Building the Future of Sport & Exercise Medicine in South Africa – With Prof. Martin Schwellnus

Building the Future of Sport & Exercise Medicine in South Africa – With Prof. Martin Schwellnus

Author: South African Sports Medicine Association September 15, 2025 Duration: 23:02

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, host Kyle Winik speaks with Prof. Martin Schwellnus — a global authority in Sport and Exercise Medicine, Director of the IOC Research Center in South Africa, and President of the College of Sport and Exercise Medicine SA.

They explore the evolution of sport and exercise medicine in South Africa — from its academic beginnings at UCT in the early 1990s to the specialty’s official recognition in 2020. Prof. Schwellnus shares his insights on the College’s role in athlete care, its broader impact on fighting non-communicable diseases through exercise prescription, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Importantly, the conversation looks ahead to the College of Sport and Exercise Medicine’s upcoming conference this October in Johannesburg, where experts and practitioners will gather to discuss advances in athlete health, chronic disease prevention, and the future of the specialty in South Africa.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in how sport and exercise medicine is shaping both elite performance and public health.


Produced by the South African Sports Medicine Association, SASMA connects the dots between clinical research and the real-world demands of training and competition. This isn't just a lecture series; it's a vital dialogue for anyone invested in athletic performance and well-being. You'll hear experienced sports medicine professionals in candid conversation with the physicians, physiotherapists, sports scientists, and psychologists who work at the forefront of the field. Their discussions delve into the practical applications of new studies, break down emerging treatment innovations, and debate evolving best practices. Whether you're an athlete fine-tuning your recovery, a coach designing safer programs, or a medical practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, this podcast serves as an ongoing seminar. The conversations are detailed and nuanced, offering actionable insights that bridge the gap between the journal article and the clinic, the lab and the field. Tune in to SASMA for a thoughtful exploration of how the science of sports medicine is continuously refined, challenged, and put into practice.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

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