The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Mike is on the ground in Budapest, and the duo are doing LIVE Instagram chats every morning, discussing the big stories from the World Athletics Championships. In this episode, we go back to Night 3 to talk about the women's 100m champion and a press conference that Mike attended (and asked a question that got a prickly answer!), and discuss Sha'Carri Richardson's volatile relationship with the media, in contrast to her huge potential upside to the sport. We also talk about Faith Kipyegon's absolute dominance of middle distance running (bordering on invincibility), the heat and humidity in Budapest as a challenge to everyone from the schedule-creators to the shot-putter to the marathon runner. We also open the door on some anti-doping stories, including the potential for a new tool, and a brewing doping controversy.These episodes have been recorded every day on Instagram live (so apologies for some scratchy sound, live from the field), and then all of them are uploaded as Patron exclusives, so if you're enjoying our coverage and feel like being part of the Science of Sport patron community, check us out and consider donating here!Show notes:The article about a tilted runway in the pole vault - Mike and his spirit level are on it!Systematic review on cannabis and its effects on exercise performanceThe Sean Ingle piece about AIU and the new antidoping toolA brief article on Tobi Amusan's whereabouts failure and the prospect of AIU appealing the decision (the full decision is out today, more to come, no doubt) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From creating a healthy relationship with food to eating for performance, looking after young athletes is a complex issue with long-term repercussions. The team sit down with dietician Dr Sarah Chantler, from Leeds Becket University, to discuss the challenges and solutions. A must-listen for parents and young athletes alike. PLUS World Cycling Champs review, Owen Farrell incident and Richard Freeman ban.SHOW NOTES:News:Owen Farrell incident video Richard Freeman banMain storyDr Sarah Chantler's Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From pro cyclists to runners and cross-country skiers, altitude training is a popular preparation method for a major event. But is it as simple as training high? The team break down the benefits, the science and the reasons why it may not work for everyone. SHOW NOTESArticle on the AFL’s potential reduction in contact trainingArticle on AFL considering mandatory headgear for playersKate’s caught my eye that looks at five case studies of navicular stress fractures in runners wearing carbon plated running shoesALTITUDE TRAININGThe research showing a reduction in VO2max of about 6% per 1000m of altitude gain, with performance impairments 14.5% per 1000m The first of two good reviews, this one explaining the concepts and principles of altitude trainingA decade later, a contemporary review of how altitude training and training periodization should be managedThe research that found that LHTL didn’t have any benefit compared to LLTL in cross-country skiersOne of the “skeptic” reviews calling for more research on altitude trainingVery recent review showing that the responder vs non-responder concept may not be as simple as was thought, and that various factors contribute to the success of altitude training camps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The critical moments that split the top contenders at this year's Tour de France rose more than a few eyebrows. The team take an in-depth look at the cycling spectacle, look closer at the numbers we know and discuss the merits of full disclosure by the top riders to help rebuild trust in cycling performances. PLUS Migual Angel Lopez's doping suspension and more on the ongoing transgender debate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dane Jonas Vingegaard produced arguably the greatest individual time trial in cycling history during the 16th stage of the 2023 Tour de France. The team discuss the numbers, implications and the many questions that such a dominating performance raises. PLUS Carlos Alcaraz's biggest challenge in his tennis career after his Wimbledon victory, Caster Semanya's latest court victory and the recent UCI decision on transgender athletes.SHOW NOTES:Tom Dumoulin's assessment of Jonas Vingegaard's 16th stage performance The power profile of elite cyclists. A great paper to understand what the elite guys are doing. If only we could see this for the front of the race on days like yesterday and today! A paper on how fatigue affects power output in elite cyclistsA story that talks of the 97 ml/kg/min VO2max of Jonas Vingegaard, as yet unverified Paper looking at how position on the bike affects speed at the same power output Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A rare case of CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in a young female sportswoman asks the question: Are women more susceptible to head injuries than men? Plus the controversy around an English cricket repor on racismt, the Ben Stokes stumping affair and how some sports are dealing with fat shaming among young sportspeople.SHOW NOTES:CTE case identified in a female athlete: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/04/first-case-cte-female-athlete-aflw-player-heather-anderson-diagnosed-australian-researchersResearch article we mentioned where the criteria used to identify TES were challengedEngland’s report on racism in cricketReport on Wetmore and body composition tests in runnersSwimming England bans weighing of young athletesEnhanced Games initial reportThe substack by Sarah Barker that describes how the US Anti-doping category doesn’t think a runner in the non-binary category is male or female Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Netflix Tour de France series to the death of pro rider Gino Mader and Geraint Thomas's bicarb blame, the team look ahead to the 2023 Tour de France. We also discuss the latest research into concussion and contact sports, Lance Armstrong's transgender series and an amazing, but obscure, running record.SHOW NOTES & LINKSRugby league tackle height screwupDeath of Gino Mader, and understanding riskBig new research paper on CTEArmstrong on Trans issueGeraint Thomas on Bicarbs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From ultra-distance events like the Comrades Marathon to the tracks of the Diamond League, athletics records are being broken at every turn. The team drill down to the realities of technology and discuss its influence over these performances to put them into perspective. We also discuss World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz's cramping implosion at this year's French Open and why Novak Djokovic and mountain biker Nino Schurter seem to defy their own advancing years to