Surgical Goals - Sports Injuries Podcast-logo

Surgical Goals - Sports Injuries Podcast

Medical

Unique sports injuries podcast hosted by expert, specialist sports orthopaedic surgeon, Professor Gordon Mackay, and broadcaster Jennifer Reoch who asks the questions you all want answers to! Together they explore the world of sport, injuries, treatments, rehab, and recovery. We have amazing guests who range from Olympians to weekend warriors in all sporting disciplines- from football to skiing, golf to rugby, we learn how they managed their injuries and recoveries and discover what impact this had on their sporting careers. But we also love to chat about their sporting careers and highlights. In other episodes, experts in fields of sports medicine and rehab join us to discuss how advances in research, technology and treatments are helping athletes both avoid injury or accelerate recovery. Conversations range from the light-hearted to the more serious and along the way it is hoped listeners pick up tips about how to deal with your own sports injuries, how to avoid injury, and just enjoy the general sports chat.

Location:

United States

Description:

Unique sports injuries podcast hosted by expert, specialist sports orthopaedic surgeon, Professor Gordon Mackay, and broadcaster Jennifer Reoch who asks the questions you all want answers to! Together they explore the world of sport, injuries, treatments, rehab, and recovery. We have amazing guests who range from Olympians to weekend warriors in all sporting disciplines- from football to skiing, golf to rugby, we learn how they managed their injuries and recoveries and discover what impact this had on their sporting careers. But we also love to chat about their sporting careers and highlights. In other episodes, experts in fields of sports medicine and rehab join us to discuss how advances in research, technology and treatments are helping athletes both avoid injury or accelerate recovery. Conversations range from the light-hearted to the more serious and along the way it is hoped listeners pick up tips about how to deal with your own sports injuries, how to avoid injury, and just enjoy the general sports chat.

Language:

English


Episodes

Knee Deep: Insights from Top Sports Physio Adam Stokes on Knee Injury Prevention and Treatment

1/28/2024
In our latest episode all about knee injuries, we are delighted to be joined once again by top sports physio Adam Stokes who has over a decade of experience at the forefront of care and treatment in elite, professional football clubs. Prof Mackay and Adam have worked together in the past when injured players have needed surgery and rehab. Adam also has a huge interest in injury data analysis and a specialization in ACL injuries and rehabilitation. So who better to talk to about this subject, huge as it is - we try and break it down with Adam, looking at everything from the most common to more severe knee injuries. And as serious as knee injuries can be it's not all doom and gloom as Adam also equips us with insights on recognising the severity of a knee injury and offers practical advice on injury prevention strategies. So whether you're a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, understanding how to safeguard your knees is crucial for longevity and Adam offers tons of info. And for those unfortunate moments when injury strikes, he shares his top tips on immediate treatment and understanding when to seek professional help. And we also clear up common misconceptions about knee injuries and terminology - covering everything from the meniscus to medial ligament problems! So, join us, Jennifer Reoch and Prof Mackay, as we take a deep dive into the world of knee injuries with Adam Stokes. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:01:03:15

Smashing it: Badminton's Susan Egelstaff on beating knee injury & reaching Olympic dreams

12/14/2023
Commonwealth medal-winning badminton player Susan Egelstaff had her sights firmly set on the London 2012 Olympics when disaster struck. Sitting in the GB No. 1 spot everything was on course to qualify when she suffered a terrible knee injury. In this brilliant episode, she talks candidly about what it was like after 14 years of training to get to this point only to face having your dreams swept away. You don't have to be a badminton player to emphasise with Susan's story, it will resonate with any athlete who has faced or is facing a similar situation. Top-level badminton is a high-energy sport requiring a ton of pivoting and jumping, Susan's injury caused her thigh and shin bones to 'smash' together. Prof Mackay who performed her surgery explains more about this unusual injury and why he felt it happened. Recounting that time now you can still hear the emotion Susan felt on hearing her diagnosis and the prospect of a long recovery. Sportspeople in any field will be fascinated to hear Susan talk openly about how she hated her slow, arduous rehabilitation process and how lonely it was. But she also talks about how much she was helped by talking to a sports psychologist who played a pivotal role in maintaining her mental health and positivity throughout. She has some great tips about coping with both sides of recovery. This is a fascinating, deep dive with a funny, engaging guest looking not only at what it takes to get to the highest level in sport but also at what can happen when serious injury strikes. More importantly though, it is a tale of snatching a hard-won victory from the jaws of defeat. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:50:51

