Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Athlete Development”

314: Player Load, Practice Periodisation, and the Art of Keeping It Simple with Jackson Polk

Science for Sport — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Richard Graves is joined by Jackson Polk, Director of Sports Science at the University of Southern California (USC), for a conversation that covers the full spectrum of what it actually means to do this job well, from wrangling a thousand Catapult metrics down to the handful that matter, to the perhaps surprising conclusion that conversation might be your most powerful tool.
Jackson's path into sports science isn't the conventional one. He started as a student videographer with Oklahoma football, found himself drawn to the patterns hiding in data, and taught himself enough statistics and analytics to make coaches stop and listen. That curiosity eventually took him from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, where he's spent the past four years building USC football's sports science programme from the ground up.
What makes this episode stand out is Jackson's willingness to be honest about uncertainty, about AI, about his own mistakes, and about the limits of any single metric or method. He's equally at home referencing Principal Component Analysis and the TV show Veep, and that breadth of thinking is what makes him worth listening to. Whether you work in elite sport, study sports science, or just want to understand what goes into keeping a college football roster performing at its best, there's plenty here to take away.

In This Episode You Will Learn

Why reducing Catapult's thousand-plus metrics down to a focused few, Player Load, sprint volume, and repeat sprint exposures, actually produces better decisions than trying to monitor everything
How Jackson uses principal component analysis to build confidence in the data he's presenting to coaches and athletes
The "iceberg" model of athlete monitoring: what data can tell you, and what only a direct conversation will uncover
Why practice periodisation and load management have been one of USC's biggest organisational wins, and how PlayerLoad underpins that planning
How force plates (via VALD/ForceDecks) and velocity-based training tools like Perch complement GPS data to reveal readiness on any given day
The case for teaching college athletes sound recovery habits early, so they're not spending their rookie contracts figuring out what works
How Jackson thinks about AI in sports science: where it's useful, where to be cautious, and why it's only as good as the data it's trained on
Why communication, not technology, is the cornerstone of an effective sports science operation, and how to make data digestible for coaches under pressure
The value of building a culture where experimentation and failure are treated as learning, not liability
Lessons from Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke on separating process from outcome, applied directly to sports science decision-making

About Jackson Polk
Jackson Polk is the Director of Sports Science for USC Trojans football, a role he was elevated to in 2024 after serving as Assistant Director from 2022–23. He joined the USC support staff in March 2022, bringing with him an unconventional background that blends mathematics, data science, and a deep passion for American football.
His journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he spent four seasons as a student videographer before becoming a volunteer performance analyst. While at OU, he co-founded the Oklahoma Sports and Data Analytics Club, which went on to win the Pro Football Focus Analytics Blitz contest. He completed his bachelor's degree in mathematics at Oklahoma in 2021 and subsequently pursued a master's in data science and analytics.
At USC, Jackson has been responsible for building the football programme's sports science infrastructure, integrating GPS monitoring, force plate testing, and load management into daily practice planning. He holds an MBA alongside his analytical credentials, and his work sits at the intersection of data science and high-performance sport.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

Learn Quicker & More Effectively
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

301: Training for the Unknown: Olympic BMX Freestyle with Brian Roy

Science for Sport — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, Richard Graves is joined by Brian Roy, a strength and conditioning coach who has spent the past decade working at the sharp end of action and lifestyle sports, including Olympic BMX Freestyle.
BMX Freestyle is still a relative newcomer to the Olympic programme, but its physical demands, injury risks and performance challenges are unlike almost any traditional sport. In this episode, Brian shares his unconventional journey into elite sport, from personal training and postgraduate study to travelling the world with BMX athletes on the global stage.
Together, Richard and Brian explore what it really takes to prepare athletes for a sport defined by explosive power, aerial skill, high-impact landings and constant travel. Brian offers a refreshingly honest perspective on athlete buy-in, bespoke programming, and why traditional strength testing and rigid systems don’t always transfer to non-traditional sports.
This is a fascinating conversation for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and anyone interested in how performance support adapts when the sport doesn’t fit neatly into a textbook.

