Show Notes
In this episode, hosts Patrick Doan, Harriet Thurlow, and Aisling McHugh sit down with two-time Olympian and Sports Podiatrist, Matthew Clarke. Matt offers a rare "dual-lens" perspective, navigating the world of elite athletics as a 3,000m steeplechaser while maintaining a high-level of clinical practice. In this wide-ranging conversation, Matt shares how his experiences on the track directly inform his patient care, covering: The Parallel Path: How Matt’s journey into elite running began simultaneously with his podiatry studies at La Trobe University to "fill the void" of a light first-year contact schedule. Creative Problem Solving: Why sports podiatry often requires "throwing out the rule book" to help athletes meet aggressive recovery timelines. Injury as a Teacher: A look at Matt’s personal battles with hamstring tears and a complex Achilles sheath injury, and how being a "terrible patient" taught him to better empathise with his clients. The Steeplechase Nuance: The biomechanical demands of "running over something," the neuromuscular economy of hurdling, and why a "springy" Achilles is non-negotiable for elite runners. Footwear Science: Matt’s expert take on the evolution of running shoes, from the benefits of Piba foam and high-stack rockers to the transition from specialised leather spikes to modern ventilated uppers. Clinical Psychology: How the skills of "psychoanalysing" patients in the clinic—tailoring communication to suit anxious or ambitious personalities—transfer to coaching the next generation of athletes at Team Tempo. Whether you are a competitive runner, a clinician, or a student, Matt’s insights into balancing the "risk-reward" of elite performance provide a masterclass in modern sports medicine
Guest Bio: Matt Clarke Matt Clarke is a dual Olympian in the 3,000m steeplechase, having represented Australia at both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He is currently the reigning Oceania and Australian champion and holds the South Australian record for the steeplechase with a personal best of 8:16.57. When he is not competing on the world stage, Matt is a practicing sports podiatrist at the Sports and Arthritis Clinic in South Australia. He specialises in helping athletes optimise performance and prevent injury by integrating evidence-based clinical practice with his firsthand knowledge of elite-level training. Matt also serves as a coach for Team Tempo, where he mentors developing distance athletes. His unique "clinician-athlete" perspective allows him to bridge the gap between high-performance sports and specialised podiatric care. Stream now to join the conversation on clinical excellence and elite performance. 🎧👟
Join the SEPA Community Enjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field. www.sepa.org.au
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