Supporting Champions

156: Dr Ali Sanders on high performance in the helicopter emergency services

In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Dr Ali Sanders, whose journey seamlessly bridges two worlds of extreme performance: Olympic rowing and emergency medicine.
Ali’s story is one of grit, adaptability, and relentless dedication. From discovering rowing by chance at university to competing at the Olympic Games, Ali has always embraced high-pressure challenges. She shares how those experiences laid the foundation for her work as a consultant in emergency medicine, particularly in the high-stakes environment of air ambulance services.
🔍 Key Topics We Explore:
Ali’s journey from elite sport to a leadership role in healthcare.
The mental resilience and focus required for Olympic competition and emergency response.
How experiences as an athlete shaped her approach to team dynamics and leadership.
The challenges of quick decision-making and preparation in air ambulance services.
The importance of developing emotional resilience in high-pressure medical environments.
Ali’s mission to create better training and support for the next generation of clinical leaders.
Ali brings a unique perspective, combining lessons from sports psychology, leadership, and healthcare, offering insights that anyone working in high-performance or demanding fields can learn from.
🔗 Connect with Dr Ali Sanders: (4) Ali Sanders | LinkedIn
📖 Read about some of Ali's work here: 'You can't go home and not think about it' - BBC News
If you enjoy this episode, like, comment, and subscribe to the channel for more thought-provoking discussions with leaders and experts across sport, healthcare, and beyond.
Use code APPLIED for 50% off all Supporting Champions Courses https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/
#AliSanders #EmergencyMedicine #OlympicRowing #MentalResilience #AirAmbulance #Leadership #TeamDynamics #SportsPsychology #SupportingChampions #Podcast

155: David Bishop on interval training, mitochondria and training stressors

In this episode, I'm joined by David Bishop, a leading researcher specializing in exercise physiology at the University of Western Australia. David takes us through his unexpected journey from a physical education teacher to becoming a renowned expert in muscle metabolism and exercise physiology.
During our conversation, David delves into how training at various intensities impacts mitochondrial adaptations, which are crucial for enhancing athletic performance. We explore the critical balance between training volume and intensity necessary for optimizing mitochondrial function and overall performance. David also shares insights into the future directions of exercise physiology research, including the potential for alternative training methods such as blood flow restriction and the importance of lactate measurements in assessing training intensity.
Key Takeaways
The Science of Mitochondria: Learn how these tiny powerhouses influence your athletic performance.
Training Intensity and Adaptation: Discover the sweet spot between high-intensity and low-intensity training.
The Role of Volume: Understand why consistent training is essential for long-term gains.
Alternative Training Methods: Explore innovative techniques like blood flow restriction and the value of lactate monitoring.
Future Directions in Exercise Science: Get a glimpse into the cutting-edge research shaping the future of training.
Don't miss this fascinating conversation about the science of training.
 
🔗 Follow David Bishop:Twitter: (15) David J Bishop (He/Him) (@BlueSpotScience) / XWebsite: Institute for Health & Sport (IHES) | Victoria University
 
Use code APPLIED for 50% off all Supporting Champions Courses https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/
 
#SupportingChampions #Podcast #ExerciseScience #HIIT

154: Troy Taylor on the state of strength training and what it tells us about our habits

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast. Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Troy Taylor, Senior Director of Performance at Tonal and a distinguished leader in the field of sports performance. With a career spanning elite sports organizations, including his role as the former High-Performance Director for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Troy brings a wealth of experience and cutting-edge insights into optimizing athlete performance.
In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of sports technology, including Troy’s innovative approach to strength training and personalized performance solutions. Troy shares his journey through the world of elite sports, offering invaluable lessons learned along the way. We explore how data-driven insights are transforming coaching practices, and what it takes to lead and inspire high-performing teams in a rapidly changing industry.
Whether you're a sports scientist, coach, athlete, or simply passionate about human performance, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom, engaging stories, and a glimpse into the future of training and technology.
Keep up to date with Troy via Social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-taylor-4577bb38/
Or check out Troy and his teams work at:
http://www.tonal.com
Use code APPLIED for 50% off all Supporting Champions Courses
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/
 
#training #performance #ski #snow #tonal 

153: Chris Shambrook on Lessons from Sport and Business

Today I’m delighted to welcome a legend in the world of sports psychology, Chris Shambrook. With over two decades of experience in high-performance psychology, Chris has worked with elite athletes, including the GB Rowing Team, where he’s been pivotal in helping athletes achieve their peak performance on the world stage.
In this episode, we dive into Chris’s unique approaches to mental resilience, the subtle art of supporting champions through their highs and lows, and the practical tools he uses to help athletes maximize their potential. We explore how the mind can be a tool for excellence, rather than a barrier, and dig into Chris’s insights on the traits and habits of truly successful athletes.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, sports psychologist, or just fascinated by the psychology behind elite performance, this conversation will offer valuable perspectives to elevate your own journey.
 