In this episode you will learn

The unique physiological and biomechanical demands of BMX Freestyle competition
How to prepare athletes for repeated 60-second, maximal-effort runs across a full competition day
Why traditional strength testing and gym-based metrics don’t always translate to action sports
How Brian adapted training around constant travel, limited gym access, and athlete preferences
Practical strategies for building resilience and reducing injury risk in high-impact sports
Why athlete buy-in often comes from listening, adapting, and being present rather than enforcing systems
How emerging video and motion-analysis technology could shape the future of training in BMX Freestyle and similar sports

About Brian Roy
Brian Roy is a strength and conditioning coach with over 10 years’ experience working in action and lifestyle sports. He holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and is currently undertaking further postgraduate study in Applied Sports Science Analytics.
Brian has worked closely with elite BMX Freestyle athletes on the international stage, including those competing at the Olympic Games, and has developed a reputation for adaptable, athlete-centred training approaches. His work focuses on performance, resilience, and real-world transfer rather than rigid adherence to traditional testing models.
Brian regularly shares insights from his work on LinkedIn and Instagram, where he discusses training philosophy, emerging technology, and lessons learned from working in non-traditional sports environments.

298: Building Better Athletes. Michigan’s High-Performance Approach with Lew Porchiazzo

Science for Sport — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This week, Richard Graves sits down with Lew Porchiazzo, Assistant Director for Strength & Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Michigan.

Lew brings more than 16 years of experience at one of the most successful athletic departments in the NCAA. His journey from a Division III football lineman to a leader shaping the development of athletes in softball, gymnastics, men’s soccer and more, is filled with hard-earned lessons, humility, and an unwavering commitment to supporting people first.

In this conversation, Lew dives into:
• How to develop trust-driven relationships with athletes
• What it truly takes to “raise the floor” of athletic performance
• Why systems like Perch have changed the way Michigan trains
• The realities of guiding young, ambitious athletes through strength, power, and conditioning programmes
• The age-old question: How strong is strong enough? How fit is fit enough?
Lew’s philosophy blends evidence-based practice, a deep understanding of human behaviour, and a humility-first leadership style that resonates across the world of elite sport.

In this episode, you will learn:

How Lew progressed from internships to a senior leadership role at Michigan—and what he learned along the way
Why treating athletes as humans first is central to unlocking performance
How Michigan individualises training across sports with vastly different demands
The process of integrating Perch velocity-based training and how it transformed athlete intent and coaching quality
How to use real-time data to adjust loads, manage fatigue, and protect athletes from themselves
When to stop chasing maximal strength and start focusing on raising the floor for performance
How to guide young athletes who want PBs every week without compromising long-term development
Why the most fulfilling moments in coaching come from watching athletes realise they’re capable of more than they thought
Lew’s leadership philosophy: vulnerability, authenticity, and serving others
The role of strength & conditioning in creating athletes who are not only powerful and robust—but durable and available

About Lew Porchiazzo
Lew Porchiazzo is the Assistant Director for Strength & Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Michigan, where he has worked since 2009. He currently oversees physical development for a range of elite programmes including softball, women’s gymnastics, and men’s soccer.
Lew began his career with internships at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and Baylor University, before joining Michigan as a graduate assistant. Across 16+ years he has become a central leader within the department, known for his athlete-first approach, relationship-driven coaching style, and commitment to developing staff and students with authenticity and humility.
His expertise spans strength training, power development, velocity-based training, long-term athlete development, and programme design across sports with widely different physical demands. Beyond the weight room, Lew is passionate about helping athletes grow as people—and maintaining a love of movement and training long after their competitive days are over.
He occasionally even officiates weddings… but you’ll have to listen to the episode to hear that story.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

293: Johnny Nelson on the Gym that Created World Champions

Science for Sport — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by boxing legend Johnny Nelson MBE, the longest-reigning cruiserweight world champion in history. With a story that spans early losses, a transformative mentorship under Brendan Ingle, mental resilience, structural discipline, and elite-level performance, Johnny offers a rare window into the mindset and preparation of a world-class athlete.
From his humble Sheffield upbringing through a gritty apprenticeship in Europe to standing atop the world with 13 title defences, Johnny reflects on the physical demands of his sport, the mental architecture that carried him, and how those lessons translate into high-performance sport science environments today. Whether you’re working with elite athletes, exploring pathway development, or investigating the interplay of mindset, culture and performance. This episode delivers actionable insight.

You’ll Learn

How deliberate structure and environment in the early years set Johnny’s foundation for world-class performance, and what that means for athlete development pipelines in elite sport.
The interplay between physical conditioning and mental readiness: why Johnny argues that even 99% physical fitness isn’t enough without mental strength to match.
How a coach/mentor adapted learning modality to individual athlete needs (story-based learning vs. written instruction) and how that insight translates to sport science practice.
The “apprenticeship phase” of elite athletes: why Johnny spent six years as a sparring partner across Europe, what he learned about failure, character-building and resilience, and how that maps to athlete development models.
The transition out of elite competition: Johnny’s reflections on his own injury-forced retirement, loss of gym identity and how elite sport practitioners can support athlete exit and long-term wellbeing.
Practical take-aways on environment design, multicultural team culture, and creating performance contexts that simulate hostile or challenging conditions (drawing on Johnny’s anecdotes of gym culture and travelling abroad).

