The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Join Gareth Davies, a cycling enthusiast and contributor to the Discourse community, as he shares insights from his Zwift training experience. Discover the debate on high cadence versus torque training and its impact on cycling performance. Explore the staggering energy demands faced by female cyclists in the Tour de France Femmes, with athletes burning up to 7500 kCal daily. Plus, dive into the complexities of doping controversies, including calls for WADA to address carbon monoxide misuse and the Enhanced Games' provocative prize for record-breaking performances.

Dr. Ross Hemingway, a Sports & Exercise Medicine Doctor at the UK's Commando Training Centre for Royal Marines, shares gripping insights into extreme military training. He discusses the fine line between physical limits and survival, emphasizing the critical role of medical professionals. Topics include managing exertional heat illness and the importance of resilience among recruits. With thrilling anecdotes about overcoming extreme conditions and the mental toughness required for elite training, Hemingway highlights lessons applicable to both military and sports endurance.

The podcast dives into the controversial stance of the British Journal of Sports Medicine regarding transgender athletes. It raises crucial questions about the journal's credibility amidst scientific debates. The discussion explores the ethical responsibilities of sports science publishing and the importance of maintaining rigorous standards. Viewpoints on gender performance are examined, shedding light on the complexities surrounding women's sports and the implications of inclusivity. Listeners will appreciate the nuanced approach to an increasingly polarized discussion.

Ruth Chepng'etich's astonishing marathon world record raise eyebrows and suspicions. The impact of 'super shoes' on women's running performance compared to men is explored. Nutritional strategies and the science of pacing are examined, alongside the use of bicarbonate for endurance. Doping allegations cast a shadow over Kenyan athletics, prompting a discussion on trust and transparency in sports. Historical instances of performance skepticism, like Rosie Ruiz's infamous win, are revisited, highlighting the complexities of validating athletic achievements.

After a post-Olympic break the team wrap up all the latest hot topics and news from our Discourse channel. We share details of how the rollout of rugby's smart mouthguards is going, discuss Jakob Ingebritgsen's crazy half marathon debut and how best to use sport science to help a small-budget cycling team. We also explain the ongoing doping saga of tennis world number one Jannik Sinner and ask if the world governing body for cycling, the UCI, is doing enough to ensure the safety of riders after the death of an 18-year-old at the World Championships.SHOW NOTES Jon Wertheim's excellent piece on the Sinner doping scandal from SI.comThe Guardian's piece on the death of Muriel FurrerIngebrigtsen's crazy half marathon debut Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Roche, a trail star and coach who recently clinched victory at the Leadville 100 while breaking a 30-year-old record, shares his insights. He discusses innovative techniques like hot baths for altitude adaptation and the importance of strategic race planning. Roche reveals that speed in shorter distances best predicts performance in ultra races and critiques the common belief in high mileage training. He also explores the transformative role of super shoes and cutting-edge fueling strategies in endurance racing.

Janik Sinner, a professional athlete recently cleared of a doping violation, shares his astonishing journey after a failed test linked to his physiotherapist's treatment. The discussion dives into the complexities of anti-doping regulations and the rapidity of Sinner's return to play. Additionally, the podcast addresses a tragic incident at the CrossFit Games, spotlighting the inherent risks of extreme sports, particularly swimming, and examines the crucial balance between athlete safety and competition.

Dave Collins, a renowned sports performance psychologist, has coached over 90 World and Olympic medallists. He explores the intriguing idea of whether trauma is necessary for talent to flourish in sports. The conversation delves into how overcoming challenges fosters resilience and shapes success. Collins sheds light on the psychological traits that differentiate elite athletes and the importance of personalized coaching. Additionally, he discusses the delicate balance of challenge and care within team dynamics, emphasizing the need for psychological safety in sports.

In this engaging discussion, Mike, a seasoned analyst of Olympic dynamics, joins Ross, a sports enthusiast, and Gareth, a passionate debater, to recap their experiences from the Paris Games. They critically assess medal standings, spotlighting countries that exceeded expectations while reflecting on the emotional stories behind outstanding performances. The trio dives into the complexities of athlete sponsorship and explores the controversies impacting sports, including health risks and fairness issues. Personal ratings of the Games add a fun closure to their vibrant conversation.

Sifan Hassan, an Olympic champion who made history by winning the women's Marathon gold in Paris, shares thrilling insights from her remarkable victory. She discusses the strategic pacing and challenging course, highlighting the dramatic sprint finish that defined her race. The conversation dives into the impressive performances in the men's 800m and women's 1500m, as well as the excitement of relay races. Hassan reflects on the dynamics of marathon tactics and the impact of course design on athletes' strategies in this unforgettable closure of the Athletics program.