Triumph over trails - with Charlie Aldridge, Cross Country Mountain Bike Champion

11/15/2023
In our latest episode, we have the privilege of chatting with a young cross-country mountain bike champion who has the world at his wheels! Just 22, Charlie Aldridge first rode to victory in 2019 becoming Junior World Champion, and three years later claimed the prestigious title of British National Champion. But his recent achievement is his biggest win to date - becoming the 2023, U23 World Champion - a victory made even sweeter as it was won on home turf in Scotland. Of course, it's such a high-octane sport he has already faced some injury hurdles along the way, sometimes battling more than just his competitors! So far he has batted off a serious posterior shoulder dislocation, a broken collarbone, and a savage cut to a knee that would have had most of us calling for help - not Charlie he just cycled home! We talk to him about these injuries and his treatments and it's fascinating to hear his take on tackling recovery. Prof Mack met Charlie when his shoulder insisted on popping out following his dislocation and he explains a little more about why a posterior shoulder dislocation can be trickier to treat than the more common anterior dislocation. So join us as we unravel Charlie's incredible journey so far and look ahead, we all hope, to Olympic glory. Jennifer and Gordon find out more about the disciplines within the world of competitive mountain biking and Charlie has top tips for anyone wanting to take up the sport. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:43:02

From surgery to summit - Kirsty Mack's incredible Everest adventure

10/17/2023
Prof Mackay nearly crashed his car when he tuned into Heart Radio and heard Jennifer chatting to a former patient, Kirsty Mack, about becoming only the 6th ever Scottish woman to climb Everest! The reason for his astonishment was that he and the mountaineer and ski instructor met after she crashed, skiing off-piste in Scotland, was whisked off the mountains by helicopter and then ended up on his operating table having surgery for the bad shoulder injury she sustained. So of course we had to invite her to talk to us more. For her part, Kirsty remembers thinking that after following her rehab to a tee she would soon be as right as rain again. But, as she found out, serious shoulder injuries like this can leave lasting effects. In an incredible episode, we talk to this high-octane adventurer about scaling some of the world's highest mountains without the full function of one arm. What it takes out of her physically and how it has affected her mentally when skiing or climbing. We talk about her shoulder - fracture dislocation, and why the injury was so serious, in terms of what it meant for someone whose use of full arm extension and grip is crucial. Prof Mackay explains more about the injury and why surgery was necessary. Of course, we also talk from the comfort of our studio about what an incredible experience it was getting to the top of the world - the highs, the lows, the danger points and listen out for the huge twist near the end of Kirsty's Everest tale! Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:48:23

Richard Gough -all hail the king - talking to footballing giant and Ranger's talisman

9/12/2023
Well, one thing's for sure Scotland could have done with a little of the magic of former Captain Richard Gough in their friendly against England recently. We however were lucky enough to welcome him to the podcast. Dominating football in the 90s, Richard was capped 61 times for Scotland and played for famous clubs like Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. But for the young lad who started his career at Dundee United, it was his ten years with Rangers, many as Captain, for which he is most famous. He was the first Scottish player to be transferred to a Scottish team for over £1,000,000 and he joined in what was to become a golden era for the club winning 9 league titles, 3 Scottish Cups, and 6 League Cups. Known as 'Captain Blood, for his fearless defense Richard suffered a few injuries in his career but interestingly it was neuromas in both feet that he remembers causing him immense pain and a particularly bruising thigh injury which required an ambulance dash to A&E. Prof Mackay explains what a neuroma is why they cause so much pain and what can be done surgically to help. Of course, this episode is absolutely full of amazing tales and anecdotes from Richard's playing career so if you want to hear about some of his finest moments, the famous late goals, what it felt like pulling on the famous blue top for the first time and playing with some of the biggest household names of the time, under some of the most famous managers, stick on your headphones and settle back. We also have a fascinating chat about his own stint as a manager, what he thinks of management style today, and how his connection to Rangers continues on. Don't miss it! Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:57:50

