Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Creatine”

302: Creatine and the Evolution of Performance Nutrition

Science for Sport — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Creatine is now one of the most widely used and well-researched supplements in elite sport — but few people know the story of how it first made its way into Olympic performance programmes.

In this episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, Richard Graves sits down with Steven Jennings, one of the key figures behind the early adoption of creatine in elite sport, to unpack a remarkable story that begins long before creatine was common knowledge.

Steven takes us back to the early 1990s — a pre-internet era where sports nutrition research travelled slowly, secrecy mattered, and a single kilogram of creatine played a role in reshaping performance preparation ahead of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. From working directly with pioneering researchers at the Karolinska Institute to navigating Olympic-level scrutiny, this is a rare, first-hand account of how science moved from the lab to the field.

Beyond performance sport, the conversation also looks forward. Steven shares why he believes we are only just beginning to understand creatine’s wider potential — from cognition and ageing to plant-based diets and long-term health.

This is an essential listen for practitioners who want to understand not just what works in performance nutrition, but how evidence, trust, regulation, and timing shape real-world impact.

In this episode you will learn

What creatine actually is and how it works at a cellular level
How early research in the early 1990s changed elite sport preparation
Steven’s role in bringing creatine into Olympic sport ahead of Barcelona 1992
Why creatine was (and still is) legal, safe, and fundamentally different from banned substances
How creatine became associated with repeated high-intensity performance and recovery
Why creatine research is now expanding beyond sport into cognition, ageing, and health
Why we may still be “scratching the surface” of creatine’s full potential

About Steven Jennings
Steven Jennings is a sports nutrition entrepreneur and former professional cyclist who played a pivotal role in the early commercialisation of creatine for elite sport. In the early 1990s, he worked directly with leading researchers from the Karolinska Institute to help translate groundbreaking creatine research into real-world Olympic performance programmes.

Over the past three decades, Steven has remained closely connected to the evolution of creatine research, from elite performance applications to emerging work in health, cognition, and ageing. Today, he continues to focus on education, innovation, and the future direction of creatine science.

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255: The Post-Workout Mistake Elite Athletes Never Make

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

From Elite Athletes to Weekend Warriors: The Science of Sports Nutrition with Dan Richardson
Join host Richard Graves as he sits down with sports nutritionist Dan Richardson, who shares his expertise from working with Leeds United Academy and Leicestershire County Cricket. In this eye-opening episode, Dan breaks down the myths and misconceptions around sports nutrition, revealing why your post-workout nutrition might be more about fruits and vegetables than protein shakes.

Discover:

Why the 'food first' approach isn't always enough
The truth about creatine and common supplement misconceptions
How to properly fuel before, during, and after exercise
The science behind recovery nutrition and why timing matters
Practical nutrition strategies for both elite and recreational athletes

Whether you're training for your first marathon or looking to optimise your athletic performance, this episode delivers actionable insights on how nutrition can enhance your training, recovery, and overall athletic success. Dan's blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience working across multiple sports makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in the science of sports nutrition.

About Dan Richardson
Dan Richardson is a distinguished sports nutritionist currently serving as the Academy Nutrition Lead at Leeds United Football Club and nutrition consultant for Leicestershire County Cricket's men's first team. With an academic foundation in Sports Science from Durham University and a Master's degree in Sports Nutrition from Manchester, Dan has built an impressive career supporting athletes across multiple sports including football, rugby, netball, and hockey. He also works with developing athletes through the Talented Athlete Support Scheme, helping GB and national team competitors optimise their performance through evidence-based nutrition strategies. Dan's approach emphasises "food first, but not food only," combining practical experience with scientific research to deliver results for both elite athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts. His expertise spans from youth development to professional sports, making him a trusted voice in sports nutrition.

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98: The Sport Supplements That Will Take Your Performance To The Next Level

Science for Sport — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 02:00:00 +0000

In episode 98 Jarred Marsh, Head of Performance at Kaizer Chiefs FC, joins us.

Specifically you will learn:

How to avoid accidental doping
The supplements that really work
How to test whether a supplement really works for you

About Jarred

"I'm actually trained and educated as a rehabilitation specialist, and I've held a position of head of performance at one of Africa's biggest football clubs for the last seven years. And over the last couple of years, I've I've basically developed a keen interest in supporting areas that we've kind of defined as being behind the curtain. Those being nutrition and wearable tech. And I'm hoping that through my experience and knowledge and the bit of Dunning Kruger curve there, but basically hoping that my experience and knowledge can help educate the coaches of tomorrow and help develop the athletes of the future."

Twitter: @jarred_marsh
Instagram: @jarred_marsh

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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