Supporting Champions

This week on the podcast I sit down with Paolo Menaspa. Paolo is the Chief Science Officer at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he has led teams responsible for research & development, quality assurance, athlete performance health, and REST.    Palo has a vast experience in the world of sport, supporting athletes through multiple Olympic cycles across multiple events. With a focus on cycling, Paolo has supported the national coaches and the performance support team developing solutions across multiple disciplines   This conversation will give you an insight across Paolo's career thus far, as well as the exciting research and developments he and his team continue to make.    Links   Current research agenda:  https://www.sportaus.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1048268/National-High-Performance-Research-Agenda-2022.pdf   And the HP 32+ strategy, with measures of success defined at page 12. https://www.winwell2032.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1083742/Australias-2032-High-Performance-Sport-Strateg

In this week's episode I speak with Jo Harrison, the Head of Performance Lifestyle Services at the UK Sports Institute and Founder of WinWell.org Jo plays a pivotal role in athlete welfare and life beyond sport, and has been a key influence in this shift of focus over recent years. Jo possesses over 20 years worth of experience at the elite level of British sport and has consistently championed the holistic approach to athlete support.  From her experiences within sport, Jo has co-founded 'WinWell', an organisation set out in the aim of applying the teachings from elite level sport into the world of business. - https://www.winwell.org.uk/ Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with yo

On this week’s podcast I speak to Stafford Murray Stafford is the former Head of Performance Analysis at the English Institute of Sport, Director of Innovation at High Performance Sport New Zealand and now Head of Analysis at England and Wales Cricket Board. Stafford is a true pioneer in the world of performance analysis and innovation, having been at the forefront of evolving the discipline from match analysis and notation analysis to carving out the discipline of performance analysis. He has successfully stayed at the cutting edge by not only using data and analytical techniques to gain insight and blend with innovation and now embracing data science teams, artificial intelligence and machine learning. What you’ll hear in this conversation is a heady mix of how world-class practitioner and leader is able to keep difficult concepts simple, balance the hardcore elements of mathematics but ground them in reality and someone who is able to balance the IQ elements with EQ - keeping the coach and the performer at

In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, we sit down with Mark England, Director of Sport Services at the British Olympic Association and Chef de Mission for Team GB across multiple Olympic Games. With a storied career that includes leading Britain to historic successes at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, Mark shares his extensive experience in Olympic leadership and team preparation. Show Notes: Introduction to Mark England: Introduction to Mark’s role with the British Olympic Association and his impact on Team GB’s success over multiple Olympic cycles. Journey to the Olympics: Mark discusses how he first got involved with the Olympics and his initial roles within the organization. Evolution of Roles: An exploration of how Mark’s responsibilities have evolved over the years and how he has shaped his leadership style to meet the changing dynamics of Olympic competition. Impact of Hosting the Games: Insight into how hosting the Olympics in London 2012 changed the landscape of British sports and i

Today, I’m joined by Geir Jordet, the world's leading expert on the psychology of penalties and author of "Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout." Geir brings an extensive background in sports psychology, with a focus on high-pressure performances in football. He has studied and published analyses on every major penalty shootout in soccer since 1976, so is ideally placed to  offer insights into the critical moments that define sports outcomes, and how these insights apply across different sports and high-stress professions. Show Notes: Introduction to Geir Jordet: Learn about Geir's extensive background in sports psychology, focusing on high-pressure performances in football, and how it applies across various high-stress fields. Euros Enthusiasm: Geir shares his thoughts on the ongoing Euros competition and his personal enjoyment of the games. Origin of Interest: Discover how Geir's fascination with penalty shootouts began and what drove him to focus his career on this niche. Un

In this insightful episode I speak to with Tim Jones, the Associate Performance Director at British Swimming. A former Olympic athlete in the grueling 200m butterfly, Tim has transitioned from elite swimming to coaching, and now to a leadership role that spans multiple sports disciplines. With extensive experience across swimming, athletics, and gymnastics, Tim discusses his journey and the critical elements of leading high-performance teams in today’s competitive sports environment. Show Notes: Introduction: Overview of Tim Jones’ background as an Olympic swimmer and his roles across various sports. Athlete to Leader Transition: Tim shares how his experiences as an athlete informed his approach to leadership and the motivations behind his career transition. Leadership across Disciplines: Insights into the universal leadership principles Tim has applied across different sports and the unique challenges of managing diverse teams. Philosophical Shifts: Discussion on how Tim’s personal philosophy has evolved fro

Welcome to the Supporting Champions podcast, hosted by performance scientist Dr Steve Ingham. In this episode, Steve is joined by Professor Sam Marcora, a leading researcher whose psychobiological model has revolutionized our understanding of training and performance. Together, they delve into the fascinating intersection of psychology and physiology, focusing on how mental fatigue impacts physical performance. Sam shares groundbreaking insights into the role of perception of effort and how both physiological and psychological factors can alter it. The discussion explores innovative research, including the effects of subliminal cues on endurance and the importance of motivation, especially during training. The episode also pays tribute to Professor Roger Eston and his contributions to the field. In our discussions, Sam acknowledged the great influence of Professor Roger Eston and his work on the ratings of perceived exertion. Shortly after recording the episode we heard the sad news that Roger had passed away