ACL injury research - meet global expert, Professor Kate Webster

8/23/2023
Women's football is full of talk about an ACL injury 'epidemic' - but is this really the case? To help us find answers we are delighted to welcome to the podcast, world-leading ACL injury research expert Professor Kate Webster who is Director of the Sport, Exercise, and Research Focus Area at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. For over 20 years Professor Webster's research has covered many topics that relate to ACL injury, surgery, and recovery - not only the biomechanical changes that can occur after surgery but also return to sport issues following ACL reconstruction. She was lead developer of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury scale and has won many research awards. Interestingly Australia has the highest global rates per capita of ACL reconstruction, and her research is very much focussed on real-world results that inform surgical practice. You won't find anyone who knows more! Our chat covers the latest facts and figures surrounding everything from who is most likely to suffer an ACL injury, does age and gender make a difference, which sports are affected most, what are reinjury rates like, and why they occur. She has done fascinating research looking into subjects like how recovery time is a factor when returning to sport to avoid re-injury and the results are an eye-opener. In fact, this is what makes this whole episode so fascinating - much of what Professor Webster and her team uncover is not what they initially expect to find. She has also looked into the psychological side of injury and how it affects return to sport. An absolutely brilliant episode - and one that highlights that among what can seem scary statistics for young female athletes - there are lots of positives in there too - you don't want to miss it. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:43:52

Skyrunner - the peaks & pains of champion Angela Mudge

8/9/2023
A brilliant chat with Angela Mudge who is surely one of our most incredible athletes. Her list of achievements as a Hill, Mountain and Skyrunner is extraordinary - she has won the Scottish Hill Running Championships several times, as well as the Women's World Mountain Running Trophy, the World Masters Mountain Running Championships and the Buff Skyrunner World Series - but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Angela views running and races as a series of tough challenges but with the added benefit of incredible views. Not for her endless laps pounding head down around a track of a track, no chance! Her backdrop is mountains, hills and fells. She has literally run her way around the world, and it is difficult not to be inspired when you hear all that she gains from her sport and the people in it. Preferring to take her tent and camp on course she takes her training seriously and has great tips for anyone wanting to be successful in this tough, physical sport - whether you are simply plotting your path to a park run or to a serious challenge like the Mont Blanc Sky Race. Today Angela is still competing although more for enjoyment than glory, as well as training the next young cohort of Scottish mountain runners. She nearly paid a heavy price for all those miles on the clock though when a run downhill left her with a painfully locked knee, and it took a while to get the final diagnosis of an osteochondral lesion. This could have been career-threatening but with typical understated tenacity, she had surgery with Prof Mackay and declined to ask how her own recovery would go. She relied more on her own instincts and the help of her incredible physio to rehab and although it took several months of hard work, to her surgeon's delight she returned to her best. We chat over this injury - what it is, how it occurs, symptoms to look out for, why it can be so serious and what treatments are available. Angela also talks us through other common running injuries and the importance of getting the right kit to tackle each terrain. A fascinating episode with an incredible athlete. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:50:32

Football superstar Rachel Corsie: Beating ACL rupture & staying at the top of her game

