In the latest episode of the ‘Experts in Sport’ podcast Loughborough University’s Head of Para Sport Nik Diaper looks into evidence-based classification in Paralympic sport and the role that research can play in achieving it. 

The group, brought together by Professor Vicky Tolfrey, sees Nik joined by Emma Wiggs MBE, a Paracanoe athlete and 2016 Rio Paralympic Gold Medallist, Iain Gowans, Classification Manager for the British Paralympic Association and Dr Barry Mason, a Senior Research Associate at the University’s Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport – who has since moved to Head of GB Wheelchair Rugby’s Performance team.  

The panel discuss some of their own experiences with Classification and evidence-based classification research, highlighting the importance of Classification within Paralympic sport.  

Para-athlete and research associate Sam Ruddock discusses the Paralympic Games, stigma and changing attitudes around the worlds with a range of guests.  

Host Martin Foster is joined by Dr Sam Winter, Senior Lecturer from Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Professor John Dickinson, an established international expert for applied practice and research into athlete respiratory care. 

Sam, John and Martin discuss a range of topics around respiratory physiology, including the basics of breathing and breathing techniques, the implications of asthma and asthma treatment in elite sport and how research is helping to diagnose and help dysfunctional breathing.  

Host Martin Foster is joined by Professor James Skinner, Dr Daniel Read and Professor Barry Houlihan to discuss drug testing athletes, why they dope and much more...

Host Martin Foster looks into the biomechanics of endurance running with Dr Sam Allen, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Dr Steph Forrester, Reader in Sports Engineering and Biomechanics at the Sports Technology Institute.  

Host Martin Foster is joined by Dr Richard Blagrove and Dr Max Paquette to discuss one of the biggest issues facing elite endurance runners: injury, which can derail training programmes and can prevent runners reaching major championships and achieving success. 

Sport psychologist Dr David Fletcher discusses athlete preparations for an Olympics that may not have taken place due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Sleep expert Professor Kevin Morgan discusses the impacts of competing in a different time zone and how athletes can prepare to ensure that their performance isn't hindered.

Heat expert Dr Lee Taylor discusses how top athletes can best prepare to compete in hot weather conditions such as those expected at the Tokyo Olympics.

Host Martin Foster (Applied Sport Management Lead), sits down with Simon Bayliff, Founder and Managing Director of ARETÉ, and ex-Arsenal FC and now Beijing FC professional footballer Nico Yennaris, to delve further into the world of talent management in the football industry.