Sports Science, Really

Maybe Saturday is just becoming my recommendations day. Whatever, that's fine. I don't think I'll do anything else to make up for my gap yesterday, it's healthier.

And speaking of health (Segue is my middle name), it's time to shout out my second favourite podcast that I discovered in 2019. The Real Science of Sports Podcast with Mike Finch and Ross Tucker. This may not be for everyone, but I'm hooked.

Ross Tucker is the real draw for these conversations that make them a must listen to if you're remotely interested. He's a sports scientist with a PhD to prove it, and he's been integral in recent topics such as updates to Rugby's rules around safety and working on the defence team for Caster Semenya (both hosts are South African).

When I listened to the podcast on Caster Semnya's case, I realized almost immediately that the conversation as I'd read it in the media and on Facebook was 100% wrong. It made it look like five year olds arguing over tax policy. The same thing happened with running styles and running shoes, plus doping to some extent.

Admittedly I'm more interested in running than most, but I'm sure there's something for everyone. My recommendations would be either "The Shoe that Broke Running", "Mary Cain: Challenging the Culture of Fat Shaming and Elite Performance", or Episodes 2 and 3 on the Caster Semenya Decision. It just began last year, and I'm really looking forward to having it as a companion for the Olympics in Tokyo this summer.