E99: Smarter Sport - Using Athlete Data to Drive Innovation in Women's Sport

In this episode Martin talks to Professor Stacy Clemes and Dr. Grant Charlesworth-Jones to explore the pressing health challenges facing the UK workforce. From rising rates of long-term illness and sedentary lifestyles to the overlooked health crisis among truck drivers, the conversation dives deep into the systemic issues and potential solutions. Drawing on over a decade of research, the guests share insights into the SHIFT programme—Structured Health Intervention for Transport—and discuss how employers, policymakers, and individuals can take proactive steps to improve wellbeing, productivity, and safety across the nationLearn more about the SHIFT programme here: https://www.ncsem-em.org.uk/research/optimising-health-wellbeing/impact/the-shift-study/State of the nation 2:01GP health 7:18Driver health 14:48SHIFT 17:54The issue with truck driving 33:41What are we doing about it? 35:52Driving better health 44:30Changes 47:35Future research 54:19Further information 57:10#loughborough #university #loughboroughuniversity #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history

Lord Sebastian Coe joins the Experts in Sport podcast for a wide-ranging conversation tracing his journey from Loughborough student-athlete to one of the most influential figures in global sport. In this compelling episode, he reflects on the lessons learned from his legendary athletics career, shares untold stories and the immense pressure behind delivering London 2012, and offers his vision for the future of athletics in an increasingly complex world. With candid advice for the next generation of sports leaders, this is a rare and inspiring insight into the mind of a true sporting icon.Arriving at Loughborugh 1:06 Chancellor 11:16 Life after athletics 16:10 London 2012 23:33Spirit of 2012 37:08 Navigating challenges 41:55 Opportunity in athletics 49:13 #loughborough #university #loughborough university #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history #sebcoe

In this episode of Experts in Sport, we discuss Where History Begins-Loughborough's Journey Through Sport. Learn about Loughborough's early beginnings in Sport and how we grew into the number 1 university in the world for sport!Where did history begin?: 1:46 Where are we now?: 5:11 The World Wars: 8:28 Military connections: 10:49 Sport Performance: 12:22 Sport education and research: 20:00 Best in the world: 24:53 Olympics and Paralympics: 28:18 The future: 35:04 #loughborough #university #loughborough university #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history #100

Every athlete faces performance challenges, but could the answers lie in their data? In this episode, we explore how data-driven innovation is uncovering hidden performance patterns and offering deeper insights into what happens beyond training hours. We also discuss where technology still has room to grow, as we continue unlocking new ways to help athletes get the very best out of themselves.In this episode Dr Samantha Rowland discusses athelte driven data with Liverpool John Moores University's Dr Kelsie Johnson and Loughborough Sport's Olivia Murphy.Data driven innovation: 2:42 Athlete voices: 10:38 Academic barriers: 18:14 Hormonal changes: 23:46 Encouraging participation: 29:40 Data transformation: 33:19 The next generation: 39:20 Next steps: 45:16

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England has broken records both on and off the pitch — from advancing gender equity to achieving unprecedented broadcasting figures and ticket sales. But what do these successes mean for host councils and local communities once the tournament ends?In this episode, we speak with Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, whose portfolio spans the local economy, culture, and leisure, and Dr Becca Leopkey from the University of Georgia, a world-leading expert on the visible and invisible impacts of hosting major events.Our vibrant conversation centres on Northampton, an official host town that staged tournament games across three weekends and delivered a range of community activations. These engaged local residents, sports clubs, businesses, and universities throughout the Rugby World Cup. Cllr Petter and Dr Leopkey share insights on the importance of involving diverse local groups, capturing both planned and unexpected successes, and addressing the crucial question: what’s next?Together, they explore how Northampton can build on the momentum of the tournament to deliver long-term regional benefits. This episode forms part of the Summer of Women’s Sport mini-series supported by the Institute of Advanced Studies and Spirit of 2012, who champion inclusive knowledge exchange and partnership building.Want to know more? Make sure to check out the Loughborough University Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, plus the Loughborough Lightning rugby franchise who kick off their PWR season with Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens this autumn.What does hosting mean?: 4:00Harnessing the hosting: 8:45Yarn bombing: 10:07Maintaining the momentum: 13:19The Fanzone: 17:36Next steps: 23:03 Collaboration: 35:10