stay at the top.Show notes:The bonus episode, exclusive to Patrons, where Sean Ingle joins Ross to talk about performance, including views from coaches and athletesThe article on track technology that we discussed on the show, thanks to Gareth for providing the linkResearch paper by Knopp et al comparing different 'super shoes' in elite Kenyans and non-elite runners, showing high variability within each runner depending on their shoeAnother research paper that compares seven (though I count eight) super shoes, showing how some runners do really well in one shoe and worse in othersSean Ingle's article from that Paris meet with the three World RecordsArticle on Alcaraz's cramp at the French Open, as discussed on the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the aftermath of Evans Chebet's win in Boston and Kelvin Kiptum's sensational victory in London, the world of marathon running has been turned on its head. The team look closely at the latest results from the World Marathon Majors and ask whether the Kipchoge days are finally coming to an end and if the world record is set to fall again sooner rather than later.JUMP TO 38:34 FOR THE MAIN TOPIC.SHOW NOTESCAUGHT MY EYE ITEMSThe article on bicarbonate and ketone’s combined effect on performance Pogacar’s coach doesn’t think much about the bicarbonate benefit, submitted by Renato Chironi: Article submitted by Pratima from the Patron page, on how there is not yet evidence to adapt training to the phase of the menstrual cycle: The podcast interview in which Colin Chartier talks about his doping decision and positive: MAIN TOPICSean ingle’s article on the super shoes, including the quotes from Chris Thompson about the effects of the shoes:  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around the world, the way that young talent is identified is often done without an understanding of how young athletes develop. We talk to Norwegian researcher in the field, Eirik Halvorsen Wik, PhD, from Cape Town's Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine at Stellenbosch University, for a close look at the challenges faced by young sporting stars, why there may be a better way to make selections at youth level and how to ensure the best athletes are given the best chance at long term success. Wik has previously worked at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre.SHOW NOTES:A news story on the Ultra runner who took a car trip for 2.5 miles mid raceThe paper in which coaches are revealed as not being all that good at spotting good running economyOur guest Eirik Wik’s study on injuries in adolescent athletesAnother paper published by Dr Wik, describing different injuries with age in elite adolescent footballers:  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second of our two-part special on fatigue we examine Fatigue Resistance or durability. Is it just a modern term for an old concept, what does it really mean and what sort of training helps build it.SHOW NOTESCaught My Eye SegmentThe Zwift study looking for remote research participations, as submitted by Gareth D England’s rugby coach proposes rule changes to help kicking success in women, in another illustration of the differences between the sexesThe third of Gareth’s submissions, looking at the helmet approved in Quarterbacks in the NFL The research study discussed on the show looking at whether rugby scrum caps can reduce concussion riskMain Topic (Skip to 35:48)Link to the Ed Maunder paper that describes the durability conceptSome examples of papers that assess durability (as a performance outcome) in elite cyclists:Mateo-March paper with 112 cyclists over 8 seasons, showing that World Tour cyclists had much smaller power decay than Pro Tour cyclists with accumulating levels of fatigue26 Pro cyclists over a combined total of 85 seasons, showing how Cat 1 cyclists drop off less than Cat 2 cyclists when fatigued https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33731651/The study we mention that looked at durability early: Mmid- and late season, and showed how durability increases with more polarised training Lab study that shows how high intensity intermittent exercise affects power outputs with fatigue more than continuous exercise  Finnish study showing that low and high intensity training improve endurance, at least in less well trained individuals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental and muscle fatigue is part of every sporting endeavour. But what is fatigue? What happens in the body when we get tired and is it possible to push beyond our perceived limits? SCROLL TO 19:35 FOR THE MAIN TOPICSHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye:The case of the cheating fishermen  The article on the fallout from the apparently botched doping case of Peter Bol.An article, which includes a video of the documentary exploring the controversies about the exploitation of Paralympic classification: A story and video of the Canadian man who broke the women’s masters powerlifting world record, simply by declaring that he is a womanThe Swimming England announcement of their trans policy Fatigue DiscussionAn article that introduced a series of other articles that explored the integrative nature of fatigueMy own review article on how pacing strategy is regulated as part of a homeostatic systemThe research study that used fentanyl to block sensory feedback, which totally messed up pacing and caused more peripheral fatigue than in a regulated systemAnother Amann study, this one using hypoxia and hyperoxia to influence muscle recruitment and pacing strategy while defending against peripheral fatigueThe Les Ansley paper we mentioned where shorter (4km) trials caused more peripheral fatigue, and longer (20km and 40km) trials caused more central fatigueA paper on how neurotransmitters in the brain affect fatigue and performance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At first glance the story of New Zealand's Zane Robertson is just another web of lies. But is it? The team take a close look at one of the most tragic doping cases in recent times. Plus World Athletics recently announced new rules regarding transgender and DSD athletes. We ask how does the decision impact world sport and particularly the International Olympic Committee?SHOW NOTES:Patron Joshua Stacey the long jump that never quite caught on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp7BclslUyoArticle on the underarm basketball throw that also didn’t catch on: https://www.sportscasting.com/rick-barrys-underhand-free-throws-and-why-nba-players-today-dont-follow-suit/From Patron Travis Hawkins, on the Norwegian protest of their own athlete’s shoe: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/news/the-world-triathlon-protest-against-the-norwegians-was-filed-by-the-norwegians/From Patron Travis Hawkins, on the Norwegian protest of their own athlete’s