Experts in Sport

In this episode of Experts in Sport, we explore the hidden world behind World Cup success — performance analysis. From data and video to real-time decision-making, discover how analysts and coaches use cutting-edge technology to gain a competitive edge when margins are razor-thin. Host Martin Foster is joined by Brad Pryjmachuk (Hudl) and Donald Barron (Loughborough University) to unpack how teams...

What does it take to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? In this episode, host Martin Foster is joined by experts Dr Lee Taylor, Dr Chris Esh, Professor Christa Janse van Rensburg, and Dr Valérie Bougault to break down the science behind competing across extreme heat, altitude, long-haul travel, and challenging environments. From heat acclimation and recovery strategies to jet lag and air quality,...

In this episode of the Experts in Sport, we explore the global role of FIFA as the world builds towards the FIFA World Cup. Host Martin Foster is joined by FIFA high-performance specialists Richard Allen and former international footballer Philippe Senderos, the discussion goes beyond the tournament itself to examine how football is developed worldwide—from grassroots talent pathways to global pol...

This episode of Experts in Sport dives into the controversial launch of the Enhanced Games. Host Martin Foster is joined by Dr Alex Thurston and Dr Mat Dowling, speaking live from Las Vegas, the discussion explores what really happened at sport’s most debated new event—unpacking performance, ethics, athlete welfare, and whether this represents the future of sport or simply a bold marketing experim...

In this episode, we explore how climate change is already reshaping sport-from extreme heat disrupting elite competitions to flooded grassroots pitches across the UK. Host Martin Foster is joined by Elliot Brown, Sustainability Manager at Loughborough University, and Jess Silva, co‑founder of Carbon Jacked, to unpack both the challenges and the opportunities facing the sports industry. From decarb...

In this special episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Professors Wendy Brown and Stuart Biddle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough University. Recording from Australia, the guests reflect on their early careers at Loughborough, the evolution of sport and exercise science, and the lasting impact of the “Loughborough fam...

Join Experts in Sport as Mega Event Advisor Richard Watton (UK Sport) and Dr. Verity Postlethwaite (Loughborough University) talk to host Martin Foster and unpack why cities host major, mega and giga sporting events. From bidding processes and global collaboration to economic impact, social legacy and the future of event delivery, this episode reveals how well‑planned events can shape communities...

In this episode of Experts in Sport, Professors Paul Downward, Larissa Davies and Simon Shibli speak with host Martin Foster, unpacking the real value of sport and physical activity beyond pounds and pence. From wellbeing gains to NHS savings, community cohesion to volunteering, the panel explores how Social Return on Investment (SROI) evidence is reshaping policy, funding, and local decision‑maki...

In this episode of Experts in Sport, host Martin Foster sits down with fitness industry innovator and MyZone founder, Dave Wright. From growing up in the Australian bush to building global businesses, Dave shares the extraordinary, winding path that led him to become one of the sector’s most influential entrepreneurs. He opens up about the origins of MyZone, the challenges and failures behind earl...

This episode features an in‑depth conversation with Paul Sinton‑Hewitt, founder of parkrun, the world’s largest free physical activity initiative. We trace parkrun’s evolution from a small local time trial to a global public health phenomenon spanning more than 20 countries. Paul discusses community building, volunteer mobilisation, international expansion, social prescribing, and the role of park...

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast Dr James Sanders joins host Martin Foster to explore the NHS 10‑Year Plan and the growing role of digital health tools. Together, we unpack how wearables could support prevention, personalise care, and empower individuals to take control of their wellbeing. Learn more about CLiMB: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/climb/ NHS 10 year plan 2:09 Wearable...

In this episode of Experts in Sport, we go behind the scenes at Loughborough Sport’s world-class Physiology Lab with Rhona Pearce, Physiology Lead. Discover how cutting-edge testing can transform your marathon preparation, from VO₂ max and lactate thresholds to personalised pacing strategies. Whether you’re chasing a PB or tackling your first 26.2 miles, learn why understanding your physiology is...

In this episode we take a look back at some of our hightlights from 2025 including big milestones and a fantastic summer of women's sport. Thank you for all your support this year, lets hope next year is even bigger and better! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Experts in Sport team! #loughborough #university #loughboroughuniversity #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #...

In this episode Martin talks to Professor Stacy Clemes and Dr. Grant Charlesworth-Jones to explore the pressing health challenges facing the UK workforce. From rising rates of long-term illness and sedentary lifestyles to the overlooked health crisis among truck drivers, the conversation dives deep into the systemic issues and potential solutions. Drawing on over a decade of research, the guests s...

Lord Sebastian Coe joins the Experts in Sport podcast for a wide-ranging conversation tracing his journey from Loughborough student-athlete to one of the most influential figures in global sport. In this compelling episode, he reflects on the lessons learned from his legendary athletics career, shares untold stories and the immense pressure behind delivering London 2012, and offers his vision for...

In this episode of Experts in Sport, we discuss Where History Begins-Loughborough's Journey Through Sport. Learn about Loughborough's early beginnings in Sport and how we grew into the number 1 university in the world for sport! Where did history begin?: 1:46 Where are we now?: 5:11 The World Wars: 8:28 Military connections: 10:49 Sport Performance: 12:22 Sport education and research: 20:00 Best i...

Every athlete faces performance challenges, but could the answers lie in their data? In this episode, we explore how data-driven innovation is uncovering hidden performance patterns and offering deeper insights into what happens beyond training hours. We also discuss where technology still has room to grow, as we continue unlocking new ways to help athletes get the very best out of themselves. In...

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England has broken records both on and off the pitch — from advancing gender equity to achieving unprecedented broadcasting figures and ticket sales. But what do these successes mean for host councils and local communities once the tournament ends? In this episode, we speak with Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, whose portfolio s...

For millions of women, the journey to fitness can be a frustrating one, filled with confusing advice that doesn't seem to fit their bodies. But what if the problem isn't with them, but with the industry itself? In this episode of Loughborough University's Experts in Sport podcast, we explore that very question as part of our Women in Sport series. In this episode we are joined by Baz Moffat, a for...

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 buil...

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 20...

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...

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 forme...

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, th...

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 producti...