Dan Bigham is an athlete of the highest order, principally in the disciplines of individual and team pursuit with multiple national and World cup titles. Recently Dan is taking a pop at Bradley Wiggins’ hour record too. But Dan has achieved this level of performance with a band of brothers who congregated together and plied their collective physical talents with a mindset of simply trying to ‘work performance out’. Dan is an engineer by training and spent numerous years working in motorsports and sports analytics using his big brain and curiosity to ask questions, explore, be willing to go off script in the pursuit of performance. Dan’s recent book Start at the End, tells the story of how he led this team to success using the principles of reverse-engineering. And while you’ll hear Dan get into the technical details of aerodynamics etc, you’ll also hear how this attitude has spilled or you could say has been applied to all aspects of personal and team performance too.  
Notes
Early introduction to a range of sports
Cycling interests increase and coincide with business development of Team KGS
Team Derbados!!!!
The closing of systems after initial success
Creating loss, fail at competition or training, questions decisions
Don’t be annoying
Marginal gains and not stretching too thinly
Separating the results from the process
Open conversations and feedback sheets shared with everyone clarity over metrics and selection 
Dan’s lesson on team organisation /dynamics: listening, decision making, attitude etc
 
Links
You can follow Dan on Twitter
https://twitter.com/DanBiggles22
Start at the end book 
https://www.shopforwatts.co.uk/products/start-at-the-end-book
 
You can get bonus content from me at Youtube, take a look at the link in the show notes - 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8W3kvAsvtDDsEayex-1i5A
On Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve
Supporting Champions on;
Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs
Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions
Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions

094: Dan Bigham on reverse engineering performance

Steve Ingham, performance scientist, leader and author, explores the science, art, purpose and origins of high-performance. Steve interviews and discusses these concepts with the people who have been there and done it, whether it’s achieving at the highest level, been the driving force in making remarkable performance happen or those who have explored and researched aspects of human performance in real-depth.

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In today’s episode I’m delighted host Iñigo Mujika. It is no exaggeration to say that Inigo is one of the World’s leading applied physiologists with a particular specialism in endurance training, tapering, and peaking strategies and has an extensive background working with elite athletes across various sports.
In this episode, Iñigo shares insights from his career, discussing the characteristics of effective and less effective teams he's been a part of and his approach to balancing real-time data with in-depth monitoring and research. We'll also dive into his specialization in tapering and peaking, exploring how these practices vary across different sports and how teams prepare for pinnacle events like the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Additionally, we'll discuss Iñigo's latest publication, 'Endurance Training - Science and Practice,' now in its second edition, and how his research informs practical strategies for athlete preparation. We'll wrap up by considering the future of sports science and what needs to be done to further develop the profession of performance staff.
Whether you’re involved in sports professionally or simply passionate about athletic performance, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.
 
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Links
https://www.inigomujika.com/en/books/endurance-training-science-and-practice-2-edicion/
https://x.com/inigomujika_en
https://www.sportsoracle.com/course/ioc-diploma-in-strength-and-conditioning/
Practitioners looking for a place to be found, sports and athletes looking for expert practitioners? Sign up to Athlete now
https://theathletenow.com/
 
Links
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8W3kvAsvtDDsEayex-1i5A
https://twitter.com/ingham_steve 
https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions 
www.twitter.com/support_champs
www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions
 https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

142: Iñigo Mujika on peaking, tapering and working in different systems

Today, I’m joined by Stephen Seiler, a renowned expert in sports science, to explore the integration of technology in sports performance, education, and health. Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive research into the physiological aspects of endurance training and his insights into the optimal use of technology in enhancing athlete performance.
In our conversation, we discuss the double-edged sword of technological advancements in sports. We cover how wearable devices and artificial intelligence can profoundly impact training effectiveness and sleep efficiency, but also the risks they pose, such as overtraining and potential injuries. Stephen and I delve into the importance of maintaining a balance between high-tech solutions and traditional coaching methods to achieve the best outcomes for athletes.
We also touch on broader topics, such as the implications of digital technology on learning and the critical role of understanding both physiology and technology to apply them effectively in sports. Stephen shares his perspective on the potential of AI to personalize training interventions and its integration with physiological data to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
 
Links
Follow Stephen on Twitter https://twitter.com/StephenSeiler
Spotify Playlist mentioned by Steve
Physiology https://open.spotify.com/playlist/38rCXTukPgm0OteNKn2UcK?si=57ae445ce6b04758
Links Twitter at https://twitter.com/ingham_steve https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