7/20/2023
Welcome to our latest episode in which we have the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Rachel Corsie, a true superstar in the world of Women's Football. She has been capped for Scotland over 140 times, beating the setback of an ACL rupture in 2012 to go on to triumph in teams all over the world. Rachel's journey has been nothing short of remarkable and she is currently signed for Aston Villa and playing in the Women's Super League. For Rachel, overcoming her ACL rupture was a pivotal moment in her career - tackling her rehab meticulously, it worked and she returned to reclaim her spot at the top of the game. With grit, determination, and unwavering passion, she has continued to dominate the field for years. And as the world gets Women's World Cup fever, we chat over why ACL ruptures in the women's game are making headlines. Prof Mackay explains why young female players are more susceptible to this horrible injury than their male counterparts. Rachel takes us through her own initial injury, surgery, and brilliant recovery. Although she did suffer further cartilage damage and has been left with a legacy of minor knee irritations which occasionally require small interventions - which is how she first met Prof Mackay! Rachel explains how her knee has felt down the years and how she manages it with strength & conditioning to stay at her physical peak and avoid re-injury. We also chat about advances in research, technology and treatments for cruciate rupture which offer hope to today's players for faster, stronger recoveries. So join us as Rachel shares her incredible story - be inspired by her resilience, her triumphs, and the valuable insights she's gained throughout her extraordinary career. Whether you're a football enthusiast or simply someone seeking injury recovery inspiration, this is a podcast you won't want to miss! Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:50:57

Feet First- Dr Troy Watson - top US sports foot & ankle specialist

7/7/2023
Fantastic to chat with top US foot and ankle doc Troy Watson. Sports injuries specialist, Troy is the foot and ankle consultant for among others, UNLV Athletics, UFC, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Golden Knights, and the Silver Knights. Ever the innovator Troy has collaborated with Prof Mackay many times on the development of the InternalBrace ligament repair technique for ankle injuries and so we were delighted we managed to grab a little time with him on a recent visit to the UK. We chat through his journey into orthopedics, why he chose to specialize in the foot and ankle and then sports surgery. We also talk over some of the main injuries he treats in his Las Vegas practice such as Jones Fractures and 'Turf Toe', and about how harnessing developing technology has allowed him to update and innovate treatments. A chat with Troy is never complete without talking about his beloved American football and this takes us into a fascinating discussion about how playing on different surfaces can lead to higher injury incidence and we take a quick look at ankle injury prevention. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:26:04

Judoka James Austin and the giant knee injury

6/26/2023
Brilliant to welcome Olympian and World Cup gold winner, Judoka James Austin to the podcast. Incredibly James has also won the British title in three different weight categories (we ask him how that is even possible!) James and Prof Mackay met when James suffered a serious knee injury which ultimately kept him out of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. Talking to James the first thing that comes across is his absolute love for the sport of Judo still going strong after stumbling across it 32 years ago. From the age of 11 to the age of 14 he tells us he won absolutely nothing pretty much till he took an under-16 British Title. It is really refreshing to hear how, undaunted he just kept doing what he loved and boy did it ever pay off for him. Of course, he talks us through his 'other level' knee injury and you can hear, even from this distance the impact it had at the time. In typical James fashion though he turned it into a positive - using the encouragement of team mates and help from the support team to make a remarkable recovery, although it was fully two years before he managed to compete again. Now as a coach and sports psychologist, he is perhaps uniquely placed to understand the pressures of training and avoiding injury. Hearing him chat about the atmosphere at London 2012 is particularly inspiring even though, to begin with, he was as he says, 'bricking it!' A brilliant episode, full of James' self-deprecating wit - don't let him fool you though there is an iron will and a lot of talent behind the jokes! For more judo chat check out his own 'Original Judo Podcast'. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:38:40