About Johnny Nelson
Johnny Nelson (born 4 January 1967, Sheffield) turned professional in 1986 after a modest amateur career. He trained under iconic coach Brendan Ingle at the Wincobank gym in Sheffield, where he developed not only boxing skills but a mindset of relentless belief and self-validation.
In March 1999 he captured the WBO Cruiserweight World Title and held it until his retirement in 2006—during which he defended it 13 times, the most ever in cruiserweight history. Post-career, Johnny has built a prominent role as a boxing pundit, keynote speaker, and mentor around mindset, resilience and high-performance culture.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

290: Rewiring Performance: The Neuroscience Behind Mindset and Recovery

Science for Sport — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Dan Metcalfe, former youth footballer, West End performer, Olympic development coach, and now international keynote speaker and founder of Born Superhuman.
Dan’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From a career-ending accident that left him paralysed and blind in one eye, to rebuilding his life, defying medical diagnoses, and going on to coach Olympic-level athletes. His journey is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and human potential.
In this inspiring conversation, Dan shares the philosophy that underpins his Born Superhuman method, revealing how mindset, breathwork, hydration, and self-belief can transform performance in sport and life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Dan overcame paralysis and rebuilt his life
Why mental training is just as critical as physical training for peak performance
The seven pillars of Dan’s Born Superhuman philosophy and how they apply to everyone
How reframing setbacks as “gifts” can unlock growth and success
Why elite athletes and CEOs alike struggle with the same mental blocks, and how to rewire them
The simple word change that helped Dan drop from 21% to 8% body fat without changing his diet
How hydration, sleep, and breathing directly impact focus and performance
The neuroscience behind belief, recovery, and human potential

About Dan Metcalfe
Dan Metcalfe is a performance and mindset coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Born Superhuman. His remarkable journey spans football, theatre, and elite sports coaching. After suffering paralysis and vision loss in a stage accident, Dan defied medical expectations and rebuilt his body and mind through sheer determination and psychological mastery.
He went on to become Nike Youth Coach of the Year (USA), leading players into professional football and working across the US Olympic Development Program. Today, he helps elite athletes, business leaders, and teams unlock their full potential through his Born Superhuman framework, blending neuroscience, mindset, and performance principles to inspire extraordinary results.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

288: How Scotland Built a Fitter, Faster, Stronger Rugby Team

Science for Sport — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Stuart Yule, Head of Physical Performance with the Scotland national rugby team.

Stuart’s career has spanned elite roles in football, hockey, and judo, before moving into rugby where he’s been a driving force behind Glasgow Warriors’ success and Scotland’s rise on the international stage. Drawing on his unique background as a Commonwealth Games athlete, physiotherapist, and S&C coach, Stuart shares powerful insights into developing players who can thrive at the very highest level.
This episode gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Scottish Rugby has evolved over the past decade and what it takes to prepare athletes to perform on the international stage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Stuart’s unique journey, from weightlifting in his dad’s garage to competing for Scotland – shaped his approach to performance.
The key differences between preparing players at club vs. international level.
Why alignment across national pathways has been critical to Scotland’s success.
How Scottish Rugby has raised physical standards and created a culture of continual improvement.
Lessons from other sports (including judo, athletics, and AFL) that are now embedded in rugby performance.
The importance of technical mastery, co-created training programmes, and athlete ownership in achieving world-class results.
How Scotland are preparing physically to compete with the best rugby nations in the world.

About Stuart Yule
Stuart Yule is Head of Physical Performance with the Scotland national rugby team. A two-time Commonwealth Games competitor in weightlifting, Stuart’s career spans physiotherapy, strength & conditioning, and high-performance coaching. He has worked across football, hockey, and judo before joining Glasgow Warriors, where he played a pivotal role in their domestic and European success. Since 2017, Stuart has been a cornerstone of the Scotland national setup under Head Coach Gregor Townsend, helping raise performance standards and prepare players for the demands of test rugby.

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

Learn Quicker & More Effectively
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

285: Ellie Wilson: Inside the High-Performance World of Women’s Football

Science for Sport — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Ellie Wilson, a professional footballer who has played for Reading, Bristol City, Sheffield United, Wolves, and most recently Melbourne Victory in Australia’s A-League Women.