Find more on Chris' current work here:
https://www.planetk2.com/team/chris-shambrook/
 
Keep up with Chris via Social Media here: https://www.instagram.com/drchrisshambrook/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshambrook/
 
Use code APPLIED for 50% off all Supporting Champions Courses
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/
 
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into the world of sports performance and support! #sports #psychology #business

152: Shona Halson on the Realities of Recovery

This week, I’m thrilled to have the brilliant Dr. Shona Halson join me. Shona is an expert in athlete recovery and a former Senior Physiologist at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), where she spent over 15 years researching and shaping the field of athlete recovery. She has worked with elite athletes, including the Australian Olympic team, to optimize their performance through evidence-based recovery strategies.
In this episode, we dive deep into the science of recovery—what actually works, the myths that still exist, and how the elite get it right (or wrong). Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports science enthusiast, you'll want to hear Shona’s insights on sleep, fatigue management, and recovery technologies that are reshaping the way athletes train and perform.
Join us as we explore the crucial role recovery plays in achieving success and what the latest research is telling us about how to help athletes recover smarter, not harder. 
Find more on Shona here:
Shona Halson | ACU Researcher
Read more on her current research here:
SPRINT Research Centre (acu.edu.au)
Find her on social media here
(5) Shona Halson (@ShonaHalson) / X
 
Use code APPLIED for 50% off all Supporting Champions Courses
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/
 
#recovery #myths #olympics #podcast

151: Bryony Page on Olympic Gold

In this episode of The Supporting Champions Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Olympic gold medallist and trampolining sensation, Bryony Page! Bryony's journey from overcoming self-doubt to standing atop the podium in Tokyo is nothing short of extraordinary. We dive deep into her mindset, training approaches, and the resilience it took to become a record breaker in her sport.
Join me as we explore how Bryony turned her dreams into reality, the highs and lows of elite competition, and what drives her to keep pushing boundaries. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a coach, or simply fascinated by what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you inspired.
 
Watch Bryony's gold medal winning performance here:
https://youtu.be/ky89WzzvRM8?feature=shared
 
You can follow more of Bryony's Journey through her social media:
https://www.instagram.com/bryony_page/?hl=en-gb
 
If you're inspired to get into trampoline, take a look here;
https://www.british-gymnastics.org/england/trampoline
 
 

150: Ben Rosenblatt on Elite Physical Performance

In this week’s instalment I speak with Dr Ben Rosenblatt, founder of 292 performance and former S&C coach for England men’s football and GB women’s hockey. 292 performance is a multidisciplinary performance consultancy that offers support to elite athletes across a range of facets such as S&C, nutrition and psychology. Through his career, Ben has consulted and imparted his knowledge on individuals and organisations such as the premier league, Olympic associations and international military services. Today we are fortunate to sit down with him and discuss his experiences and key philosophies surrounding physical performance.
If you would like to to find more about Bens current work or get into contact to collaborate/work with Ben follow this link:
292 Performance – Elevate Your Game
You can also find Ben via social media at:
(9) Dr Ben Rosenblatt (@ben_rosenblatt) / X
(1) Dr Benjamin Rosenblatt | LinkedIn
Use code APPLIED for 50% off all Supporting Champions Courses
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/
-
Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with you.
I help aspiring and professional Performance Science and Support Staff improve their skills, experience and mindset for working with sports performers through a range of online courses and an exclusive community hub https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse
 
If you're working in sports performance or business and want to get support to develop your team and systems - take a look at what I offer here - https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/speaking/ Listen to the podcast https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/category/podcast/ Links https://x.com/ingham_steve https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions www.x.com/support_champs www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

149: Paolo Menaspa on Applied Research in Elite Sport

This week on the podcast I sit down with Paolo Menaspa. Paolo is the Chief Science Officer at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he has led teams responsible for research & development, quality assurance, athlete performance health, and REST. 
 
Palo has a vast experience in the world of sport, supporting athletes through multiple Olympic cycles across multiple events. With a focus on cycling, Paolo has supported the national coaches and the performance support team developing solutions across multiple disciplines
 
This conversation will give you an insight across Paolo's career thus far, as well as the exciting research and developments he and his team continue to make. 
 
Links
 
Current research agenda: 
https://www.sportaus.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1048268/National-High-Performance-Research-Agenda-2022.pdf
 
And the HP 32+ strategy, with measures of success defined at page 12.
https://www.winwell2032.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1083742/Australias-2032-High-Performance-Sport-Strategy.pdf
 
Use code APPLIED for 50% off all Supporting Champions Courses
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/
 
 

148: Jo Harrison on performance lifestyle, transitions and well-being

In this week's episode I speak with Jo Harrison, the Head of Performance Lifestyle Services at the UK Sports Institute and Founder of WinWell.org
Jo plays a pivotal role in athlete welfare and life beyond sport, and has been a key influence in this shift of focus over recent years. Jo possesses over 20 years worth of experience at the elite level of British sport and has consistently championed the holistic approach to athlete support. 
From her experiences within sport, Jo has co-founded 'WinWell', an organisation set out in the aim of applying the teachings from elite level sport into the world of business. - https://www.winwell.org.uk/
Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with you.
I help aspiring and professional Performance Science and Support Staff improve their skills, experience and mindset for working with sports performers through a range of online courses and an exclusive community hub https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse
If you're working in sports performance or business and want to get support to develop your team and systems - take a look at what I offer here - https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/speaking/
Listen to the podcast https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/category/podcast/
Links
https://x.com/ingham_steve
https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions
www.x.com/support_champs
www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions
https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/
 

147: Stafford Murray on analysis and innovation

On this week’s podcast I speak to Stafford Murray
Stafford is the former Head of Performance Analysis at the English Institute of Sport, Director of Innovation at High Performance Sport New Zealand and now Head of Analysis at England and Wales Cricket Board.
Stafford is a true pioneer in the world of performance analysis and innovation, having been at the forefront of evolving the discipline from match analysis and notation analysis to carving out the discipline of performance analysis. He has successfully stayed at the cutting edge by not only using data and analytical techniques to gain insight and blend with innovation and now embracing data science teams, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
What you’ll hear in this conversation is a heady mix of how world-class practitioner and leader is able to keep difficult concepts simple, balance the hardcore elements of mathematics but ground them in reality and someone who is able to balance the IQ elements with EQ - keeping the coach and the performer at the heart of everything he does.