Experts in Sport

What does gender equity really mean in a sport as physically demanding and strategically complex as wheelchair rugby? In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking research project that’s challenging assumptions and driving change for women in para-sport. Through personal reflections and expert insights, we explore why representation matters, how performance is measured, and what it takes to build inclusive pathways for female athletes. Joining the conversation are Dr Thomas Rietveld from the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport at Loughborough University, Richard Allcroft, President of World Wheelchair Rugby, Lauren Templeton, Regional General Manager for Europe at World Wheelchair Rugby, and Jason Brisbane, Chief Executive Officer of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. Together, they share personal insights, strategic goals, and reflections on the Women’s Cup in Paris — a key testing ground for inclusive rule changes like the 0.5-point classification for female athletes. Whether you're a coach, policymaker, athlete, or simply curious about the future of inclusive sport, this episode offers a compelling look at how data, collaboration, and lived experience are shaping the next phase of wheelchair rugby. Intros: 0:00 Gender Equity: 4:19 The research: 11:11 The rule change: 15:56 The athlete voice: 21:44 Collaboration: 28:42 Research call to action: 34:33 Takeaways: 36:46 #loughborough #university #education #student #Experts in sport #podcast #sport #research #experts in health #fitness #women #women's health #women in sport #women's hub #world cup #rugby #women's rugby #wheelchair #wheelchair rugby #gender #equity

In this episode of the Women in Sport Summer Series, we explore how governance, marketing, and collaboration are driving transformation in women’s sport—both in the UK and globally. Featuring Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women’s Rugby at the RFU, and Dr Dana Lee Ellis, a leading academic in sport marketing and event governance, we unpack the strategic role of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the power of inclusive networks, and the importance of visionary innovation initiatives. This conversation is part of the Women in Sport Summit, supported by the Institute for Advanced Studies, Spirit of 2012, and the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub at Loughborough University. Intros 0:00 Leadership and collaboration: 3:50 The eve of the Rugby World Cup: 8:14 Amplification: 11:57 Focus on women's sport: 14:08 Sport beyond the event: 16:23 Global and private examples: 23:51 Inclusive leadership: 32:01 Looking ahead: 38:27 Key takeaway: 45:25 #LoughboroughUniversity #ExpertsInSport #SportsInnovation #FemaleAthletes #Podcast #Rugby #rugbyworldcup #womensports Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/

Welcome to a special episode of the Experts in Sport Podcast, brought to you by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential topics in women’s sport: breast health and the science of sports bras. Exploring why most sports bras don’t offer enough support, the impact on performance and injury risk, innovations in design, fit, and education, and how research is driving real change for athletes. Intro 0:00 Health implications 3:31 Research 5:13 Why has it been overlooked? 7:34 Awareness 14:45 Female anthropometry 20:59 What to look for in a bra 28:32 What’s next? 37:36 Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published. The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly. #LoughboroughUniversity #ExpertsInSport #BreastHealth #SportsInnovation #FemaleAthletes #Podcast #SportsApparel #Rugby #Lionesses #SportsBraEducation

In this episode of Experts in Sport, host Dr Hannah Fox Dugdale is joined by Dr Verity Postlethwaite to explore the groundbreaking launch of Loughborough University’s Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub. Discover how this initiative is set to transform women’s sport from grassroots to elite, tackling real-world challenges with cutting-edge research. We also hear from special guest and former England international, Karen Carney OBE, as she shares powerful insights on athlete health, equity in sport, and what this hub means for the future. A must-listen in the build-up to the 2025 Summer of Women in Sport! Intro: 0:00 Karen Carney: 8:07 Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub: 8:47 The research gap: 10:50 Women focused research: 14:39 The media: 20:41 Leadership: 23:26 The hub contribution: 25:23 Women’s sport in action: 27:09 Karen Carney OBE is also an ambassador for the new hub - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2024/september/karen-carney-sport-health-wellbeing-ambassador/ For more information visit: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2025/march/women-in-sport-hub-launch/ https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/women-in-sport-hub/ https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias/programmes/women-in-sport/ https://www.ncsem-em.org.uk/events/tackling-the-gap/