141: Stephen Seiler on the future of sport science

In this episode, we spotlight the journey and insights of Mehdi Kordi. With a rich and varied background, from biomedical science, to aerospace physiology, to accountancy, to mice in the Andes (yes you heard me correctly), then ultimately into a career in sports science and eventually coaching at the elite end of cycling. First Mehdi was at British Cycling as the sports scientist and hen coach at British Cycling, working with the Para team to Tokyo Games. 
Then Mehdi moved onto the Dutch National Cycling Federation and is currently creating outstanding success, in his role success as Head Coach (Track Sprint). When I say outstanding success, Mehdi truly encapsulates getting bang for the buck, that is in sports like cycling a mix of technology and human performance, generally the more money yoo put in the better your results. 
Mehdi and his small team have created disproportionate success by focusing on what matters most. Think ‘Massive Gains’ rather than ‘Marginal Gains’. Mehdi's experiences offer a rare glimpse into the high-performance delivered with imagination, creativity, priority and constraints led innovation. 
So, irrespective of whether you like cycling or not, and if you do there is some juicy detail about riding a kilometer very fast, Mehdi’s insights are more about a way of thinking and working, that breaks the mould, of more is better, that could be applied to a range of systems, teams and pursuits.

140: Mehdi Kordi on focussing on what matters

Welcome back to the Supporting Champions Podcast. Today, we're exploring the transformative power of focusing on solutions, not problems, with the insightful Paul Z Jackson. From his early days as a comedy writer and improvisation teacher to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of applied improvisation, Paul's journey is as fascinating as it is varied. His work, especially the acclaimed book 'The Solutions Focus,' co-authored with Mark McKergow, has been a beacon for many, including myself, since its first impact on me back in 2011.
Paul's approach is simple yet revolutionary: Don’t fix what isn’t broken, find what works and do more of it, and if something doesn’t work, try something else. It’s about making positive changes by identifying and amplifying useful change, recognizing that detailed problem analysis often doesn’t lead to solutions. This mindset shift from a problem focus to a solutions focus can stir optimism, hope, and ambition, changing the way we tackle challenges in sports, business, and life.
In our discussion, Paul delves into how this approach applies across various contexts, from coaching athletes to enhancing team dynamics. He shares insights on how to help people improvise and adapt, drawing on his extensive background in comedy and improvisation. We also touch on the importance of recognizing the small changes that signal big progress and staying 'solutions focused' rather than 'solutions forced.'
Paul's work with the Applied Improvisation Network and The Improvisation Academy further underscores his belief in the power of improvisation as a skill for life and business, teaching us to make use of what’s there and to embrace the possibilities of the past, present, and future.
Follow Paul’s work;
https://impro.org.uk/
Buy The Solutions Focus
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solutions-Focus-3rd-Transforming-consultants/dp/1399816527/
https://www.amazon.com/Solutions-Focus-3rd-Transforming-consultants/dp/1399816527/

 

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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 Twitter at https://twitter.com/ingham_steve https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/

139: Paul Z Jackson on solutions focus

In this episode I speak to Meike Bartels, a renowned researcher in wellbeing and happiness. Meike's research work uncovers the layers that contribute to our sense of fulfilment, exploring how genetics, environment, and personal habits intertwine to shape our happiness.
In our conversation, Meike highlights that wellbeing is an evolving state, influenced by positive surroundings and actions. We discuss the differences between eudemonic and hedonic wellbeing, the genetic basis of happiness, and the essential balance between work and life for maintaining our wellbeing.
Meike provides intriguing insights into the genetic factors that account for about 40% of the variation in happiness across populations, opening up discussions about personalised approaches to enhancing wellbeing. We also cover the 'exposome' concept, illustrating how a wide range of external factors from birth affects our growth and happiness.
A key focus of our discussion is the significance of acknowledging individual preferences in both life and work. Meike advocates for environments that cater to personal genetic makeup for better wellbeing and stresses the importance of adapting work settings to meet employees' unique needs.
We also explore the role of physical activity in mental health, discussing the benefits of finding enjoyable physical activities and the concepts of 'effort forcing' and achieving a flow state for optimal performance and satisfaction.
I really enjoyed the conversation. Meike is not surprisingly a sunny person, but at the same time straightforward in her advice about making active choices in our lives to enhance our happiness.
Follow Meike on:
X - https: //twitter.com/Meike_Bartels
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/meike-bartels/
-
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... 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... Listen to the podcast https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk... Links Twitter at   / ingham_steve     / supportingchampions   Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions   / supportingchampions

094: Dan Bigham on reverse engineering performance

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