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The show

This week on The Real Science of Sport Spotlight world records fall and big questions rise. Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet lit up the track in Eugene—how fast can they go, and what happens if (or hopefully when) they clash over 5000m, 3000m, or possibly even 1500m? Their record-breaking performances headlined a meeting that showed track and field can be exciting, modern, and appealing to younger fans. Is the sport in better shape than critics thought? From spikes to strings, we then turn to Wimbledon, where Electronic Line Calling has come under fire. Is the system flawed, or just misunderstood? We break down the tech, the myths, and why perfection was never the point.

In our Center Stage (27:44), we focus on the Tour de France, where concussions, broken bones, and questions of responsibility have again reared their head. Do race organizers or riders bear the blame? We explore the UCI's priorities, enforcement of their own rules, and creation of new rules with marginal benefits. We also discuss the race. Jonas Vingegaard says he’s heavier, more muscular, and more powerful than ever. Will that close the gap to Pogacar? Is he solving the 'wrong' problem, and how will that increased mass play out against a relentless Pogacar in the mountains?

We also Spotlight listener insights in Ross Replies (52:00), with a focus on David Roche’s Western States DNF and his pre-race transparency. You wondered whether he created mental and emotional pressure on himself by being so open, and we discuss. In Listener Lens (58:25), we celebrate some Discourse success stories. And finally (1:02:16), are endurance athletes more likely to have daughters? A quirky study suggesting so closes the show.

Links

• USADA statement on the father and son banned for testosterone use
• Guardian article on the tech failures and player mistrust of electronic line calling
• Strong criticism of the UCI/ASO for a hazardous stage finale in the race
• The Michael Woods Tour diary in which he describes the ASO approach to safety, including his thoughts on how to improve safety
• Vingegaard's comments about his power, weight and performance prospects
• Are athletes getting older - for DISCOURSE only, Max's amazing analysis on age of elite athletes over the years
• Endurance athletes are more likely to have girls - the quirky paper we finished on

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Kevin Ullyett has won 34 career tennis titles - including two doubles (2001 US Open, 2005 Australian Open) and one mixed (2002 Australian Open) Grand Slams - and had a world ranking of 107th in singles. So he knows what it's like to fight his way through the ranks and play among the best. In this interview with Ross and Mike, Ullyett explains what it takes to make it to the top tier of professional tennis, the daily and financial pressures of just breaking even, how players cope with loneliness and the ups and downs and how modern developments in string technology have changed the face of the game in the last 10 years. It's a fascinating insight into the realities of a career where unwavering determination is one of the most important qualities a player can have,

SHOW NOTES

Kevin Ullyett's Wikipedia page

Andre Agassi's mind games with Boris Becker

Another funny Agassi story about a young Rafael Nadal

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We kick off this Spotlight at the Western States 100, where much of the buzz centered on David Roche’s DNF. Roche, a polarizing figure who promised to “science the shit” out of the race, faced unfair criticism both before and after the race, and Ross reflects on how the scientific process often works best when the "hypothesis" fails, and why confronting failed hypotheses to explain under-performance is more beneficial than riding a wave of success .

The "science the shit out of it" theme continues with Nike’s hyped attempt to help Faith Kipyegon break the 4-minute mile. It didn’t just fall short—it missed by a long shot, with Kipyegon never really giving the barrier a scare with a pacing strategy that reveals they all knew it was not truly feasible. Ross and Gareth unpack the science, pseudoscience and "hacks" behind the effort, with honorable mentions for the obviously flawed claims by scientists about drafting benefits, and criticism of many media who parroted hype points without critical thought. We wonder what the athlete who could break 4 looks like, and postulate that they probably don't exist. Yet. From ultra to ultra-short, we shift to the 100m, where Kishane Thompson clocked a blistering 9.75s—the fastest in a decade, leading Gareth to wonder why sprinting seems to have plateaued post-Bolt?

In Center Stage (37:14), legal expert Matt Kemp joins us to dissect a recent rugby case where a player successfully sued an opponent for causing a spinal injury with a reckless off-the-ball collision. Could this open the door to more civil claims in contact sports? Matt explains the legal standards around recklessness and duty of care. Ross Replies (1:15:23) to Discourse member Paul on the purpose of sports science and what "truth" means when studies can't be replicated?

And in Listener Lens (1:24:15), we explore ATP's role in exercise, wonder whether you can ever “run out” of it, and how the purpose of metabolism is to keep it in good supply. And Finally (1:31:17), we invite you all to join our Tour de France Fantasy League, and see if you can top Gareth and Ross' picks in our two leagues!

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Links

• Analysis of the 100m event that inspired our 100m chat
• Gymnastic medalists are getting older
• Report on the decision ruling in favour of a player injured by opponent
• Matt, our new legal expert, is a partner at Becker Kemp Solicitors & Attorneys
• Ross' reply to Tony on the ATP depletion question - members only
• TDF FANTASY LEAGUE - play one of our two leagues

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