia. A 14-year-old’s blistering 35-ball century in the IPL leads us to discuss a surprising link between cricket scoring and endurance pacing, and how this informs the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.From there, we shift to the core topic of the episode: scientific integrity. Gareth reflects on our recent Spotlight's deep dive into how scientific papers are made, and our most recent feature podcast on the Boston Marathon and Mike's experiences testing Puma's new shoe. The conversation expands into questions of independence in scientific research and evidence, with specific reference to Puma’s bold claim that their new shoe is “the fastest ever", and why that statement is, at best, premature. But we also give credit where it’s due, praising the transparency and almost certain publication of the results of the brand’s testing, as well as the researcher's realism about trust in their lab's research.And amid it all, Ross shares some personal news—stepping away from his School Academy High Performance and development role, while reflecting on missed opportunities and unrealized HP philosophies.LinksThe Scottish FA acts to protect women's footballAnd the English FA are, apparently, considering itThe case against ice hockey player Matt Petgrave is droppedAn analysis of draft picks that shows how high the proportion of "busts" isHere's a preprint of the Hoogkamer evaluation of the Puma supershoe - this is not peer-reviewed yet, but I strongly suspect that a peer reviewed version of this is on the horizonThe best community discussion you'll read on Supershoes, courtesy our Discourse members (Members only access - you know what to do!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The performance of elite athletes in the Boston and London marathons takes center stage alongside a debate on the use of pacesetters. An exciting comparison reveals how technological advancements in footwear, particularly the much-anticipated Puma Fast R3, impact running economy and overall performance. Discussions around women's marathon running highlight record-breaking runs and the evolving dynamics of competition. The hosts explore the science of shoe weight and energy efficiency, questioning what truly makes a running shoe the 'fastest'.

Explore the fascinating journey of scientific papers in sports research, from conception to publication. Discover insider tips on reading research critically and the importance of understanding the 'why' behind studies. Delve into the ethical obligations researchers face and the transparency required in scientific exploration. Hear about the bold ambitions of Nike to break the women's sub-4-minute mile and the complexities of marketing in sports. Lastly, enjoy humorous anecdotes about cycling mishaps and the dynamics of elite race strategies!

We’ve got a blockbuster episode of Spotlight for you today.We kick things off with an important discussion around women’s sport and transgender athlete policies, following a landmark ruling from the UK Supreme Court on the legal definition of “woman” in the Equality Act. We know this topic won’t be for everyone, so if you'd prefer to skip ahead to the sports performance and race insights, you can jump straight to that action at about 1:07:12 in the podcast.For those looking for insight on this important topic, Gareth and I unpack the Supreme Court decision—a ruling with far-reaching implications. We’re joined by Helen Joyce, a leading women’s rights advocate who was in the courtroom for the verdict. She explains why the decision matters, what it means for sports governing bodies, and how it could reshape the future of competitive sport.Then we shift gears into performance talk: world records fell in the pool and in the discus, and we explore how weather and tech have combined to break new ground. Paris-Roubaix delivered two standout races. In the women’s event, race savvy beat strong legs (for once) as Pauline Ferrand-Prévot stormed to a solo victory in the Roubaix Velodrome. In the men’s race, we got another much-anticipated clash between Pogacar and van der Poel. We break down the physiology behind their efforts, the tactics—including van der Poel’s composed response to Pogacar’s crash—and how plain bad luck robbed the race of a deeper duel.Gareth also dives into the UK’s gym boom. With more people training than ever, we ask: is it all good news? Or is there more to the story? And finally, we celebrate our Discoursers—listeners and athletes around the world who’ve been tearing it up in races. Gareth shares some standout performances, and we invite you to join the community for world-class training insight and support.Show notesJoin our Discourse communityIf you enjoy the podcast, you’ll love our Discourse community. Become a member of “The Science of Sport” community by joining with a small monthly pledge on Patreon — and be part of the conversation behind the conversation.Links to topicsThe UK Supreme Court Decision discussed in the first part of the showThe FA's Transgender Policy, and the Appendix for Risk acceptance that trans men are required to signBBC piece discussion implications for sportArticle on Paul Biedermann's world record being brokenDiscus records galore in RamonaGareth's discussion on Discourse about the gym membership increase (Members only) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the provocative idea of embracing fatigue in sports to heighten drama. Discussions delve into the dynamics of rugby, where player fatigue influences strategy and injury risks. Discover the philosophical debates surrounding sports designed to test endurance versus those hindered by fatigue. Get insights on the Grand Slam Track meet in Jamaica and new Olympic sports, plus the challenges of scheduling and spectator engagement. Lastly, enjoy tactical breakdowns in cycling, comparing strategies between iconic races like Flanders and Roubaix.