The Real Science of Sport Podcast

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.

In this thrilling discussion, Tamirat Tola, who won gold in the men's Olympic Marathon and smashed the Olympic Record, shares his journey through a challenging course filled with steep hills. He reveals how he embraced aggressive hill running to achieve victory. The conversation also reflects on memorable performances in the women's 10,000m, fast-paced 400m, and the emotional journeys of athletes facing decline. The hosts delve into the dynamics of competitive races and the significance of strategies that affect outcomes, enhancing our understanding of the sport.

Letsile Tebogo, the sprinter from Botswana who clinched gold in the men's 200m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, discusses his stunning victory with a time of 19.46 seconds. He contrasts his humble approach with the loud persona of Noah Lyles, whose dreams were dashed by health issues. The conversation touches on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's world record in the 400m hurdles and examines the cultural pressures athletes face. There's also a heated debate on the ongoing WADA-USADA doping dispute, adding layers of complexity to the Olympics.

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.