shoe: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/news/the-world-triathlon-protest-against-the-norwegians-was-filed-by-the-norwegians/World Athletics’ policy on trans and DSD athletes: Transgender athletes: https://www.worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=f911778e-5bfa-4d49-b044-9920fc743216.pdf&urlslug=C3.5A%20%E2%80%93%20Eligibility%20Regulations%20Transgender%20Athletes%20%E2%80%93%20effective%2031%20March%202023DSD athletes: https://www.worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=2ffb8b1a-59e3-4cea-bb0c-5af8b690d089.pdf&urlslug=C3.6A%20%E2%80%93%20Eligibility%20Regulations%20for%20the%20Female%20Classification%20%E2%80%93%20effective%2031%20March%202023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past few years English schools have begun to introduce non-competitive sport in an effort to be more inclusive. But is that the right strategy when it comes to producing future champions and developing a 'winning' mentality? The team take an in-depth look into the evidence surrounding the debate and examples of countries that have already rolled out similar plans.> Jump to 45:17 for the main topic.PLUS RED-S in male athletes / Bicarb in endurance sport / shinty drug testing / Remembering Dick Fosbury, the inventor of modern high jumping.SHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye SegmentJake Smith’s Instagram post about his RED-SThe 1984 study on bicarbonate as a performance enhancerA 1993 meta-analysis on bicarbonateA 2022 systematic review on bicarb and performanceA recent article that contains some of Maurten’s promises and promotionsPrimoz Roglic’s glowing endorsement of bicarb. “With 600W it always hurts, huh?"The BBC piece on Shinty’s drug testing plansDavid Epstein’s article on Dick FosburyMain SegmentArticle on how early specialisation and training rather than fun increases injury risk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher McDougal's latest book, Born To Run 2, revisits the barefoot and minimalist movement that upended the world of running over a decade ago when he published his first book Born To Run in 2009. But what does the latest research say and is running barefoot the key to running nirvana?SHOW NOTES:Sean Ingle’s report after UK Athletics announced a “non-policy” recognition of the trans women issue and were corrected by EHRC: The statement by the Equality and Human Rights commissionThe Peter Bol doping story, as submitted by Patron Joshua StaceyThe Connor Benn doping clearance story, with much to be discussed and determinedThe WADA study on clomiphene in eggs: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19440049.2021.1949497The twitter thread that speculates about the use of biomechanics as a way to identify a doperThe article that is skeptical about barefoot runningStudy on stiffness of tendons in cushioned vs minimalist runnersOne of the reviews showing no injury risk difference between shod and barefoot runnersStudy showing successful transition to barefoot running in 71% of runners with a 20 week transition programmeNic Tam’s study on individual responses to barefoot runningNic’s second paper on how individuals respond to a barefoot running programmeNic’s third paper on the effect of fatigue on biomechanics when barefoot vs shod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and motivator Richard Sutton talks about his experiences working with some of the world's best tennis players and within the Chinese Olympic structure. Sutton's unique insight makes for a fascinating discussion on what really motivates success and how it plays out at the top level of sport. Sutton recently released his third book 'Thrive: The Power of Resilience" where he draws on his experience to empower individual and business leaders.SHOW NOTES:Caught My EyeKara Goucher's tweet about Brody Buffington's banning for over-celebration Article on Camille Herron's long run views, with some really interesting discussion on bone stress in response to training, as submitted by Patron Edward PriceArticle mentioning Eilish McColgan’s rebound hypoglycaemia, submitted by Julia Littlefair and hopefully a topic for future explorationStory on South African women's cricket player being left out of national team after failing fitness test, sent in by Graeme Smith as a Caught my Eye Topic.Main InterviewAmazon link to the Richard Sutton's book Richard Sutton's website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Respected sports journalist and writer Clinton van der Berg talks about his journey writing his book 'Guns And Needles: A Journey into the heart of South Africa's sport's steroid and drug culture." Van der Berg shares how he managed to get sports people, accused and convicted of doping, to tell their story; how he found out about the shocking incidences of doping in school and junior sport and why both young and old are susceptible to the performance benefits of illegal supplements and drugs. It's a cautionary tale for amateurs and professionals alike no matter what country you come from.Note: We are aware the sound on this one from Clinton is really poor. We had major connectivity problems over the recording and try as we might to correct it post-recording, we just couldn't. We are really sorry, it's hugely frustrating and does detract from the listen and the content. We can only apologize for it and commit to making sure it doesn't happen again in future. SHOW NOTESAn article about the "sport" of powerslap, as discussed in the Caught my Eye segment If you've got the stomach, here are some examples of why slap fighting is so indefensibleBuy Clinton's book on Amazon here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From sudden death in exercise to risk factors, screening and heart health in sports, the team talk to Dr Jonathan Drezner, Director of the University of Washington's Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology and co-Chair of the UW Medicine Cardiovascular Wellness and Prevention Programme. He is Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Sports Medicine and serves as a team physician for the Seattle Seahawks, OL Reign, and UW Huskies.Show notes:Four second power output and performance improvements studyArticle on "exercise snacking" as discussed in the podcastPrevalence of Inflammatory Heart Disease Among Professional Athletes With Prior COVID-19 Infection Who Received Systematic Return-to-Play Cardiac ScreeningPrevalence of Clinical and Subclinical Myocarditis in Competitive Athletes With Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Results From the Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac RegistryA meta-analysis of myocarditis in athletes recovering from Covid 19Really good epidemiologist article on Covid and sudden deaths Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) recently announced a new tackle law which could have