The Norwegian Way: What We Can Learn From Their Success

The Norwegian Way: What We Can Learn From Their Success

Author: Professor Ross Tucker and Mike Finch April 15, 2026 Duration: 1:32:23

Norway is one of the most advanced sporting nations in the world, thanks to a unique structure which allows athletes to access the latest science and coaching. The team speak to Oyvind Sandbakk, the Sports Director at the Norwegian School of Elite Sports and a Professor at the School of Sport Science at the UiT The Arctic University of Norway. A former World Cup cross-country skier himself, Oyvind has worked with many of Norway's top athletes in Nordic sports and talks in detail about the famed 'Norwegian Method', how the best minds combine to produce some of the best sportspeople in the world and what the future of sports training may look like.


SHOW NOTES


STUDY: Training session models from Norwegian coaches

STUDY: Best Practice Training Characteristics Within Olympic Endurance Sports, As Described By Norwegian World-Class Coaches

STUDY: The Evolution of World-Class Endurance Training: The Scientist’s View on Current and Future Trends

STUDY: Perspectives of World-Class Endurance Coaches on the Evolution of Athlete Training and Performance

STUDY: A paper Oyvind did on double-day training compared to single session



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Ever wondered what actually happens inside an athlete's body during a marathon, or whether the latest training trend is backed by evidence? The Real Science of Sport Podcast cuts through the noise with a unique blend of academic rigor and frontline reporting. Professor Ross Tucker, a world-renowned sports scientist, and veteran journalist Mike Finch form an engaging partnership, dissecting everything from athletics and rugby to soccer and cycling. Each episode feels like a deep, insightful conversation where complex research is translated into understandable takeaways, myths are debunked, and heated controversies are examined from all angles. You’ll hear them analyze the latest studies, extract practical lessons from professional athletes and coaches, and speak directly with leading global experts in exclusive interviews. This isn't just sports talk; it's a thoughtful exploration of the mechanisms, psychology, and culture behind performance and competition. For anyone with a curious mind and a passion for sport, this podcast offers a consistently fascinating look at the real stories behind the headlines and the physiology beneath the jersey.
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