As the England v India Test Matches get into full swing, Experts in Sport podcast host Martin Foster sits down with Ed Smith, former National Selector for England Cricket and soon-to-be President of the MCC. In this episode, they explore Leadership in Sport and discuss the growing impact of AI on decision-making and leadership at the highest level. Drawing from Ed’s experience in elite cricket, this conversation offers unique insights into how modern leaders balance data, intuition, and performance in a rapidly evolving sporting world. Intro: 00:00 Leadership in Sport: 1:55 Student impact: 15:38 President of the MCC: 25:33 AI in sport: 35:46 Embracing AI: 51:34 #LeadershipInSport #EdSmith #EnglandVsIndia #Cricket #AIinSport #ExpertsInSportPodcast #lborograd #lborofamily Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/

In the latest episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by world-leading expert in the science of the human mind, Dr Ian Taylor, to discuss his new book Time Hacks. Together, they draw on the latest psychological research to explore how we can develop a healthier relationship with time—one that helps us break free from the cycle of boredom and mania, boosts our productivity, and brings greater balance to all areas of our lives. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with practical tips and science-backed strategies to help you take control of your time. 📚 Time Hacks – Available now! Intro: 00:00 Overview: 2:34 Time warps: 6:55 The idea of time: 11:40 Practical solutions: 15:54 Why do mousetraps work: 18:32 Mind the gap: 23:16 S is for effort: 27:19 Benefits of solitude: 36:03 Bouncebackability: 45:58 Top 5 hacks: 48:08 #ExpertsInSport #TimeHacks #Psychology #Productivity #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #LboroGrad #LboroFamily Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/

In today’s podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Dr Daniel Read, Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Sport Business at Loughborough University, to discuss the use of painkillers in sport. Painkiller use in sport is more widespread than many people realise. In this episode, we uncover some shocking statistics and explore the reasons why athletes turn to pain relief—sometimes at great personal risk. Using real-world examples from across the sporting world, we examine the pressures, motivations, and implications behind this growing issue. Painkiller use in sport: 2:14 Examples: 6:54 Frequency: 11:54 Classifications: 16:01 Recreational use: 19:14 Why?: 20:44 Capital: 23:41 Problems: 26:58 What needs to change?: 30:25 Youth football: 48:06 Further research: 51:09 Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published. The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly. Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/ #LboroGrad #LboroFamily #ExpertsinSport

Today, I’m joined by Professor Josef Fahlén, Professor Paul Downward, and Dr. Mat Dowling to explore how sport functions in different contexts. We often hear about sport and physical activity in Scandinavia—but what can we actually learn from their approach? In this podcast, we compare the Swedish and UK sport systems, discussing a wide range of topics including government funding, sports clubs, schools, facilities, and cultural influences. We also delve into the challenges of trying to implement ideas from one country into another. Intros: 00:00 Swedish sport: 3:07 UK sport: 5:43 Comparison: 12:41 Swedish sport again: 15:51 UK sport again: 22:26 Cultural differences: 27:04 What is sport for?: 42:31 The future: 46:56 Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published. The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly. Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/ #LboroGrad #LboroFamily #ExpertsinSport

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Dr Luke Roberts, author of "Leading Schools and Sustaining Innovation. How to think Big and Differently in Complex Systems" joins host Martin Foster to discuss Systems Change. If you’ve been involved in the sport, physical activity, health, education, business or any sector you will have heard people talk about systems change, you may have seen people attempt to make change but more often than not the results don’t seem to be what was anticipated. In todays, podcast we discuss systems change, we get started by understanding what systems change is and the difficulties people often face when trying to create change using real world examples. We then focus on what needs to be done to create and sustain systems change. We hope the podcast can help to inspire anyone wanting to have an impact on the world and become systems change leaders of the future. Intros: 0:00 What is Systems Change?: 3:42 Purpose of the system: 10:32 Examples: 15:45 Systems Mapping: 29:32 Getting the system ready for change: 36:00 Maintain and Sustain: 42:23 Changing the icing not the cake: 45:35 What's next?: 52:24