far-reaching ramifications for the safety of the game and, potentially, the style of play. The radical change, due to be instituted in the amateur game on July 1, 2023, has met with controversy but will it really put an end to rugby concussions?SHOW NOTESProf Ross Tucker's view on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/lowering-legal-77489775BBC story on Nigel Owens' reaction to the tackle lawhttps://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/64365045#:~:text=Former%20international%20referee%20Nigel%20Owens,from%20the%20Premiership%20and%20Championship.The Guardian story on the new lawshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jan/20/rugbys-authorities-hit-a-new-low-with-unworkable-change-to-tackle-rulesThe article we discuss with Jordan’s soundbite in Caught my Eye: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17461391.2023.2171907?journalCode=tejs20Two other pieces on the studies and the desire to lower tackle height, in the elite game: https://sportsscientists.com/2018/10/nudge-a-data-driven-attempt-at-reducing-concussion-risk-in-rugby-a-process-explained/?doing_wp_cron=1674539567.3949980735778808593750https://sportsscientists.com/2019/08/protecting-the-rugby-players-head-the-paradox-of-tackler-height-and-head-injury/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first episode in 2023, the team discuss the pros and cons of early specialisation, alcohol and exercise, ketones and what caused American footballer Damar Hamlin's sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of a game.SHOW NOTES:The bicycling magazine article on alcohol in cycling: https://www.bicycling.com/health-nutrition/a42259477/cycling-drinking-alcohol-effects/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_byc&utm_medium=email&date=010223&utm_campaign=nl30130268&user_email=011b810884e3e70b55fc3ab4cdb827f5f8bcb56bf8fd283524686fb8195fcc2f&utm_term=AAA%20--%20High%20Minus%20Dormant%20and%2090%20Day%20Non%20Openers%20%28NEW%29Armand Duplantis documentary: https://www.svtplay.se/video/jxkavqg/armand-duplantis-born-to-fly?position=10&id=jxkavqgZwift Academy documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wGa8Cc1P3oMy Patron article on sudden cardiac arrests and death in young athletes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/sudden-cardiac-76864053Commotio cordis article describing how the events happen: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/194700Good summary of Commotio Cordis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24760424/Fascinating article on the Italian criminal case brought against a player after a Commotio cordis death: https://vault.si.com/vault/1993/12/06/a-cruel-blow-a-seemingly-harmless-slash-to-the-chest-resulted-in-the-death-of-a-hockey-player-in-italy-now-jimmy-boni-will-go-on-trial-for-manslaughterThe Ketone study showing how ketone ingestion increased EPO levels: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpendo.00264.2022 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team are joined by Sean Ingle, chief sports writer for The Guardian, to talk through the highs, lows, dramas and celebrations from one of the busiest years in world sport. From outrageous cheating and doping scandals to top performances at the World Athletics championships, the ongoing transgender debate, the state of marathon running and super shoes and who really is the great footballer of all time after this year's World Cup?Follow the discussion on Twitter @sportsscipod and on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British football journalist Ben Lyttleton literally wrote the book on football penalties. As the author of 'Twelve Yards: The Art and Psychology of the Perfect Penalty' and 'Edge: What Business Can Learn From Football', Lyttleton is arguably the world's leading authority on the subject. His encyclopedia-like and passionate knowledge of both the game of football and the controversial penalty, make this one of the most entertaining podcasts we have done yet. SHOW NOTES: Caught My Eye The obituary of anti-doping pioneer Werner Franke: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/04/sports/werner-franke-dead.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShareMain InterviewThe Twitter handle of our guest Ben Lyttleton: @benlyt, or https://twitter.com/benlytBen’s website, Twelve Yards: https://twelveyards.substack.com/Article on where to aim, high or low: https://twelveyards.substack.com/p/high-or-low-where-to-aimFascinating article with video on Neymar’s now illegal stop-start method, and his adjustments: https://twelveyards.substack.com/p/what-neymar-did-nextThe curse of the superstar - why stars miss more penalties: https://twelveyards.substack.com/p/mbappe-culture-and-the-superstarThe study on English players’ failure in shootouts that kicked off this interview: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19058088/Emotional contagion paper, and how player celebrations affect shootout results: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20544488/The most famous penalty miss ever? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8WtxgFvvj0The original panenka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxXWIZULgyw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With World Cup football in the air, the team talk to sports data specialist Omar Chaudhuri, Chief Intelligence Officer of the Twenty First Group, about the stats and data that matter in world football. Chaudhuri explains how data has changed the game, what the numbers say about the best players in the world and who the form teams are for major events like the World Cup. Football fans... this is for you!SHOW NOTES:The home page of Twenty First Group, the company of which OMAR is CIO: https://www.twentyfirstgroup.com/Twenty First Group’s World Cup Hub: https://www.twentyfirstgroup.com/tfgs-fifa-world-cup-2022-hub/One example (of many) that do football analytics including expected goals, xG, as discussed on the show: https://www.infogol.net/enThe Caught my Eye subject - women’s boots and balls: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-63636201 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team gets to grips with the inner workings of a top professional football team in an interview with Nick Chadd, the Head of Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning at Portuguese giants Benfica. Chadd offers a unique perspective when it comes to player management, rest and recovery, talent identification and, most importantly, managing performance. Chadd has previously worked for the City Football Group and Manchester City, the English Institute of Sport, Wasps and Sheffield United. SHOW NOTESArticle on fatigue in football: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18416591/Good concise summary of some of the scientific and physiological elements of football: