The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Former South African top-order batsman Gary Kirsten is one of the most respected voices in the modern game. After playing 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals, Kirsten went on to a successful career as a coach. From 2008 to 2011 he coached India that included their win at the 2011 World Cup. Later in 2011 he was appointed coach of the South African team until August of 2013 and also had a brief stint with Pakistan in 2024, along with numerous coaching appointments in other formats including India's IPL. In this wide-ranging interview, Kirsten delves into some of the biggest issues facing the game: The threats facing the future of Test cricket, why the art of fast bowling is dying, the role of coaches at both school and international level and concerns over a proposed two-tier system in the global game.Note: We are aware of a small technical issue where some sections of the pod skip or "jump". We are looking to sort this out in a future upload/version of the pod. Sorry about that!Join DiscourseIf you fancy a bit of the coaching, sports science and sports news conversations with our amazing members, consider a small donation to become a Patron of the site, and get access to our Discourse community, where you can join like-minded fans and sports enthusiasts to keep the conversation going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the world of elite cycling nutrition with Simon Yates as the spotlight shifts to carbohydrates. Discover how a shift from low-carb to high-carb strategies can lead to enhanced performance and enjoyment. The hosts debate if elite practices translate to the everyday athlete, highlighting research gaps in studies about elite athletes. Learn why personalized nutrition based on individual performance levels is crucial, and how the context of sports science impacts real-life application.

Richard Hales, Clinical Lead at the Royal Marines' Exercise Rehabilitation Centre and author of 'The NOD Fixer,' shares insights from over two decades of fixing the toughest troops. He dives into the evolution of physiotherapy, emphasizing injury prevention over treatment. Discussion highlights include data-driven strategies for avoiding musculoskeletal injuries, the importance of tailored recovery plans, and the role of biomechanics in performance. Hales also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book, filled with both serious insights and humorous tales from the battlefield.

Is it wise to trust health and fitness 'experts'? This discussion dives into the credibility of personal trainers and the challenges posed by social media misinformation. From a gripping fell running experience to the nuances of post-exercise carb strategies, the conversation encourages critical thinking about fitness advice. It critiques the standards and qualifications of trainers, urging for better education and accountability in the industry. Ultimately, it calls for a balanced approach to expertise in health and fitness.

Sean Ingle, Chief Sports Writer at The Guardian, joins the discussion on the radical transformations expected in sports by 2050. They explore how advancements in tech, like wearable health monitors and AI, will reshape athlete performance and spectator experiences. Topics include the rising prominence of women's sports, the challenges presented by climate change, and the potential for genetics in athletics. They also speculate on the future of competition formats, including the thrilling prospect of robot participation and new sports emerging from technological innovations.

Gareth and Ross kick off 2025 with a brief Spotlight episode that looks back on the Festive season's interesting sports science news stories, and our own Christmas and New Year exercise achievements and sports-watching highlights. Discourse hummed along at its usual pace, with stories on doping, low cadence, cycling safety, and exercise challenges, and Gareth and Ross tackle those subjects in this 2025 'ice-breaker'.Show notesJoin DiscourseIf you fancy a bit of the coaching, sports science and sports news conversations with our amazing members, consider a small donation to become a Patron of the site, and get access to our Discourse community, where you can join like-minded fans and sports enthusiasts to keep the conversation going.Articles on topics discussed in this showIndependent scientific experts call China's conclusions on their 23 TMZ swimming cases "intellectually dishonest"Canadian coach calls for doping reform amid doubts over Women's Marathon WR, including bans for countries with more than 10 doped athletesNorway's Mountain Running World Champion accepts a doping ban after claiming contamination for a positive test Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024 was a year filled with unforgettable sporting moments and controversies. The hosts celebrate standout performances, including Leon Marchand's historic Olympic wins. They discuss failures like breakdancer Reagan's Olympic fate and the ongoing debates around transgender athlete participation. Innovations in endurance training and carbohydrate strategies are explored, highlighting the intersection of science and sport. The dynamics within rugby and American football, alongside a look towards the ethical challenges in sports science, make for a reflective yet engaging review of the year.

Gareth Davies, a moderator of the Discourse community and talent development expert, joins to discuss the inefficiencies in identifying and nurturing athletic talent. He and Ross Tucker dive into the ruthless 'race to the bottom' in elite sports, highlighting the human and financial costs that stem from lost young athletes. The conversation also touches on recent anti-doping developments, including changes in regulations that tackle contamination and the ban on carbon monoxide for performance enhancement, revealing a complex web of challenges in sports governance.

James Templeton, a seasoned sports agent with 27 years of experience, discusses the rise of sprinter Gout Gout, who broke the Australian men's 200m record at just 16. They explore the excitement surrounding Gout's potential to rival Usain Bolt and the unique challenges young athletes face. James shares insights on managing talents, the importance of strategic planning, and how Gout is adapting to newfound fame. The conversation also touches on lessons from past legends to help navigate pitfalls in a young athlete's career.

Gareth Davies, a sports discourse expert, dives into the scandal involving tennis star Iga Swiatek and her positive test for trimetazidine. The discussion unpacks whether doping tests go too far and if there's a need for thresholds in prohibited substances. Gareth reveals the stigmas athletes face, even when innocent, affecting their performance and sponsorships. He also highlights the challenges in proving unintentional doping and calls for accountability from pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the broader dilemmas athletes encounter in the world of sport.