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Dr Serhat Yilmaz and Lerina Bright (Mission 89) join host Martin Foster to discuss Human trafficking in the global sports ecosystem. Loughborough University, in partnership with Mission 89 and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch of the British Parliament, has released the first-ever comprehensive global thematic report on sport trafficking. Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published. The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly. https://mission89.org/ Intro 00:00 The issue 6:21 Definitions 11:06 In and through sport 22:42 Around sport 34:47 Recommendations 43:20 Summary 53:18 Outros 1:06:31

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Professor Mark Williams joins host Martin Foster to discuss How Elite Athletes Are Made. Professor Mark Williams has researched Sports Science for over 30 years, he has published hundreds of academic articles, written, and edited over 20 books and has worked at leading organisations around the world. In this podcast we focus on his book "The Best. How Elite Athletes are Made." We discuss a wide range of topics from how siblings and the environment we live in can impact our sporting success, the truth about the 10 000 hour rule, the power of coaching and much more. If you want to learn more about how elite athletes are made, then this podcast is a great place to start. Intro 00:00 How Elite Athletes Are Made 3:25 Most important aspects 6:12 Siblings 7:32 Helicopter parenting 9:24 Location 10:39 Age and academies 20:24 Early specialisation and 10000 hours 31:23 Born or made? 35:31 Practice 38:50 What makes the best coaches? 48:01 Next steps 1:03:48 Outros 1:06:09

In the latest episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, Dr Janine Coates (expert in inclusive PE and school sport), Tammy and her mum Lynn (stars from the 'Equal Play' documentary), and Helen Derby (Strategic Lead, Programmes, Activity Alliance) join host Martin Foster (Applied Sport Management Lead) to discuss how physical education can be improved to make it inclusive for everyone who takes part. Intros 00:00 The research 2:51 Tammy's experience 5:55 Activity Alliance 10:17 Examples 18:40 The future 21:17 Wheelchair tennis 29:14 Outros 33:51

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Dr Steven Bradbury joins host Martin Foster to discuss Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion in Sports Leadership. Intro 00:00 Equality and equity 1:49 Leading the way: the background 3:19 Levels of representation 6:52 Benefits of a diverse workforce 9:55 Challenges 14:27 Barriers 23:15 Examples of good practice 26:02 Recommendations 34:12 Next steps 41:27 Outro 46:17

Physical activity levels of children in England and around the world remain stubbornly low. Research has shown that Physical Education can inspire children to embrace physical activity and sport, yet the curriculum that is delivered nationwide remains narrow with a heavy focus on skill development for sport. In the latest episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, Professor David Kirk and Professor Ash Casey discuss Models-based practice with host Martin Foster (Applied Sport Management Lead). The trio cover what models-based practice is, the potential benefits and the best way to apply Models-based practice within schools. Professor Ash Casey is the Programme Director for the MSc and PGCE in Education with QTS (Physical Education) at Loughborough University. Ash maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) (@DrAshCasey) and operates a blog (www.PEPRN.com), dedicated to translating research into practical applications Physical Education and Pedagogy. His research explores pedagogical models, teacher development through social media, and pedagogies of technology. Professor David Kirk is an educational researcher with teaching and research interests in educational innovation, curriculum history, and physical education and sport pedagogy. He is the founding editor of the peer reviewed journal Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy (Routledge) and editor of Routledge Studies in Physical Education and Youth Sport. He has held academic appointments previously in universities in England, Australia, Ireland and Belgium and is currently Honorary Professor of Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland. Intro 00:00 Background of P.E 3:04 What is the purpose of P.E.? 12:59 Models based practise 22:30 An Activist Approach 34:53 In practise 36:49 What’s next? 48:39