https://www.gssiweb.org/sports-science-exchange/article/sse-125-physiological-demands-of-footballLink to the Special Football edition of the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/17/9/ijspp.17.issue-9.xml?rskey=U0Zy5b&result=1One article from that special edition, which details how muscle soreness and sleep quantity affect injury risk: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/17/9/article-p1399.xml Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does playing contact sports make you more likely to suffer long-term damage later in life? And does it matter? During the recent International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prof. Ross Tucker witnessed two sides to a controversial story that has both legal and ethical implications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first of a three-part series on rugby union, we discuss the women's game with passionate rugby journalist Jess Hayden. We delve into the rapid growth in participation, viewership and interest in the last five years, and discuss the unique medical and welfare challenges faced by women, and the research that needs to be done to reduce risks to players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The question as to whether disabled athletes with prosthetic limbs can compete in able-bodied events has been steeped in controversy since the days of Oscar Pistorius in 2009. But since American Blake Leeper hit the headlines in 2019 the debate has been re-ignited with two groups of scientists on opposing sides. We speak to one of the world's foremost biomechanical experts - Dr Peter Weyand, Professor of applied physiology and biomechanics at Southern Methodist University in Dallas - to break down his side of an intriguing15-year-old saga.SHOW NOTESThis week’s caught my eye, on Triathlon’s inaction on shoe technology: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/news/world-triathlon-confirms-idens-imwc-shoes-not-illegal-no-rules-on-running-shoes/Some background on the Kenyan doping cases this year, including the “new drug” (old to cycling fans), triamcinolone: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2022/10/2021-boston-marathon-champ-diana-kipyokei-suspended-and-her-agent-doesnt-hold-back-diana-is-completely-guilty-i-am-sorry/Peter Weyand’s Locomotor lab YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/LocomotorLabSMUPeter Weyand’s most recent article on double amputees and sprint performance: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.220397The “compromise” paper by Weyand et al prior to the debate and split in the research team: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00174.2009Peter Weyand’s counterpoint response that concludes a 12s advantage to Pistorius: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/japplphysiol.01238.2009aThe CAS Decision on the first Leeper appeal, including the remarkable claims about Leeper’s true ability (372 & 373): https://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Award__6807___for_publication_.pdfThe World Athletics Mechanical Aid Review Panel decision when Leeper appealed the first CAS decision: https://www.worldathletics.org/news/press-releases/world-athletics-panel-decision-application-from-blake-leeperCAS Summary of the second decision in the Leeper appeal: https://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/CAS_Media_Release_7930.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few have studied protein in sports as much as Prof Stuart Phillips, from the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Together with the team, Phillips shares some of the latest research on the value of protein in exercise sports, discuss whether protein supplementation has any real value in enhancing recovery and performance and what the best type of protein is to consume.SHOW NOTES:CAUGHT MY EYE SEGMENT:WADA bans tramadol, now that the proverbial horse has bolted (The horse is from Colombia, and rides a bike): https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/wada-outlaws-tramadol-use-2024-maintains-cannabis-ban-2022-09-23/#:~:text=SYDNEY%2C%20Sept%2023%20(Reuters),on%20cannabis%20after%20a%20review.Good piece by Matt Lawton on the boxing controversy, the fight that ended up not happening: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cadf7aae-44e9-11ed-8885-043c27446b97?shareToken=0fd65796afe945e5ad8a6e6c98d2c4f3Article on the doping suspension and investigation of a Portuguese pro team leading to numerous bans: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/seven-portugese-riders-banned-over-dopingA detailed article on the angling cheating scandal: https://www.yahoo.com/news/lead-weights-and-lie-detectors-the-scandal-that-rocked-a-cleveland-fishing-tournament-and-became-worldwide-news-033353103.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMnouSCoCuNO7biPeFoeAg4JzCiXcWAF2pp0quSL3c5pBqL2HG-R8-UB2ZoJ5LEuhkcvZTC-2jUHv3LRIRoqgS5hDosIKtpYqGG3hXj3aRedy08l82XfFNjDo3zi3gt8v73hjXjuAiY9IGDwv99bCPg3xzqa4VJ_b8zHMWDK6I3rMAIN INTERVIEWThe article mentioned by guest Stuart Phillips on protein supplementation requirements: https://www.clalit.co.il/he/lifestyle/sport/fitness/Documents/2004_ProteinRequirementsandSupplementationinStrengthSports.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the young talents of US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz and Tour of Spain champion Remco Evenepoel to the good and the bad of commentators, the team wrap up a week of sporting action plus delve into how sugars are processed by the body during exercise and how to best to make them work for you.SHOW NOTES:Marine Doping Controversy link to story on the New York Times.https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/us/navy-seal-training-death.html?unlocked_article_code=kiOrYVUmlzRdYjELh6prnMUVKRd2FVeZeOXb0NEm5THQ_FBpuuWKjDnBz-WafQLeOf1ALVzBSCrnGiIHsINBjfrO5ZRM5Bc12Lo5RkjYBoSM__xSlOImFPjkKpr25dq0dWUiLGucxRQD4Qwp2dZ1lyDPEsWGl8cS1KJ1eurUlIqEw-reYerQfvzUZL-oS1uRC53q5WBhbzsvWMqjLjZtaqVaL7DInOA722CpT6UyphjF5i5Vv9G4tQimDGSKfKPmoytPjEHKicR2n1e0MwZAOJk9fkiaMsra5Z1TtaCU_kus9WOkKOYA5VGjek1XIl0lFNOMpFlaDEG0mITzrQ&smid=share-urlBest To Follow On Cycling Analysishttps://twitter.com/ammattipyoraily?s=11&t=a7EZLuz7EjR6jo1Tj6mQZQhttps://twitter.com/naichacacycling?s=11&t=a7EZLuz7EjR6jo1Tj6mQZQhttps://twitter.com/cyclinggraphs?s=11&t=a7EZLuz7EjR6jo1Tj6mQZQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elite ultra runner Jenna Challenor made headlines during the recent 89km (56-mile) Comrades Marathon when she crawled across the finish line on all fours to finish fourth. Mike Finch talks to her about her Comrades experience, how she dealt with debilitating long Covid, training and pacing strategies and how to tough it out.SHOW NOTES: Jenna Challenor's dramatic Comrades finish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULZQiAZF03A Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take