Supporting Champions

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

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

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 

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

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