Knee Deep: Innovations and breakthroughs in treatment of sports knee injuries

6/7/2023
In this episode we explore the latest breakthroughs and cutting-edge techniques for treating and preventing sports knee injuries. Having just attended a Sports Knee Congress where top surgeons, medics, and rehab experts come together to update on all the latest thinking Prof Mackay and Jennifer chat through some of the most interesting findings and results. From amateur athletes to seasoned professionals, we know knee injuries can be a game-changer, often posing significant challenges to an athlete's career. But fear not! In this episode, we not only dive headfirst into common knee injuries but also look into the latest innovations and techniques that are transforming injury prevention, care, and recovery outcomes. As the primary shock absorbers and stabilisers during intense physical activity, knees are prone to a range of injuries, we chat over some common ones such as ligament sprains, meniscus tears, patellar dislocations, and arthritis. But this episode isn't just about the problems – it's all about solutions that are changing our thinking and revolutionizing knee injury care. Along the way, Jennifer sorts out her meniscus from her cartilage, discovers more about the anatomy of the knee plus gets a hot tip on something we can all do to help our own joint health. You will be off to smash some avocado on a piece of toast after we've revealed all that's new! Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:41:12

Footballer Mark Hateley on his incredible career & beating a horror ankle injury

5/19/2023
In his stellar football career, Mark Hateley played for some of the world's biggest clubs including A.C.Milan, Monaco, and Rangers as well as being capped 32 times for England. He also beat several injuries the worst of which was a catastrophic ankle dislocation which required several surgeries. We chat to him about it all - what it was like to be a top player in those incredible days, the clubs, the friendships - life in Monaco with neighbours like Ayrton Senna, that famous haircut and the strong fitness ethic, instilled in him at a young age by his Dad who was himself a successful player. Although at the time, with support from Arsene Wenger providing rehab, Mark recovered really well from his ankle injury, there were repercussions as he got older. In fact, Mark has gone under the knife with Prof Mackay several times now, including having fusion surgery on that ankle now to rid him of arthritic pain. As a Centre Forward renowned for his ball-heading skills, Mark is now involved with organisations that are looking into the science and ways to eliminate head injury, in particular concussion, in sports especially in youngsters. In summary - this is a brilliant race through the amazing football career of one of our greatest players with injury tips thrown in along the way - don't miss it. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:55:05

Footballer Mark Hateley on his incredible career & triumphing over ankle injury

5/18/2023
In his stellar football career, Mark Hateley played for some of the world's biggest clubs including A.C.Milan, Monaco, Chelsea, and Rangers as well as being capped 32 times for England. He also beat several injuries the worst of which was a catastrophic ankle dislocation while he was at Monaco, which required several surgeries. We chat to him about it all - he gives us a taste of what it was like to be on top of his game in those incredible days, the clubs, the friendships - life in Monaco with neighbours like Ayrton Senna, that famous haircut and the strong fitness ethic, instilled in him at a young age by his Dad who was himself a successful player. Although at the time, with support from Arsene Wenger with rehab, Mark recovered remarkably well from his ankle, there were repercussions as he got older. In fact, Mark has gone under the knife with Prof Mackay several times now, including having an ankle fusion to rid him of arthritic pain. As a Centre Forward renowned for his heading the ball skills, he has now become involved with organisations that are looking into the science and ways to eliminate head injury, in particular concussion in sport, especially in youngsters. In summary - this is a fascinating race through the amazing football career of one of our greatest players with injury tips thrown in along the way - don't miss it.

Duration:00:55:05

Rangers' Scott Wright - my ACL rupture and recovery - along with Physio Adam Stokes