In today’s episode I’m delighted host Iñigo Mujika. It is no exaggeration to say that Inigo is one of the World’s leading applied physiologists with a particular specialism in endurance training, tapering, and peaking strategies and has an extensive background working with elite athletes across various sports. In this episode, Iñigo shares insights from his career, discussing the characteristics of effective and less effective teams he's been a part of and his approach to balancing real-time data with in-depth monitoring and research. We'll also dive into his specialization in tapering and peaking, exploring how these practices vary across different sports and how teams prepare for pinnacle events like the upcoming Paris Olympics. Additionally, we'll discuss Iñigo's latest publication, 'Endurance Training - Science and Practice,' now in its second edition, and how his research informs practical strategies for athlete preparation. We'll wrap up by considering the future of sports science and what needs to be d

Today, I’m joined by Stephen Seiler, a renowned expert in sports science, to explore the integration of technology in sports performance, education, and health. Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive research into the physiological aspects of endurance training and his insights into the optimal use of technology in enhancing athlete performance. In our conversation, we discuss the double-edged sword of technological advancements in sports. We cover how wearable devices and artificial intelligence can profoundly impact training effectiveness and sleep efficiency, but also the risks they pose, such as overtraining and potential injuries. Stephen and I delve into the importance of maintaining a balance between high-tech solutions and traditional coaching methods to achieve the best outcomes for athletes. We also touch on broader topics, such as the implications of digital technology on learning and the critical role of understanding both physiology and technology to apply them effectively in spo

In this episode, we spotlight the journey and insights of Mehdi Kordi. With a rich and varied background, from biomedical science, to aerospace physiology, to accountancy, to mice in the Andes (yes you heard me correctly), then ultimately into a career in sports science and eventually coaching at the elite end of cycling. First Mehdi was at British Cycling as the sports scientist and hen coach at British Cycling, working with the Para team to Tokyo Games.  Then Mehdi moved onto the Dutch National Cycling Federation and is currently creating outstanding success, in his role success as Head Coach (Track Sprint). When I say outstanding success, Mehdi truly encapsulates getting bang for the buck, that is in sports like cycling a mix of technology and human performance, generally the more money yoo put in the better your results.  Mehdi and his small team have created disproportionate success by focusing on what matters most. Think ‘Massive Gains’ rather than ‘Marginal Gains’. Mehdi's experiences offer a rare glim

Welcome back to the Supporting Champions Podcast. Today, we're exploring the transformative power of focusing on solutions, not problems, with the insightful Paul Z Jackson. From his early days as a comedy writer and improvisation teacher to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of applied improvisation, Paul's journey is as fascinating as it is varied. His work, especially the acclaimed book 'The Solutions Focus,' co-authored with Mark McKergow, has been a beacon for many, including myself, since its first impact on me back in 2011. Paul's approach is simple yet revolutionary: Don’t fix what isn’t broken, find what works and do more of it, and if something doesn’t work, try something else. It’s about making positive changes by identifying and amplifying useful change, recognizing that detailed problem analysis often doesn’t lead to solutions. This mindset shift from a problem focus to a solutions focus can stir optimism, hope, and ambition, changing the way we tackle challenges in sports, business, and life

In this episode I speak to Meike Bartels, a renowned researcher in wellbeing and happiness. Meike's research work uncovers the layers that contribute to our sense of fulfilment, exploring how genetics, environment, and personal habits intertwine to shape our happiness. In our conversation, Meike highlights that wellbeing is an evolving state, influenced by positive surroundings and actions. We discuss the differences between eudemonic and hedonic wellbeing, the genetic basis of happiness, and the essential balance between work and life for maintaining our wellbeing. Meike provides intriguing insights into the genetic factors that account for about 40% of the variation in happiness across populations, opening up discussions about personalised approaches to enhancing wellbeing. We also cover the 'exposome' concept, illustrating how a wide range of external factors from birth affects our growth and happiness. A key focus of our discussion is the significance of acknowledging individual preferences in both life a

In this episode, we're joined by Prof Stuart Biddle, a leading figure in the psychology of physical activity, based at the University of Southern Queensland. Stuart's extensive work in exercise science and psychology provides groundbreaking insights into how exercise impacts our wellbeing. Our discussion today spans Stuart's illustrious career, from his early days contributing to the foundational layers of exercise science to his current work, which includes a significant focus on the mental health benefits of physical activity. We delve into his latest collaborative research, which offers new insights into exercise as a potent intervention for depression, examining the effectiveness of various forms of physical activity and their impact on mental health. As we get into the research and the implications, we inevitably go off on a few important tangents What type of exercise is most effective for depressive states? Is one type of exercise more beneficial for men vs women? Is moderate or intense exercise more e

