One Track Mind

Injury – it's one of the biggest problems plaguing the sports industry. Aside from the obvious potential for physical pain, injuries are to blame for a lot of shortened careers, lost matches, and millions of dollars in potentially avoidable spending. It's no surprise then that sports organisations are eager to find that magical technology – the one that can predict (and avoid) injuries with genuine accuracy.

But is this even possible? There are many who say it is, or indeed that they're already doing it, but Sam and his expert guests aren't so sure. In fact, Sam's had a bit to say on this topic before:
- https://twitter.com/robertson_sj/status/1157188689702707200?lang=en
- https://www.bullhorn.fm/paceyperformancepodcast/posts/XE6PEmb-pacey-performance-podcast-258-sam-robertson-professor-of-sports-analytics-at-victoria-university

We're first joined by Dr Ken Quarrie, Chief Scientist for New Zealand Rugby where he helped develop the nationwide injury prevention program, Rugby Smart, which has since been adopted in countries across the globe.

Next up, Sam speaks with Professor Sergio Fonseca from the Department of Physical Therapy at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil. One of the editors of the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, Sergio's research focuses on applying dynamical systems and ecological approaches to musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports.

Together, Sam, Ken and Sergio dig deeper into this hot button topic to look at what's stopping us from making injury prediction a reality.

What do you think? Tell us on our socials:
- Instagram: @track.vu
- Twitter: @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com/podcast

We talk a lot about technology on this show – how it’s used, why it’s used, and the impact it has across all different types and levels of sport. We know that enormous amounts of time and money are spent developing tech that helps us track and train athletes – but it’s certainly not perfect. So what’s missing? And what are the holy grail technologies that sports scientists can only dream of?

On this episode we’re joined by two of the most experienced sport scientists on the planet. We’ll discuss their own journeys in the tech side of sport, how it’s changed over the past few decades, and perhaps most importantly and interestingly of all, where technology can and should go next.

Our host, Professor Sam Robertson, is first joined by Dr David Martin. With over 35 years of experience and 110 scientific publications under his belt, David has held many leading roles in sports behemoths such as the Australian Institute of Sport and the Philadelphia 76ers. He is now the Chief Scientist for Apeiron Life and a Professor at Australian Catholic University.

Next up, Sam speaks with Dr Darren Burgess. Another major name in the field, Darren is  the High Performance Manager at Melbourne Football Club, and previously held similar prominent positions at Arsenal FC, Port Adelaide FC, Football Federation Australia, and Liverpool FC. 
 
Together, Sam, David and Darren discuss the mistakes we make in how we use the technology we already have, and where it will potentially take us in the coming decades.

What do you think? Tell us on our socials:

• Instagram @track.vu
• Twitter @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com/podcast

Sport reflects life – all of it's beauty,  and all of its ugliness too. But is it a two-way street? What role does sport play in shaping society? Sporting organisations and athletes are in a powerful position to effect change across all manner of fundamental issues, so how can they do that and how much responsibility lies on their shoulders?

To break things down, host Professor Sam Robertson is joined first by Professor Corinne Reid, Interim Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Victoria University. Having previously worked with numerous Olympic teams and athletes, Corinne is now the executive sponsor of the university's Sport Strategy and its Planetary Health Initiative, both committed to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Next up, Sam speaks with Professor Kate Henne, Director of the School of Regulation and Global Governance, Professor at the Australian National University, leader of the Justice and Technoscience Lab, and Honorary Professor at Arizona State University. Her studies focus on how science and technology contribute to the governance of persons and populations, spanning biometric surveillance, human enhancement and well-being, sports governance, and technologies of policing.

Together, Sam, Corinne and Kate discuss how sport and sportspeople can drive social change, the barriers in doing so, and the level of responsibility we should take on.

What do you think? Tell us on our socials:

• Instagram @track.vu
• Twitter @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com/podcast

Despite our ever-increasing ability to measure the world around us in minute detail, predicting the future with total accuracy is impossible. But that's not to say we can't identify plausible scenarios for which we should prepare. So how do we do that in sport and what do those scenarios look like?

To break things down, host Professor Sam Robertson is joined first by Dr Michael Linley. A Senior Research Fellow at Victoria University and Managing Director at international advisory firm, Brand Capital, he is a scenarios planning expert who has helped governments, sports organisations, banks and airlines to anticipate and plan for the unknown.

Next up, Sam speaks with Nicolas Evans, the Head of Football Research & Standards at none other than FIFA. During his decade-long tenure, Nicolas has been integral to leading the organisation in all facets of innovation and future preparedness, not only at the elite level, but at amateur and grassroots levels as well. 