a look at the world of endurance running after the recent Comrades Marathon and discuss why humans are so successful at long distance running. We discuss adaptations and physiology, how muscle is affected by long distance running and why long distance trail events are so different from long road events from a physiological perspective.SHOW NOTESCaught My Eye SegmentThe article on the ball controversy at the US Open: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/29/us-open-tennis-balls-row-iga-swiatekScience of Ultras SegmentLetsRun article on the Triple Crown of Ultra running, including Comrades and UTMB: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2019/06/the-greatest-ultramarathons-in-the-world-the-triple-crown-of-ultras-comrades-western-states-utmb/The study by Millet et al that was discussed on the show, showing how muscle function is affected by UTMB: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0017059A scientific review on physiology and pathophysiology of Ultra running: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00634/fullA Guardian piece on men and women in Ultra marathons: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/03/female-ultra-athletes-leading-field-women-less-ego Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team speak to cardiopulmonary physiotherapist Samantha Holtzhausen about the role of effective breathing in life and exercise. Holtzhausen explains why good breathing can aid performance, reduce illness and even make you happier, and then gives some practical advice on how to improve your breathing.SHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye Topic:A paper that describes the second wind in patients with McArdle’s disease, who can’t break down glycogen: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24651984/#:~:text=Patients%20with%20McArdle's%20disease%20(McA,a%20few%20minutes%20of%20exercise.Another more recent study on McArdle Disease, including the case that was described on the show, whose HR and effort levels both drop when the oxidative fuel supply kick in: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/782745On Breathing For ExerciseWebsite on the concepts discussed on show: https://www.bradcliff.com/Samantha Holtshauzen on Instagram: @samanthaholtz, @nhhpulmonaryrehabHer practice on Facebook: NHH Pulmonary RehabilitationPractice website: www.nhhphysio.co.zaArticles on the breathing issues discussed:Breathing pattern disorders and physiotherapy: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265887552_Breathing_pattern_disorders_and_physiotherapy_inspiration_for_our_professionBreathing chemistry and carbon dioxide: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242546547_Better_Chemistry_Through_Breathing_The_Story_of_Carbon_Dioxide_and_How_It_Can_Go_WrongRespiratory health in susceptible athletes: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/11/26/13993003.03722-2020Managing respiratory problems in athletic individuals: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/6/540 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From amateur to pro, allergies affect a relatively large proportion of athletes. But the latest treatments and protocols could end the suffering. The team talk to specialist allergologist Prof. Claudia Gray about the latest research and treatments, what allergies really are and the surprising prevalence of allergies among sports people.SHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye Segment on Nairo Quintana and Tramadol:The UCI Policy in which the Tramadol rule and procedures are explained: https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/4dfXPdgyPYHuFUwsEpXO5v/2611cc440358c188af2746d6195659f2/part-xiii---medical-rules---01.03.2020.pdfThe USADA article on tramadol, including their request to ban it and testimony from athletes: https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/tramadol-why-some-athletes-and-anti-doping-experts-want-it-banned/A paper describing tramadol use, including four studies on its effects: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8222773/#:~:text=Results%20of%20this%20study%20revealed,et%20al.%2C%202018b).Paper on elite young Italian cyclists in which they (wrongly) identify tramadol as doping: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24184855/Prof. Claudia Gray InterviewThe IOC systematic review on the prevalence of lower airway dysfunction: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/4/213A related article on the incidence of asthma in elite Swedish Athletes: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02770903.2020.1728769#:~:text=In%20the%20present%20study%2C%20the,%2Dyears)%20(11%E2%80%9313Dr Claudia Gray on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_claudia_gray/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does exercise affect heart rate (HR)? The team discuss everything from HR drift and fatigue to a special interview with Heart Rate Variability (HRV) expert Marco Altini. We break down why HRV may be the best way to measure physiological and psychological stress and why it's opening up a new way of heart rate monitoring.SHOW NOTES:Caught my eye:The UCI Policy on covid: https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/6J9stmEo2OIrC7tr8VqU2f/e471f21f58c91254b070daf24c3290cf/2022.06.27_COVID_Protocol_Road_ENG.pdfThe article by Alan Abrahamson on Shelby Houlihan and US attitudes to doping: https://www.3wiresports.com/articles/2022/7/29/americans-insist-they-care-about-doping-in-sports-and-then-theres-shelby-houlihanMathieu van der Poel on altitude and his TDF struggles: https://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/van-der-poel-suspects-altitude-training-to-blame-for-tour-slump/News of a change in the RFU’s policy on trans players: https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/rfu-council-votes-in-favour-of-change-to-gender-participation-policyMarco Altini interview on HRV:The four-part series by Marco on HRV, explaining what it is, how to measure it, and a lot of case studies:Part 1: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-1-70a0a392fff4Part 2: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-2-323a38213fbcPart 3: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-3-5fe902f3d2b3Part 4: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-4-909b52f71131The website of HRV4Training: https://www.hrv4training.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