Safeguarding and interpersonal abuse in sport – the development and potential impact of the IOC consensus statement. Last month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirmed its commitment to safe sport by announcing the release of its third consensus statement on safeguarding and interpersonal violence in sport. In the latest Experts in Sport podcast, hosted Martin Foster is joined by those involved in delivering this initiative. The panel, featuring Prof Daniel Rhind (Loughborough University), Prof Yetsa Adebodunde Tuakli-Wosornu, (Stanford University), and Kirsty Burrows (Head of the IOC's Safe Sport Unit), discuss the background to the consensus statement, its development, the overarching recommendations and what this means for wider stakeholders. Intro 00:00 Consensus statement importance 2:52 Research rationale 7:42 Definitions 9:14 Methodology 16:31 Findings 18:06 Sport and society 28:27 Intentional interpersonal violence 34:43 Recommendations 41:28 What changes do you want to see? 52:02 Outros 56:01

In the latest Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Professor Paul Downward to discuss the UK’s low levels of sport participation. The podcast includes discussions on government policy and its impact on participation rates, and what needs to change to encourage more people to become active. Intro 00:00 Participation rates 7:10 History of monitoring 12:19 How have things changed? 17:27 General trends 22:46 Specific trends 25:57 Fitness industry 30:27 Biggest impact 37:18 Future of policy 39:29 What are we trying to achieve? 50:06 The future 55:04

Axel Dopfer, Professor Duncan Walker, Dr Richard Ferguson, and Josh Cresswell join us to discussHow Loughborough University's world-class sports ecosystem helped alumnus Axel Dopfer break the German hour record. Intros 0:00 University approach 6:55 Training as a Loughborough student 11:20 Memorable moments 14:26 Interdisciplinary aspect 16:37 Heat acclimation 27:52 Training smart 32:02 Build up to the day 39:34 Methodology 48:29 The Event 52:24 What next? 56:47 How to find out more 1:03:22

Professor Jonathan Folland and Dr Tom Balshaw join host Stuart McErlain-Naylor to break down the anatomy of Strongman Champion Eddie Hall and highlight the key characteristics that enabled him to break world records in the deadlift. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intros 1:04 An evening with Eddie Hall 5:16 Scope of research 10:13 Why Eddie Hall? 11:55 Preparation 16:50 What did the day entail? 22:19 Main findings of the case study 26:24 Under or over developed? 28:43 Tendon adaptation 34:44 Injury risk 37:07 Inherited characteristics 42:11 Limiting factors in human performance 43:43 What else is there to know about Eddie? 45:58 Current and future research 49:27 Where to find out more 50:55 Outros Journal: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/japplphysiol.00342.2024

Professor Vicky Tolfrey chats to host Dan Trussell to discuss the Paralympics in Paris, wheelchair sport and what's to come after the Games. Intros 0:00 Wheelchair configuration in tennis 0:43 Competitive edge 4:28 Athlete collaboration 5:26 What to expect from wheelchair sport 7:10 Wheelchair basketball at Loughborough 8:11 The future of parasport 9:41 Parasport and society 14:11 Outros 19:29

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host, Martin Foster, discusses research within Para sport at Loughborough and its potential across the landscape of sport with guests, Vladyslava Kravchenko, Alasdair Donaldson, and Jennifer Wong, of Loughborough University. Time stamps: 0.00-4.03 - Introduction 4.04- 8.31 - Why Loughborough? 8.32- 10.49 - Development of Para sport at Loughborough 10.50-12.32 - Examples of Para sport development 12.33-17.32 - Developing the workforce 17.33-24.05 - Opportunity at Loughborough 24.06- 28.34 - International relations 28.35-34.04 - Para sport against stigma 34.05-42.37 - London 2012 Legacy 42.38-45.53 - Barriers and stigma 45.54-48.25 - Making noise toolkit 48.26-49.54 - Diplomacy and international governance PhD 49.55-51.25 - Outros