The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Leon Marchand, a swimmer renowned for his ambitious attempt to compete in both the butterfly and breaststroke, joins to discuss his unique training techniques. They explore the surprising impacts of E. coli levels on triathlon events and delve into the ongoing challenges of doping allegations in swimming. Marchand shares his insights on the precision necessary in competitive swimming and reflects on the peculiarities of training for multiple strokes, making for a captivating conversation about the future of Olympic sports.

Tom Pidcock, a defending champion and mountain biking star, recounts his intense battle against competitor Victor Koretzky in a thrilling race. Pidcock's journey from overcoming a puncture to executing perfect pacing strategies showcases his resilience and tactical brilliance. The discussion also touches on gripping swimming races, revealing the mental strategies athletes employ under pressure. With insights into other sports like skateboarding and gymnastics, the conversation captures the excitement and unpredictability of the Paris 2024 Games.

Leon Marchand, a powerhouse swimmer known for his stunning performances, and Nicolo Martinenghi, who clinched gold by mere milliseconds, join the discussion. They reflect on the electrifying atmosphere in Paris, where every second counts. The hosts dissect the complex role of lactate in athletic performance, dispelling common myths. They also delve into emerging controversies around gender eligibility in sports, particularly in women's events, highlighting the impact of IOC policies. The conversation is rich with insights and competitive spirit!

Antoine Dupont, a pivotal player for France's rugby team, shares insights into their hard-fought gold medal victory against Fiji. Cyclist Remco Evenepoel discusses his narrow win in the Cycling Time-Trials, while Grace Brown reflects on her dominant performance. The discussion also highlights the thrilling swimming rivalry between the USA and Australia and previews the exciting events for Day 2, including women's MTB and potential controversies in swimming. Expect an engaging exploration of triumphs and challenges as the games unfold.

Remco Evenepoel, a professional cyclist fresh off the Tour de France, aims for Olympic glory while facing off against time-trial specialists Josh Tarling and Filippo Ganna. The swimming finals heat up as rivals USA and Australia clash in the 4 x 100m Freestyle relays, featuring a thrilling 400m matchup with historic implications. Meanwhile, the men's rugby sevens gold hangs in the balance, with an unpredictable competition set to unfold. Judo expert James Austin shares insights on the sport's mental and physical demands as Olympic excitement builds.

Marcel Guerrini, a Swiss mountain biking star and fifth-place finisher at the 2022 World Championships, shares his insights on the fierce competition at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. He discusses the unpredictability of the men's race and identifies a strong favorite for the women's event. Tire choice emerges as a crucial factor that could sway the outcome. Guerrini also reflects on the balance between Olympic aspirations and other prestigious competitions like the World Championships, emphasizing the strategic elements vital for success.

Kara Goucher, elite athlete and whistleblower, discusses balancing trust and skepticism in sports. She reflects on the challenges of celebrating exceptional performances amidst doping suspicions. Goucher talks about the importance of athlete-media relationships and her experience as an Olympics commentator. She provides insights on upcoming track and field events at the Paris Olympics, highlighting potential surprise winners and exciting storylines.

The podcast delves into the start of the Olympics in Paris, highlighting Men's Football and Sevens matches. They discuss Tour de France highlights, launching a daily Games of the Day show. Equestrian controversies and the significance of the Olympic Games are explored. The hosts invite audience input and share insights on sports science.

Top US sports journalist Jon Wertheim joins the team to discuss the relevance of the Olympics in modern times. They explore the impact of past Olympic Games, the evolution of sports, and the commercialization of sporting events. The conversation reflects on historical events like the 1984 Olympics and the challenges faced by track and field sports. They also debate the importance of Olympic medals versus major tournaments in today's sports culture.

Discussion on how professional cyclists use carbon monoxide for performance enhancement, including its effects on hemoglobin levels and VO2max. Analysis of Tadej Pogacar's exceptional numbers at the Tour de France and the skepticism surrounding his performances. Exploring the history and skepticism around doping in cycling, along with the challenges and ethical implications of utilizing carbon monoxide in sports.