4/19/2023
Watching Rangers winger Scott Wright today play his usual fast, attacking game you would never guess that in his Aberdeen FC days, he suffered every footballer's nightmare - a ruptured ACL. Joining us in this episode alongside Scott is Adam Stokes who was club Physio at the time and played a huge role in Scott's recovery. Together the pair talk us through Scott's injury, choosing InternalBrace surgery with Prof Mackay, and then his rehab and recovery. Adam had had experience dealing with this injury before including with former Aberdeen player, Mark Reynolds who chose the same surgery. He talks us through how his rehab of players who have this surgery differs from those who have traditional reconstructive surgery. Scott tells us how important Adam's help was throughout the whole process. Scott of course took huge inspiration from Mark's recovery and in a fascinating insight tells us how he actually loved the whole recovery period - hitting rehab markers and seeing the progress he was making. He describes how he felt, putting his knee to the test in his first game back after Adam reassured him he was fit and ready. Adam is full of info about overseeing this sort of rehab plus tips for all on how to avoid ACL injury in the first place. Scott's injury seemed pretty innocuous when it happened and Jen wants to know how to recognise you might have injured your own ACL while Prof Mackay offers advice if you think you have. We also chat over the merits of different grafts and why both Prof Mackay and Adam favour not taking from your hamstrings whenever possible. Scott of course went on to sign for Rangers and is enjoying an amazing career with no further knee trouble. Fantastic episode for all in need of ACL recovery inspiration! Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:49:05

Triathlon triumph - Lucy Crookston on beating patellar tendon injury

3/30/2023
A tale of a remarkable recovery - talking to triathlete Lucy Crookston who beat the odds to compete in a World Triathlon Finals just 12 weeks after surgery on her torn patellar tendon. Originally a track specialist at 400m hurdles Lucy stumbled on triathlon by chance but was instantly hooked, and it became her new obsession. She has gone on to rub shoulders with the best in the world, competing in World and European finals and incredibly one of those appearances was just 12 weeks after surgery for a patellar tendon tear. She tells us of her long love-hate relationship with her patellar tendon since suffering from the common childhood disease - Osgood Schlatters. Gordon explains more about this painful problem that used to be called 'growing pains' and happens during periods of growth spurt in children and teens. We chat about its effects and how to recognise it in the young. As so often happens though Lucy's injury happened while doing an innocuous training exercise but she knew immediately it was serious. She tells us how her knee felt and Prof Mackay talks us through the surgery she had. Lucy's positive approach to life helped with her recovery and you'll enjoy hearing of her emotional appearance a the Europeans just 12 weeks later. We also learn a lot about triathlon as a sport - breaking it down into its individual disciplines and Lucy has some great tips on how to train and choose the right kit to avoid some of the common injuries that can occur. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:49:47

Top US Football Foot & Ankle Doc - Eric Giza MD

3/15/2023
In the second of our short episodes talking to visiting sports surgeons from the US we chat to Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Chief of Foot & Ankle at UC Davis, California, Dr Eric Giza who also just happens to be a massive Aston Villa fan! When they first met to collaborate, Prof Mackay realised that Eric was not just a massive football fan but had a background working at some of the biggest clubs around the world. Eric explains where his passion for the game comes from and how it informed his medical career path. As Jennifer discovers there is not much this man does not know about footballers' ankles! Chat ranges over the evolution of sports surgery into the specialism that it is today in the US. We ask Eric, is there a difference between treating top-level sports patients rather than those who just wish to remain active or get back to work? We also cover some of the most common injuries he sees in his sports medicine practice from Lisfranc injuries to bunions and sesamoid problems. For all of these, Eric has been instrumental in developing surgical techniques to enhance and accelerate patient treatment and recovery. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:25:51

Talking foot and ankle injuries & treatments with NY's finest - Dr James McWilliam MD

2/22/2023
In this episode our guest is top foot and ankle surgeon from New York, Dr James McWilliam MD. 'Jim' has been collaborating with Prof Mackay now for over 10 years now on the InternalBrace technique, so while he was over on a visit to the UK recently we jumped at the chance to talk with him about his practice in general and about the sports injuries he commonly sees. We chat over his current thinking on treatments for everything from ankle sprains to achilles ruptures and the common but painful complaint - plantar fasciitis. Jim explains why new technologies mean he is able to offer advanced surgical solutions for ankle and achilles injuries rather than falling back on more traditional, conservative treatments which can often leave athletes with permanently weak tendons and ligaments and many patients surprisingly disabled 10 years on. He also has some great self-help tips for plantar fascitis sufferers and on ways to avoid Achilles injury in the first place. Have a listen - it's a short and sweet episode but packed with lots of great info. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:17:35