For millions of women, the journey to fitness can be a frustrating one, filled with confusing advice that doesn't seem to fit their bodies. But what if the problem isn't with them, but with the industry itself? In this episode of Loughborough University's Experts in Sport podcast, we explore that very question as part of our Women in Sport series.In this episode we are joined by Baz Moffat, a former Team GB athlete and CEO of The Well HQ. She argues that a critical lack of female-specific education is failing both trainers and their clients. We discuss the current landscape of personal training qualifications and how, through better educating people working in the fitness industry, we can improve health and fitness outcomes for women around the world.Intro: 0:00How hard should we be pushing?: 7:03 The menstrual cycle: 10:54Women's health: 15:32 Current education: 18:07The problems: 28:00 Future education: 31:36 Quick fixes: 39:17 Where to learn more: 44:35

What does gender equity really mean in a sport as physically demanding and strategically complex as wheelchair rugby? In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking research project that’s challenging assumptions and driving change for women in para-sport. Through personal reflections and expert insights, we explore why representation matters, how performance is measured, and what it takes to build inclusive pathways for female athletes.Joining the conversation are Dr Thomas Rietveld from the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport at Loughborough University, Richard Allcroft, President of World Wheelchair Rugby, Lauren Templeton, Regional General Manager for Europe at World Wheelchair Rugby, and Jason Brisbane, Chief Executive Officer of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. Together, they share personal insights, strategic goals, and reflections on the Women’s Cup in Paris — a key testing ground for inclusive rule changes like the 0.5-point classification for female athletes. Whether you're a coach, policymaker, athlete, or simply curious about the future of inclusive sport, this episode offers a compelling look at how data, collaboration, and lived experience are shaping the next phase of wheelchair rugby.Intros: 0:00Gender Equity: 4:19 The research: 11:11 The rule change: 15:56 The athlete voice: 21:44 Collaboration: 28:42 Research call to action: 34:33 Takeaways: 36:46#loughborough #university #education #student #Experts in sport #podcast #sport #research #experts in health #fitness #women #women's health #women in sport #women's hub #world cup #rugby #women's rugby #wheelchair #wheelchair rugby #gender #equity

In this episode of the Women in Sport Summer Series, we explore how governance, marketing, and collaboration are driving transformation in women’s sport—both in the UK and globally.Featuring Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women’s Rugby at the RFU, and Dr Dana Lee Ellis, a leading academic in sport marketing and event governance, we unpack the strategic role of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the power of inclusive networks, and the importance of visionary innovation initiatives.This conversation is part of the Women in Sport Summit, supported by the Institute for Advanced Studies, Spirit of 2012, and the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub at Loughborough University.Intros 0:00Leadership and collaboration: 3:50The eve of the Rugby World Cup: 8:14Amplification: 11:57Focus on women's sport: 14:08Sport beyond the event: 16:23Global and private examples: 23:51Inclusive leadership: 32:01Looking ahead: 38:27Key takeaway: 45:25#LoughboroughUniversity #ExpertsInSport #SportsInnovation#FemaleAthletes #Podcast #Rugby #rugbyworldcup #womensports Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/

Welcome to a special episode of the Experts in Sport Podcast, brought to you by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University.In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential topics in women’s sport: breast health and the science of sports bras.Exploring why most sports bras don’t offer enough support, the impact on performance and injury risk, innovations in design, fit, and education, and how research is driving real change for athletes.Intro 0:00Health implications 3:31Research 5:13Why has it been overlooked? 7:34Awareness 14:45Female anthropometry 20:59What to look for in a bra 28:32What’s next? 37:36Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published.  The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly.#LoughboroughUniversity #ExpertsInSport #BreastHealth #SportsInnovation#FemaleAthletes #Podcast #SportsApparel #Rugby #Lionesses #SportsBraEducation

In this episode of Experts in Sport, host Dr Hannah Fox Dugdale is joined by Dr Verity Postlethwaite to explore the groundbreaking launch of Loughborough University’s Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub. Discover how this initiative is set to transform women’s sport from grassroots to elite, tackling real-world challenges with cutting-edge research.We also hear from special guest and former England international, Karen Carney OBE, as she shares powerful insights on athlete health, equity in sport, and what this hub means for the future.A must-listen in the build-up to the 2025 Summer of Women in Sport!Intro: 0:00Karen Carney: 8:07Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub: 8:47 The research gap: 10:50 Women focused research: 14:39 The media: 20:41 Leadership: 23:26 The hub contribution: 25:23 Women’s sport in action: 27:09 Karen Carney OBE is also an ambassador for the new hub - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2024/september/karen-carney-sport-health-wellbeing-ambassador/For more information visit:https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2025/march/women-in-sport-hub-launch/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/women-in-sport-hub/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias/programmes/women-in-sport/https://www.ncsem-em.org.uk/events/tackling-the-gap/