The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Quincy Hall, the men's 400m Olympic Champion, shares his thrilling journey to victory, particularly his incredible final 100m that showcased resilience. El-Bakkali reflects on defending his title in the men's 3000m steeplechase, as unforeseen challenges, including a dramatic fall, unfolded on the track. The conversation also dives into a weight loss controversy in wrestling, exploring its impact on athlete health. Additionally, listeners get insights into cycling team pursuits and the evolving lane draw strategies shaping the finals.

Tim Cross, a science writer from The Economist, dives into the captivating world of sport climbing, a thrilling new Olympic addition. He explores the differences between bouldering, lead, and speed climbing, shedding light on the skills needed for each. The conversation touches on the sport's physiological demands—grip strength, flexibility, and core stability—as well as how weather can impact performance. Cross also highlights the intricate art and science behind route setting, combining athleticism and creativity in this rising sport.

In this discussion, Cole Hocker, an Olympic 1500m champion celebrated for his stunning sprint finish, shares his thrilling journey to victory. He reflects on the dramatic race dynamics against favorites Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr, emphasizing the psychological edge of patience and timing. The conversation dives into the strategic nuances of pacing and fatigue, while also touching on highlights from other Olympic events. Hocker’s insights on competition pressures and the drive for future records make for an engaging listen.

Keely Hodgkinson, an Olympic Gold medalist, shines with a powerful performance in the women's 800m, showcasing her strategic pacing. Beatrice Chebet outperforms pre-race favorite Faith Kipyegon in a dramatic women's 5000m race, which is clouded by a clash involving Gudaf Tsegay. The discussion dives into the psychological pressures and race tactics athletes face, while also exploring the excitement of world record feats in pole vaulting and the unpredictable nature of Olympic gymnastics.

The podcast dives into the ongoing debate over sex testing in sports, igniting discussions on fairness and safety for female athletes. It highlights recent critiques of the IOC's ambiguous stance on testing procedures. The conversation emphasizes that establishing clear eligibility criteria is vital to maintaining competitive integrity. There's a compelling argument made for the necessity of testing to prevent the inclusion of male athletes in women's categories, challenging the IOC's approach and urging for a reevaluation of their policies.

Noah Lyles, the newly crowned Olympic 100m Champion, shares the electrifying story of his nail-biting victory by just 5/1000th of a second over Kishane Thompson, who finished just behind him. Joining them are Fred Kerley, who claimed bronze, and South African star Akani Simbine. They discuss race strategies, the tension of the Olympic final, and Lyles' surprising slow start. The episode also touches on key highlights from the women's cycling road race and swimming events, showcasing the incredible performances throughout the Olympics.

Julien Alfred, the new Olympic 100m champion and surprise gold winner in Paris, discusses her remarkable victory, edging out World title holder Sha'Carri Richardson. The conversation reveals how Alfred's training hints foreshadowed her performance. Sha'Carri shares her struggles, particularly with starts. Femke Bol also shares insights on her stunning relay run that shocked the USA. The podcast highlights interesting updates from cycling, including Remco Evenepoel's historic road race win, and sheds light on swimming's recent medal-rich events.

Joshua Cheptegei, the Olympic 10,000m champion from Uganda, shares insights from his recent gold-medal race in Paris, revealing how Ethiopian runners shaped the race dynamics. The podcast also highlights the thrilling BMX events, where French athletes secured a podium sweep, and explores the incredible power output needed for success in BMX racing. Additionally, there’s an exciting preview of upcoming events, including the challenges facing favorites like Katie Ledecky and Sha'Carri Richardson in their respective races.

Simone Biles, the world's premier gymnast, shines in Paris but faces fierce competition from Brazil's Rebeca Andrade. They dive into the excitement of the track and field events, discussing how race walking is judged and whether advanced shoes give an edge. Tensions rise over food quality in the athlete village, and they explore the complicated governance issues affecting women's boxing. Finally, they anticipate the thrilling 10,000m race, where East Africa's finest will clash for gold.

Simone Biles, the legendary Olympic gymnast and two-time All Around champion, shares her remarkable journey overcoming 'the twisties,' a perplexing psychological phenomenon that hampers gymnasts' spatial awareness. Joined by Prof. Dave Collins, a performance psychologist with four decades of experience, they delve into the nuances of mental performance barriers. They discuss the differences between the twisties and the yips, strategies athletes use to regain confidence, and the critical importance of psychological resilience in elite sports.