Ellie opens up about her journey through elite football, from being rejected by academies as a young player, to representing England U19s, U20s and U23s, battling an ACL injury, and helping Melbourne Victory break club records this season.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone working in or around sports science, performance support, and high-performance teams who wants to understand the real challenges athletes face behind the scenes — and how the right environment can shape success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the infrastructure and support systems in women’s football are evolving — and where they still need to catch up.
The physical and psychological demands on female athletes during adolescence and how clubs can better support them.
How Ellie navigated a 13-month ACL rehab and what it taught her about athlete wellbeing and return-to-play planning.
Why preparing for life beyond football is vital, and how her sports science degree and S&C studies helped her do that.
What it’s like to be part of a team that breaks records but misses out on silverware, and how to process that experience.
How penalty shootouts are prepared for and the role of psychology in those high-pressure moments.
Practical advice for coaches, practitioners, and parents supporting the next generation of female players.

About Ellie Wilson

Ellie Wilson is a professional footballer currently playing for Melbourne Victory. She has previously played for Reading, Bristol City, Sheffield United, and Wolves, and has represented England at U19, U20 and U23 levels, playing alongside stars like Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo.

Ellie holds a degree in sports science and is studying towards an advanced strength and conditioning qualification, showing her commitment to both performance on the pitch and life beyond it.

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

Learn Quicker & More Effectively
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

279: Culture, Consistency, and Coaching Success in Elite Sport with Steve McNamara

Science for Sport — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Steve McNamara, one of Rugby League’s most experienced and respected minds. With a career spanning over 36 years across playing and coaching, Steve has done it all, captaining Hull FC, coaching England at a home World Cup, and leading Catalans Dragons to their first major silverware.

From working on Hull’s fish docks to standing on the touchline at Wembley, Steve reflects on the evolution of the sport and the people and principles that shaped him. Whether you’re a performance coach, team manager, or aspiring leader in sport, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Key takeaways from this episode:

The importance of early coaching influences and how Brian Smith shaped Steve's entire coaching outlook
What it was really like transitioning from part-time pro in the mud to full-time athlete in the Super League era
How to build identity and unity in a national team without a home base – and why Steve moved England’s programme to Loughborough
Leading England to a heartbreaking 2013 World Cup semi-final defeat — and how to handle pressure and process loss
Turning around Catalans Dragons: the brutal honesty, cultural differences, and a French barbecue that changed everything
Why great coaches need great support teams – and Steve’s advice to anyone aspiring to coach at the highest level

From tactical insights to leadership philosophies, Steve shares stories that are honest, humorous, and hugely insightful.
**
About Steve McNamara**
Steve McNamara is a former professional Rugby League player and top-level coach with over 35 years in the game. He’s coached England at a home World Cup, worked in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, and led Catalans Dragons to their first major trophy and multiple Grand Final appearances. Known for his leadership, culture-building, and tactical insight, Steve is one of the sport’s most respected figures.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

273: Creating Complete Athletes

Science for Sport — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Richard Graves is joined by performance specialist Julia Eyre, a sports scientist and psychologist with a rich background in elite sport. From working with U.S. collegiate athletes to roles with German Olympic federations and the TSG Wieseck Football Academy (a partner of Eintracht Frankfurt), Julia brings a multidimensional approach to athlete development.
Founder of Whiteline Performance Group, Julia focuses on creating environments where athletes thrive as humans first, pushing back against the outcome-obsessed culture of high-performance sport.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The real difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and why both matter
How imposter syndrome shows up at every level of sport, and what to do about it
Practical tools for building psychological safety and trust in high-performance settings
How to develop a reflective coaching style that supports long-term development
Why embracing uncomfortable thoughts can unlock consistent, world-class performance
A clear breakdown of self-determination theory and what it means for athletes and coaches This is essential listening for sports scientists, coaches, and practitioners working in elite environments, especially those looking to align peak performance with athlete wellbeing.

About Julia Eyre
Julia Eyre is a sports scientist and psychologist with extensive experience in elite sport across Europe and the U.S. Currently working with TSG Wieseck Football Academy and multiple German Olympic federations, Julia is also the founder of Whiteline Performance Group, which supports clubs, schools, and federations in creating holistic, human-first athlete development systems. With academic training in both sports science and clinical psychology, Julia specialises in motivation, coach education, and psychological safety in high-performance environments, and contributes to the Science for Sport education platform.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

263: Secrets of Success: What Makes Teams Thrive?

