The Real Science of Sport Podcast

A Huge Doping Bust in Georgia Rugby / Epic Climbs and Concussions in Cycling / Who is the Greatest Track Athlete of Them All?

The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Show Notes

Become a Supporter and share your views - a monthly pledge gets you access to the Community, and our endless appreciation!

Show notes

In the news this week: Operation Obsidian - A collaborative investigation between WADA and World Rugby produces a big doping bust in Georgian rugby, revealing collusion and corruption, but to what end? We explain how almost 40 years of bans were given out, and what remains unanswered and unknown (00:16:18) SA Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months, for drugs he says were prescribed by a specialist physician. We explore why this case may run for some time, and have some major implications (00:26:15) The women's Vuelta finished atop the Angliru, producing a new champion and some chat about gear ratios and torque. Plus, concussion in the Giro, with dramatic crashes and racing igniting the race in its first week (00:41:52) Who is the Greatest of all time? Sports scientists set out to take the subjectivity out of the question and produce their lists of the greatest track athletes ever. Do you agree? (00:54:25) A Times survey says a worryingly high proportion of young adults are using banned, harmful products. We wonder about the risk of doping and how the Enhanced Games will amplify it (01:09:20) Gout Gout gets his (latest) 60 minutes of fame. As his star continues to rise, good things are being said, now the performances will follow. We discuss the hype and unrealistic expectation that is steadily building on Australia's superstar (01:15:35) Who wins a half marathon between Luke Littler and Mo Farah, if they have to complete a 501 leg of darts every mile? A ridiculous question, perfect for Gareth to bring his pub darts experience to the fore! Who do you think wins? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Oct 22, 2026

Become a Supporter for less than the price of one lactate gel a month, and get ad-free shows, a members-only Applied show every week, and Discourse. We promise it is a better investment than the lactate gel, and it won't cause gut issues either!

Oct 19, 2026

SHOW NOTES From the evidence on early specialisation to the formula most likely to produce a champion sportsperson, talent specialist Stuart Armstrong breaks down the science and data on identifying and developing young talent. For parents everywhere with a child showing sporting promise, Armstrong offers practical advice on how to sustain motivation and decide whether to pursue a pro sporting career or foster a lifelong love of sport. Armstrong also breaks down the path most likely to produce a champion, and it's not what you think. Armstrong is the managing director at Future Coach, a Learning Innovation Architect, Skill Acquisition Specialist and host of the Talent Equation Podcast and has spent most of his career working in the talent ID field, having previously worked for Sport England.

Oct 15, 2026

Become a Supporter for ad-free shows, a members-only Applied show every week (durability, this week), and Discourse, where Ironman collapses and other topics are being explored with insight and experience!

Oct 8, 2026

Become a Supporter for ad-free shows, a members-only Applied episode every week, and Discourse, where Steve Hennings asked one of this week's best questions!

Oct 5, 2026

Episode guest Dr Ian Gallen is an award-winning Consultant Endocrinologist at Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. He is a consultant physician, endocrinologist, and diabetologist whose career has included clinical medicine, research, medical education, and work relating to diabetes, exercise, and sport. His particular expertise is in diabetes, exercise and sport, including the practical challenges of managing diabetes during physical activity and competitive sport.

See all episodes →