Judoka Sarah Adlington on winning gold and beating shoulder injuries

1/27/2023
Sarah Adlington's list of achievements is impressive - among them taking back-to-back golds in the Commonwealth Games in 2012 and 2022 (there was no judo in the 2018 games). She has also won the heavyweight British title no fewer than 6 times! As an impatient 5-year-old she watched her Dad and brother doing judo and could not wait to take to the mats herself - she never looked back. Along the way though Sarah has battled some pretty serious shoulder injuries. Wear and tear injuries are common in judo just because of the nature of the sport. Typically of many high-level sportspeople Sarah battled on several times with shoulder injuries until the pain became too much and was hindering her chances of qualifications. An interesting discussion ensues about the professional mindset when it comes to dealing with an injury in the first place. Sarah first met Prof Mackay after her right shoulder became unstable and treatment became necessary. From a surgeon's point of view, he describes how common this is in sports patients and that he often sees such injuries late on when often an earlier intervention would be indicated. Sarah talks through her successful recovery process before she, unfortunately, went on to injure her left shoulder - describing feeling it tear during a competition. So we talk over advice on dealing with shoulder injuries and some of the other common injuries in judo. A brilliant episode with a focussed sportswoman at the top of her game. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:41:36

Ringside seat with boxer Jim Watt

1/13/2023
Brilliant episode with former WBC lightweight world champion Jim Watt MBE. One of Scotland's most successful boxers, he also became known as the voice of the sport, spending 40 years commentating with ITV & Sky Sports. It was nearly a very different story though as Jim had his sights set on being a footballer before his talent was spotted on a visit to a boxing club. We take a tour through his career - from his first ever easy wins as a young lad to his decision to turn down competing in the 68' Olympics. He never regretted his decision, turned pro, and went on to enjoy winning 38 of 46 career fights. We chat all things boxing - from the fighters he has admired most both in the ring as opponents and from the commentary box. We cover the fitness required - Jim now in his 70s is still as fit as a flea - how does he do it? Injuries in boxing are common and we cover the main ones and hearing how Jim ignored a serious thumb injury so he could continue fighting. We get his thoughts on the changes he has seen in the sport, the rise of the women's game, and of course the inside info on his famous appearance in Still Game! In an episode full of incredible insight and peppered with Jim's unique dry wit - this is an episode you won't want to miss! Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:01:01:42

No easy catch - 3x Commonwealth gold winner - runner Kirsty Wade

12/2/2022
Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, Zola Budd, all household names from the 80s, but we reckon Olympian Kirsty Wade (née McDermott) is right up there among them. She is one of the finest middle-distance runners the UK has ever produced and we were delighted to welcome her and Tony, her husband and former coach, to the studio. Kirsty may underplay her achievements, which are too long to list here, but they include triple Commonwealth gold wins at 800m & 1500m and breaking many records, some of which still stand 37 years later! In fact from the moment the pair laugh about meeting over poetry lectures and Tony recalls their first ever run together with a certain hint of rivalry, we knew we were in for a treat and it's an episode packed with insight and humour. Kirsty chats about how she managed to achieve all she did in the decades before lottery funding and you will be fascinated to hear the pair's take on competing in the era of wide spread drug abuse in athletics. Incredibly Kirsty managed to achieve her wins while on a highly restricted diet (encouraged back then) that sports nutritionists will shudder at today. Today the couple and their family live on the Hebridean island of Lewis which is where Prof Mackay first met them, little realising he was in the company of athletic royalty. Both are still involved in sports and running although in very different capacities these days and offer tips about keeping fit and active as middle age beckons. Kirsty suffered very little injury throughout her career and Tony only needed a knee fixed after an altercation with some wellies, But this brilliant episode is not so much about injury & recovery but recalling a remarkable career in an incredible era for athletics. Thanks for listening - follow us on X and Instagram or head to our website for more info X Instagram Website

Duration:00:57:17