The Real Science of Sport Podcast

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.

The podcast dives into the heated topic of male athletes competing in women's boxing at the Paris Olympics. It discusses the controversial disqualification of athletes based on gender eligibility tests and the implications of biological differences on competition. The governance challenges within the Olympic boxing framework are explored, revealing tensions over inclusivity versus fair play. The episode also contemplates the complexities of gender identity, testosterone levels, and the safety concerns of female athletes in combat sports.

Leon Marchand, a celebrated swimmer and recent gold medalist in butterfly and breaststroke, shares insights into his stunning performances in Paris. The discussion delves into the exhilarating dynamics of swimming competitions, including record-breaking moments and athletes' mental preparation. Additionally, they analyze the intense triathlon races and the challenges gymnasts face, particularly the psychological phenomenon of 'the twisties'. Expert insights illuminate how emotional resilience is critical for success under pressure.

Stu McMillan, a leading sprint coach with over 25 years of experience, shares his insider knowledge on Olympic track and field sprints. He highlights strategies for energy management during heats, emphasizing lane selection and psychological readiness. The conversation delves into the competitive landscape for the Men's 100 meters at Paris 2024, featuring top athletes like Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson. McMillan also discusses the promising future of sprinting, especially among women, and anticipates Great Britain's relay team performances.

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.