Joining me this week is Andrew Rogers, a Chartered Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist with over two decades of experience spanning elite sport, business, healthcare, prison services and more. As co-director of Changing Minds UK, Andrew brings a real wealth of knowledge on the psychological aspects of high performance, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. In our conversation, we focus on mental health for sports performers, exploring the unique challenges they face and how coaches and support staff can play a pivotal role in their wellbeing.  Andrew is a guide for me as I attempt to ask pertinent questions, know that I don’t know enough in this area and that I am as liable to make a mis-step, due to a growing, evolving and increasingly conversant landscape of mental health. Andrew, fortunately is a leading expert and sheds light on how awareness, stigma, and literacy have changed over the years and what that mean for us all. We discuss the specific mental health challenges encountered in the high-

In this episode I speak to David Robson, an award-winning science journalist. David's insightful exploration into the realms of cognitive psychology and human behaviour, particularly in his books 'The Intelligence Trap' and 'The Expectation Effect,' offers a fresh perspective on how our minds work, especially in high-performance environments. David's journey in science journalism has led him to uncover fascinating aspects of human intelligence and the surprising pitfalls that even the brightest minds can encounter. In this conversation we explore some of the many concepts that David surfaces in his books, such as 'dysrationalia,' a term that challenges our understanding of the expert mind, and explore the balance between evidence-based wisdom and the ever-present risk of misinformation. We'll also discuss David's approach to identifying and navigating the minefield of lies and misinformation, a skill increasingly crucial in our information-saturated world. His insights on the dichotomy of genius types and the

In this episode, we're exploring the themes of mindfulness, acceptance, and actionable confidence with authors Dr. Alison Maitland and Jenna Ashford, as they discuss their latest book, 'Drop the Struggle.' This thought-provoking work challenges readers to embrace discomfort, engage with the present, and focus on what truly matters. Alison and Jenna bring a wealth of experience to the table, and they start by sharing their backgrounds, providing context for the insights that follow. The book's central message encourages moving beyond the confines of positive thinking, advocating for a more nuanced approach to personal and professional challenges. The conversation delves into the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a framework that underpins the book's philosophy. Alison and Jenna address the natural human tendencies of nerves, comparison, and competition, reframing these as part of our survival mechanism. Key skills and perspectives from 'Drop the Struggle' are highlighted, including the con

In our latest episode of Supporting Champions, we had the opportunity to engage in a fascinating conversation with James Collins, recognised as a leading Sport & Exercise Nutritionist. In elite sport he has worked with Team GB Olympic teams and athletes over three Olympic Games. He joined Arsenal Football Club in 2010, where he spent seven seasons as the club’s first performance nutritionist. He has worked as a consultant with England Football, France Football (2018 World Cup winners), and is currently a consultant with Chelsea FC. He was a project lead of an international team of 31 authors to produce the ‘UEFA Expert Group Statement on Nutrition in Elite Football‘, the best practice guidelines within the sport, published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM). James is Managing Director of INTRA Performance Group working with talent from elite sport and entertainment from their Harley Street clinic. He was previously elected President of The Royal Society of Medicine’s Food and Health Forum an

In this episode of Supporting Champions, we're joined by Amy Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and a leading authority on psychological safety. We delve into her new book, "The Right Kind of Wrong," a title that intriguingly challenges our perceptions of failure. Our conversation begins with Amy's sharing her expertise on creating environments that foster growth, development, and performance. Amy's perspective is particularly timely, as there's a growing appetite for understanding and skillfully nurturing psychologically safe spaces. Amy emphasizes that better teams don't necessarily make fewer mistakes but are more open to discussing them. This is exemplified in her NASA example, where tired teams, who had been working hard together, outperformed fresh teams. We explore whether psychologically safe teams take more interpersonal and task-based risks. Amy decodes sports contexts and consequences, addressing how results-focused environments can create fear

In this week's episode, I'm excited to welcome back Cody Royle, author of "A Second Set of Eyes," for an in-depth discussion about the need for coaches to have coaches. We explore the often-unspoken emotional and psychological challenges coaches face, delving into themes like masculinity, individualism, and the necessity of a strong support network. The conversation, as you'd expect from anything Cody communicates is rich with insight, exploring fascinating insights about the unique traits that define the coaches that coach expert coaches. We explore how it makes better business sense for teams to require or at least encourage, coaches to get support for their work, well being and performance. This episode goes beyond technical aspects, shedding light on the human elements crucial to effective coaching and leadership. Cody's book https://www.codyroyle.com/podcast Cody on twitter or X or whatever https://twitter.com/codyroyle Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champ

In this episode I speak with, Holly Calvert and Nicole Booth, the co-founders of Athlete Now. This innovative platform is revolutionising the way athletes access expert performance support, from nutritionists and physiologists to essential services like insurance and legal support. Simultaneously, it's a game-changer for practitioners, offering them a space to showcase their services and connect with athletes in need. Before we dive into our conversation, I want to share a personal note. I've joined Holly and Nicole as a director of Athlete Now, and I'm thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project. Our discussion today will delve into the origins, mission, and future of Athlete Now, and I'm here not just as your host but as an active participant in this venture. Holly and Nicole bring a wealth of experience from their backgrounds in sports science and therapy. We'll explore their journey into this field, the serendipitous meeting that led to the birth of Athlete Now, and the unique perspectives they bri