The Elevated Athlete Podcast

Most calf injuries go beyond simple muscle tears- they involve complex tendon structures that shape recovery. Colin Griffin explains how understanding tendon anatomy, imaging (MRI/ultrasound), and strain data leads to more precise rehab. The episode outlines a clear progression: build capacity, apply targeted loading for tendon remodelling, then return to sport using performance KPIs like force an...

Unlock the secrets to precise hamstring rehab with expert Fearghal Kerin. This episode explores advanced assessment techniques, identifying true injury causes, and building targeted training and testing protocols. Learn his proven frameworks, including the GAR system, which emphasises understanding injury history. Discover how he interprets MRI findings, differentiates injury grades, and tailors r...

Today I am joined by England Rugby players Anthony Watson & Ollie Lawrence. In this open and reflective episode, the lads talk all things high performance and what they feel makes a high performance environment. We also discuss what makes a great coach, what training they need to feel at their best and what keeps them pushing for more as professional athletes.  Whether you're an athlete o...

Todays conversation is with world class performance coach Tom Tombleson. As a previous professional rugby player, Tom has spent the last decade refining his craft as the lead performance coach for England Rugby. In this conversation we dive into understanding how to prepare an International Rugby Team for the demands of high level competition, including valuable insights into Englands preparation...

In this episode I talk about my own rehab journey as I rehab my Patella Tendon following a plyometric mishap! I talk about phases, weekly structure and using my own  (very simple) assessment scale to determine progress.  I also have a think about what I think is a heavily underrated element of athlete rehab -  communication. What needs to be communicated? What doesn't? And how does this make...

In this insightful conversation with coaching legend Dan Pfaff, we dive into his philosophy on coaching, the importance of pedagogy, and his method for analysing movement and injury rehabilitation. Dan shares his nuanced views on the role of data in coaching, the importance of a well-rounded team, and the need for individualised debrief processes for athletes. It's an absolute gem of an episo...

In this episode Al reflects on the recent Sportsmith Rehab Conference. He talks about his own presentation and how you can shortcut coaches eye through the power of patterns to help solve common problems in ACL rehab. In addition, Al summarises his favourite 3 talks from the weekend and offers his thoughts to coaches on how to develop themselves in the age of instagram! Finally, Al reflects on a r...

In this episode, Al engages in an in-depth conversation with long time friend, mentor & head physio for Australia Rugby, Byron Field. They dive into the nuances of high-performance sports rehab, with a special focus on a hamstring case study. Byron sheds light on the holistic aspects of injury recovery, the importance of anticipating game situations, and the value of customizing rehab approach...

In this episode, Al reflects on his week, working with elite athletes and consulting with top teams. He dives into his "Coach's Eye" approach, helping spot athletes trending toward injury in that often-overlooked “grey zone.” Alan then introduces his unique athlete profiles, categorizing them as "Snails" (ground-biased) and "Bananas" (air-biased) to better tailor...

In this exciting first episode of The Elevated Athlete Podcast, I give you a glimpse into what’s to come. The podcast explores world-class rehab journeys with top athletes and coaches. I highlight key upcoming guests, including rehab coach Peter Hughes from NZ Rugby and Black Ferns 7s Captain Sarah Hirini, who recovered from an ACL tear to win Olympic gold IN 7 MONTHS!! I also reflect on the impor...

Pete Hughes is the current rehabilitation coach for the New Zealand Sevens Rugby team. Prior to joining New Zealand, Pete worked with Ulster Rugby team as well as working in the private sector. His expertise in strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and rehabilitation has been pivotal in improving player performance and helping athletes return to peak condition after injuries. His work is h...