The Rise of Southern African Sprinting / London Marathon Pacing Blunders / Seixas to the Tour / Your Carb Questions Answered

The Rise of Southern African Sprinting / London Marathon Pacing Blunders / Seixas to the Tour / Your Carb Questions Answered

Author: Professor Ross Tucker and Mike Finch May 7, 2026 Duration: 1:30:10

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Show notes


In today's Spotlight, a spin around the world of sports news, and some listener questions answered:


  • A look back at the World Relay Championships from Botswana, featuring some of the greatest relay performances ever seen, including from some unheralded names
  • London Marathon statistics, courtesy a pair of analyses that shed light on how we pace marathons, and how few actually get it right
  • The fine line between regulating and strangling innovation in sport, after Coe speaks about super shoes in running
  • Speaking of innovation, do the Enhanced Games count? We look ahead to that event with some thoughts from Sean Ingle's latest article
  • We tell you why we think Paul Seixas going to the Tour de France is the right decision and discuss the risks people had offered against it
  • Listener JRB asks a question about training with carbohydrates, and whether there's any merit in a 'train low, compete high' high approach when it comes to carbs?
  • Still on the subject of carbs, what's the deal with fructose? Listener Phillip asks about its role in the carbohydrate model, and we explore some theory and practical advice
  • A smaller ball is being trialled in women's rugby - at least one player is very unhappy about it. We discuss
  • In the AFL, teams will be mandated to employ psychologists full-time in response to an incident featuring a player. Is that the right call? In some ways, but Ross has some reservations


Links



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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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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