Science for Sport — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Join host Richard Graves in this episode of the Science for Sport podcast as he dives deep into the world of sports performance with the experienced consultant Tom Clough. With over a decade of experience, Tom shares his journey from aspiring athlete to a leading strength and conditioning coach, offering valuable insights that will resonate with both sports scientists and fans alike.

In this episode, Tom discusses his transformative experiences in the US sports system and how they shaped his coaching philosophy. He explores the crucial role of leadership in sports, emphasising the importance of staying connected with teams to foster an environment of trust and collaboration.
Discover how diversity within a team can be its greatest strength, and learn about the challenges and triumphs that come with overcoming adversity in high-stakes environments. Tom also sheds light on the evolving role of technology in sports performance and the importance of interpreting data meaningfully to drive success.

Whether you're a budding sports scientist or a passionate sports fan, this episode is packed with insights that will deepen your understanding of what it takes to excel in the world of sports. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind successful coaching and the power of teamwork in achieving greatness!

About Tom Clough
Tom Clough is an accomplished performance consultant and strength and conditioning coach with over a decade of experience in the field of sports performance. Passionate about athletic development, Tom began his career in personal training and sports therapy before pursuing an internship in the United States, where he honed his skills in strength and conditioning.
Having worked with both rugby league and rugby union teams, Tom has a unique perspective on the coaching landscape, emphasising the importance of leadership, connection, and diversity within teams. His journey has taken him from the UK to the US and back, where he has been instrumental in helping athletes overcome challenges and achieve their peak performance. Tom is currently working with the Huddersfield Giants and continues to share his insights on coaching and performance enhancement.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

259: Every Impact Matters: The Game-Changing Initiative

Science for Sport — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this fascinating deep-dive, we explore a groundbreaking initiative that's set to revolutionise our understanding of impact forces in youth American football. The Denver Broncos Foundation and Riddell are launching an unprecedented state-wide programme that will generate millions of data points on player impacts, technique, and load management at the secondary school level.

But the real story goes beyond the helmets. How does a thin proprietary film inside each helmet capture and translate impact data? What insights can coaches extract from nearly a million recorded impacts across 13,000 secondary school athletes? And most intriguingly - could this massive data collection effort fundamentally change how we approach technique development and injury prevention in contact sports?

Join us as we dissect the technology with Riddell's Brian Kopp and explore the programme's implementation with the Broncos Foundation's Allie Engelken. We'll examine:
The science behind impact sensing technology
How real-time analytics are revolutionising coaching methodology
The potential implications for evidence-based practice in youth sports
Whether you're a sports scientist, strength coach, or performance specialist, this episode offers unprecedented insights into the future of data-driven player development.
This isn't just about American football - it's about understanding how technology can bridge the gap between elite and grassroots sports science.

About Allie Engelken
As Executive Director of the Denver Broncos Foundation, Allie Engelken is driving transformative change in youth sports across Colorado. With extensive experience in community development and sports philanthropy, she leads strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between professional and grassroots sports. Under her leadership, the Foundation has launched unprecedented programs, including the largest statewide smart helmet initiative in American football history. Her work focuses on removing barriers to participation while elevating safety standards in youth sports through innovative partnerships and technology adoption.

About Brian Kopp
A pioneering figure in sports technology and analytics, Brian Kopp serves as Senior Vice President at Riddell, where he leads the development and implementation of their groundbreaking smart helmet technology. With over two decades of experience in sports innovation, Brian previously held executive positions at STATS LLC and SportRadar, where he transformed how data is used in professional sports. His expertise spans across player tracking, performance analytics, and safety technology development, making him one of the industry's leading voices in sports science and equipment innovation.

250: The Science for Sport Story

Science for Sport — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we unveil The Science for Sport Story with none other than its founder, Owen Walker. From his early days chasing football dreams to building the world’s go-to platform for sports science education, Owen shares the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that shaped Science for Sport. Discover how a failed footballer’s passion for sports science turned into a revolutionary resource used by professionals and students worldwide.

Join host Richard Graves as he dives into the vision behind Science for Sport, its impact on athletes and coaches, and the exciting future of sports science education. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a coach, or simply curious about the journey of turning an idea into a global phenomenon, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

** About Owen Walker**
Owen Walker is the founder of Science for Sport, a platform revolutionizing sports science education worldwide. Starting as an aspiring footballer, Owen’s passion for understanding performance and recovery led him to a career in sports science, including roles at Cardiff City FC and beyond. With a mission to make evidence-based knowledge accessible to all, Owen has turned Science for Sport into a trusted resource for professionals, students, and coaches globally. His journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of education.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241