E100: Where History Begins - Loughborough's Journey Through Sport
In this episode of Experts in Sport, we discuss Where History Begins-Loughborough's Journey Through Sport. Learn about Loughborough's early beginnings in Sport and how we grew into the number 1 university in the world for sport!Where did history begin?: 1:46 Where are we now?: 5:11 The World Wars: 8:28 Military connections: 10:49 Sport Performance: 12:22 Sport education and research: 20:00 Best in the world: 24:53 Olympics and Paralympics: 28:18 The future: 35:04 #loughborough #university #loughborough university #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history #100
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E99: Smarter Sport - Using Athlete Data to Drive Innovation in Women's Sport
Data driven innovation: 2:42 Athlete voices: 10:38 Academic barriers: 18:14 Hormonal changes: 23:46 Encouraging participation: 29:40 Data transformation: 33:19 The next generation: 39:20 Next steps: 45:16
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50:24
E98: Home Advantage - How the Women’s Rugby World Cup Impacts Local Communities
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England has broken records both on and off the pitch — from advancing gender equity to achieving unprecedented broadcasting figures and ticket sales. But what do these successes mean for host councils and local communities once the tournament ends?In this episode, we speak with Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, whose portfolio spans the local economy, culture, and leisure, and Dr Becca Leopkey from the University of Georgia, a world-leading expert on the visible and invisible impacts of hosting major events.Our vibrant conversation centres on Northampton, an official host town that staged tournament games across three weekends and delivered a range of community activations. These engaged local residents, sports clubs, businesses, and universities throughout the Rugby World Cup. Cllr Petter and Dr Leopkey share insights on the importance of involving diverse local groups, capturing both planned and unexpected successes, and addressing the crucial question: what’s next?Together, they explore how Northampton can build on the momentum of the tournament to deliver long-term regional benefits. This episode forms part of the Summer of Women’s Sport mini-series supported by the Institute of Advanced Studies and Spirit of 2012, who champion inclusive knowledge exchange and partnership building.Want to know more? Make sure to check out the Loughborough University Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, plus the Loughborough Lightning rugby franchise who kick off their PWR season with Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens this autumn.What does hosting mean?: 4:00Harnessing the hosting: 8:45Yarn bombing: 10:07Maintaining the momentum: 13:19The Fanzone: 17:36Next steps: 23:03 Collaboration: 35:10
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47:09
E97: Are we setting women up to fail in fitness?
For millions of women, the journey to fitness can be a frustrating one, filled with confusing advice that doesn't seem to fit their bodies. But what if the problem isn't with them, but with the industry itself? In this episode of Loughborough University's Experts in Sport podcast, we explore that very question as part of our Women in Sport series.In this episode we are joined by Baz Moffat, a former Team GB athlete and CEO of The Well HQ. She argues that a critical lack of female-specific education is failing both trainers and their clients. We discuss the current landscape of personal training qualifications and how, through better educating people working in the fitness industry, we can improve health and fitness outcomes for women around the world.Intro: 0:00How hard should we be pushing?: 7:03 The menstrual cycle: 10:54Women's health: 15:32 Current education: 18:07The problems: 28:00 Future education: 31:36 Quick fixes: 39:17 Where to learn more: 44:35
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E96: Strength in Numbers - Researching Gender Equity in Wheelchair Rugby
What does gender equity really mean in a sport as physically demanding and strategically complex as wheelchair rugby? In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking research project that’s challenging assumptions and driving change for women in para-sport. Through personal reflections and expert insights, we explore why representation matters, how performance is measured, and what it takes to build inclusive pathways for female athletes.Joining the conversation are Dr Thomas Rietveld from the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport at Loughborough University, Richard Allcroft, President of World Wheelchair Rugby, Lauren Templeton, Regional General Manager for Europe at World Wheelchair Rugby, and Jason Brisbane, Chief Executive Officer of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. Together, they share personal insights, strategic goals, and reflections on the Women’s Cup in Paris — a key testing ground for inclusive rule changes like the 0.5-point classification for female athletes. Whether you're a coach, policymaker, athlete, or simply curious about the future of inclusive sport, this episode offers a compelling look at how data, collaboration, and lived experience are shaping the next phase of wheelchair rugby.Intros: 0:00Gender Equity: 4:19 The research: 11:11 The rule change: 15:56 The athlete voice: 21:44 Collaboration: 28:42 Research call to action: 34:33 Takeaways: 36:46#loughborough #university #education #student #Experts in sport #podcast #sport #research #experts in health #fitness #women #women's health #women in sport #women's hub #world cup #rugby #women's rugby #wheelchair #wheelchair rugby #gender #equity
Experts in Sport: The Loughborough University Sportcast, a podcast which brings together sporting excellence and academic knowledge. Hosted by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University.
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