09:13 - 2022 World Athletics Championships: From suspect timing systems to the accidental super shoe, the biannual celebration of track and field served up a feast of talking points including what the future of the sport may look like. 57:37 - Tour de France: The fans conundrum: Most exciting Tour in years or are we in the middle of a new performance-enhancing substance era? What we know.SHOW NOTESThe article that caught the eye of Patron Liam Fergus, describing Ryan Crouser’s diet: https://www.worldathletics.org/news/feature/ryan-crouser-usa-shot-put-perfectionThe study that found no relationship between fat-free mass and shot put performance, discussed in the Caught my Eye segment: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46403565_Body_Composition_and_Performance_in_Shot_Put_Athletes_at_Preseason_and_at_CompetitionSean Ingle’s piece on the shoes worn by Nigeria’s 100m hurdles WR break Tobi Amusan: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jul/25/tobi-amusan-shatters-100m-hurdles-world-record-to-reignite-super-shoes-debateThe Letsrun.com compilation of data suggesting something was up with the timing system in Eugene: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2022/07/was-devon-allen-screwed-theres-at-least-a-99-9-chance-that-he-was/The 2009 Study suggesting a change in the reaction time allowed in sprint events: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278022260_IAAF_Sprint_Start_Research_Project_Is_the_100_ms_limit_still_validA piece looking at the contribution of doping, anti-doping and technology to the speed of professional cycling: https://cyclingtips.com/2022/06/why-has-worldtour-racing-gotten-so-fast-an-investigation/Thibault Pinot’s comments on the two speeds in the peloton: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/there-is-still-cycling-at-two-speeds-thibaut-pinot-speaks-out-on-cortisone-and-ketone-use-in-the-peloton-490284Joe Lindsey’s excellent article on Pogacar’s time loss to Vinegaard in the Tour, describing the CP model and the fueling issues that may have been responsible. https://www.bicycling.com/tour-de-france/a40632389/what-happened-to-tadej-pogacar/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From understanding heart rate zones to the best stance for recovery, the use of TUE's in sport after the Rafael Nadal-Thibaut Pinot controversy and how heat training affects haemoglobin production in training. Plus much more. We answer the most intriguing questions from our Patron supporters.Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsportSHOW NOTES: The podcast we did on the DSDs  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caster-semenya-explaining-sex-vs-gender-in-sport/id1461719225?i=1000437011090A clear and concise explanation of the three-zone system of moderate, heavy and severe exercise to guide your zone training: https://drmarkburnley.wordpress.com/2020/08/31/exercise-intensity-domains-and-phase-transitions-the-power-duration-relationship/The article showing that hands-on-knees beats hands-on-head for heart rate recovery and breathing: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-tj/fulltext/2019/02150/effects_of_two_different_recovery_postures_during.1.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0i_syx_XpNN0jwsTHjFmwz1Kl9hSENWFYJJid0WRNbVci2WZ_3U9dh4mUThe article showing how training easy in the heat increases haemoglobin mass, even in elite cyclists: physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/EP088544?campaign=wolacceptedarticle British Fell runner survives a body temperature of 18.8C: itv.com/news/border/2022-06-24/man-found-clinically-dead-saved-after-leaving-blood-trails-in-snowArticle on the UCI change to, among other things, gear ratio rulings for youth cycling:  https://cyclingtips.com/2022/06/uci-scraps-the-junior-gear-restriction-relaxes-tt-position-rules/ The comments of Pinot and Martin about Nadal: https://road.cc/content/news/pinot-and-martin-question-nadal-injections-293447A paper by a sports ethics expert describing the TUE dilemma in sport: https://philpapers.org/rec/PIKTUE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Royal Marine, Green Beret and now amateur cyclist Richy Poynter transports us deep into the mindset and training of an elite soldier. From physical fitness to both emotional and mental challenges, Poynter offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to make it through and how some of the lessons he learnt as a soldier have made him a better sportsman.EFrsNTdBnBG44DDBKfnv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the extremes of cold water swimming to how the body loses heat and hyperthermia. The team takes a deep dive into the fascinating physiological effect of cold on the exercising body, how to deal with it and what you can expect when the temperatures dropShow notes and links:The study that measured how long it took for heart rate, daily activity and sleep to return to normal after Covid-19 infection by using people's fitbit dataThe Nature paper that finds increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease after covid-19 infectionAn article by Mike Tipton on cold water hypothermia and survival, published in The LancetThe paper on the skier who survived a temperature on 13.7 degrees, written by the treating physicianOne example of research that studies the cold-shock response and how regular cold water immersion reduces the intensity of the response Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take on three different subjects in our new segment called 'Caught My Eye." We tackle the subject of how different rules and regulations in women's soccer can improve the quality of the game to the potential of African riders to start dominating world cycling and the relationship between sleep and concussion in impact sports.Show Notes:Sleep article https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article/doi/10.4085/1062-6050-0078.22/482396/Prospective-Implications-of-Insufficient-Sleep-forThe study on brain oxygenation in Kenyan runners that Ross was part of: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28321639/ A paper analysing the Kenyan running phenomenon that Ross published: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264745551_Analysis_of_the_Kenyan_Distance-Running_Phenomenon The study on scaling football in women based on physical differences: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00762/fullPeople To Follow Marco Altini on Twitter - @altini_marcoSian Allen on twitter - @DrSianAllen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take a critical look at an interview with Simon Lockett, Global Category Director of Running Footwear at adidas. Simon and his team are involved in the overall strategy, product creation, and go-to-market approach for a number of franchises including ADIZERO racing footwear and the Duramo franchise. He works together with a team of expert product managers who work alongside design and development to produce the world’s fastest running shoes. But have adidas succeeded in taking on Nike and were they sent into panic mode when the US giant released the first super shoe back in 2016? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excuses for doping are as varied as the drugs available on Amazon (yep, it's that easy!). But what does it take to be a doper? Are authorities winning the war and is American track superstar Shelby Houlihan really guilty of being a doper herself? The team unpack it all in this latest update on the war against performance-enhancing drugs.Show notes:Read more about the topics discussed in this podcast here:Ross' detailed technical analysis of the Shelby Houlihan caseThe Q&A that LetsRun.com does with Ross on the caseThe full CAS decision in the Shelby Houlihan caseA review of the risk of contamination of supplementsA second review on the risk of inadvertent doping through supplement use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From top level cyclists to world-class runners and speedskaters, pro training regimes offer a fascinating look into what it takes to count yourself among the world's best. Recent research among top-level athletes is also leading us to question entrenched training methods as sports scientists continue to learn more about the way the body adapts and reacts to exercise.SHOW NOTES:The study of world class distance runners’ training - https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40798-022-00438-7.pdfA study comparing polarized training to a high threshold pyramidal training model, as mentioned in the show: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jonathan-Esteve/publication/237096628_Does_Polarized_Training_Improve_Performance_in_Recreational_Runners/links/0a85e530cba391399a000000/Does-Polarized-Training-Improve-Performance-in-Recreational-Runners.pdfMarius Bakken’s website, which describes the Norweigan model: http://www.mariusbakken.com/the-norwegian-model.htmlThe training approach of Nils van der Poel: https://www.howtoskate.se/One of Stephen Seiler’s early descriptions of the polarized training of elite athletes: https://paulogentil.com/pdf/Quantifying%20training%20intensity%20distribution%20in%20elite%20endurance%20athletes%20-%20is%20there%20evidence%20for%20an%20optimal%20distribution.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this cycling special, we take a deep dive into the numbers that helped Mathieu van Poel win the Tour of Flanders, why new research on cadence has challenged decades-old beliefs and how sportspeople with heart problems may still be able to compete at the top level thanks to modern technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transgender athlete Lia Thomas recently won the 500-yard title at the US National College Swimming (NCAA) Championships triggering an uproar and suggesting that her participation may have wide-ranging implications for women's sport. At the recent MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston, Prof. Ross Tucker was invited as a guest to discuss the transgender issue in sport and discusses the issue here in the context of the Thomas affair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viewership figures are down, fewer cities want to host them and their integrity is being seriously challenged. What does the future of the Winter and Summer Olympic Games look like? The team talk to the Chief Sports Reporter of the UK's The Guardian, Sean Ingle, and renowned author, journalist and columnist David Epstein to present the facts and the challenges facing the Games and potentially the solutions to help them survive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prof. Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch break down the various forms of energy the body uses, how they work, how we fuel them and when to use what. Plus learn to decipher the ingredients in energy supplements, understand why carbs are still king and how best to train your body to become an efficient endurance machine. A must-listen for any endurance athlete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes world-class ice hockey players, cross-country skiers or biathletes? We ask two experts to help explain the special set of skills needed to compete at the top level, the challenges athletes face and the training they do to compete. If you've never understood anything about the Winter Olympics here's your chance to take a deep dive into three of the most fascinating disciplines.Guest Biographies:Tommy Lundberg is a consultant to the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation along with his job as a lecturer and researcher at the Division of Clinical Physiology at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Follow him on Twitter @TLexerciseKerry McGawley is a senior researcher and Associate Professor at Sweden's Winter Sports Research Centre. She is actively involved in performance development among Sweden's top winter sports athletes. Follow her on Twitter @KerryMcGawleySupport the Science of Sport podcast https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to endurance month! In this episode the team break down the mechanics of endurance, the five challenges that long-distance athletes face, how the body changes the longer we exercise and why humans are more adapted to going long than any other living creature on the planet. We also ask whether excessive exercise is always good for you and look back at the lessons learnt from endurance athletes of yesteryear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 4 of the Science of Sport Podcast! So what happens to our bodies when the temperatures go up? The team dig into the mechanics of exercising in hot conditions, how to cope with extremes, the differences are between heat stroke and heat exhaustion, when it's too hot to train and why sporting event organisers should all have a heat policy to safeguard participants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Ross shares brief thoughts on the latest, inevitable and increasingly volatile controversy in the transgender athlete debate. Swimmer Lia Thomas has been shattering university records, setting the fastest times in the USA, and is well on the way to becoming the highest profile trans women athlete to date. Her times as Lia are within sight not only of legends of US women's swimming, but also very close to what she swam as Will Thomas, prior to a period of suppressing testosterone to become eligible for women's sport. This confirms what science has shown, that biological and performance advantages of males cannot be undone by a period of testosterone suppression. What next? Ross shares some insights, explaining how Thomas is the result of a system that has failed women from the top, how women are now being told to hold their thoughts, science be damned, and why the argument about winning and being unbeatable is spurious, and how Thomas refutes an old and incorrect rebuttal saying "if there is an advantage, where are all the medalists?". Also, a 2021 Christmas wish, and thanks for listening to the podcast in 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.