Together, Sam, Michael and Nicolas discuss how sporting organisations can remain relevant into the future, what's driving the progression of sport, and whether it's headed in a direction that we can be happy with. 

What do you think? Tell us on our socials:

• Instagram @track.vu
• Twitter @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com/podcast

Coaching is something we've long seen as distinctly human – a powerful and emotional exchange between coach and athlete. But like almost every other role in sport, coaching is now being augmented by technology. Is this non-stop stream of data helping our coaches and athletes? Or is it getting in the way of what really matters?

To break things down, host Professor Sam Robertson is joined first by Dr Martin Buchheit. Martin spent seven seasons as the Head of Performance for Paris St Germain Football club, has published of 170 scientific papers, and is now Head of Performance Intelligence Research at Kitman Labs. 

Next up, Sam speaks with renowned coach Lisa Alexander. With 30 years of coaching under her belt, Lisa is perhaps best known for her decade-long tenure as Head Coach of the Australian Diamonds national netball team, with her 81% win rate marking her as one of the most successful coaches in Australia's history.

Together, Sam, Martin and Lisa discuss how coaching has changed over the years, whether coaches have become too reliant on technology, and what skills we'll be looking for in coaches of the future. 

What do you think? Tell us on our socials:

• Instagram @track.vu
• Twitter @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com/podcast

We all have different ideas of what it means to be 'fair' and who we need to be fair to. Is the way we currently do things in sport fair? Will it ever be? Is it possible to actually be fair to athletes, fans, owners, and the sport itself, all at the same time? And who should be making and enforcing these decisions?

To break things down, host Professor Sam Robertson is joined by Professor Sigmund Loland and John Boultbee AM. Sigmund is a renowned Professor of Sport Philosophy at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences and a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency ethics committee.  John, a former barrister, is currently the CEO of the National Sports Tribunal of Australia and has previously held many leading positions in sport, including Director of the Australian Institute of Sport, Head of National Teams at Football Federation Australia, and High Performance Director of Volleyball Australia. 

Together, Sam, Sigmund and John discuss whether and how sport can be made more fair, how technology is playing into this, and the delicate nuances involved in trying to make things fair for everyone. 
 
What do you think? Tell us on our socials:

• Instagram @track.vu
• Twitter @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com/podcast

Society is staring down the barrel at major changes to how we work, and it's no different in sport. If you're currently part of the sports ecosystem, or preparing to enter it, how will your role change over the coming decades?

To break things down, host Professor Sam Robertson is joined by Dr Patrick Ward and David Joyce. Patrick is the Director of Research and Development for NFL's Seattle Seahawks and Founder of strength and conditioning facility Optimum Sports Performance. David is a sports strategy and leadership consultant, internationally recognised for his work with elite clubs and Olympic teams across the globe, as well as his two best-selling books. 

Together, Sam, Patrick and David discuss if technology will render certain roles obsolete, if new ways of consuming and participating in sport also mean more work to go around, and whether educational institutions are teaching content that will even be relevant by the time students graduate. 

What do you think? Tell us on our socials:

• Instagram @track.vu
• Twitter @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com/podcast

What, if any, are the limits for artificial intelligence in sport? Will AI help take sport to new levels of exciting never-before-seen gameplay? Or will it cause sport to no longer be considered ‘sport’ at all?

To break things down, host Professor Sam Robertson is joined by two brilliant guests. First up is Dr Ellen Broad, renowned artificial intelligence expert and author of much-awarded book 'Made By Humans: The AI Condition'. Next, Sam chats to Dr Xavi Schelling, Director of Sports Science and Performance for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs. Together, Sam, Ellen and Xavi discuss the benefits and dangers of AI, how it affects the sports industry and people working within it, how it's currently being utilised to track athletes, and how we might make better use of it in the future. 

What do you think about the use of AI in sport? Help, hindrance or something in between? Tell us on our socials:

• Instagram @track.vu
• Twitter @trackvu

Subscribe to the Track newsletter for a regular dose of sport's science insights from our team of leading researchers and further reading for every episode topic. Learn more and see full episode transcript at trackvu.com

Coming December 3rd, it's the first episode of Track and Victoria University's brand new podcast, One Track Mind.

Brought to you by a team of leading sports science researchers, One Track Mind digs into the real forces, issues and innovations shaping the future of sport. Each episode, host Professor Sam Robertson asks a big question, and gets help answering it from some of the greatest minds in sport.  We're talking tech, politics, culture, economics, and more, to find out how sport is changing and how it's going to affect us all.

In the first episode, we'll be asking: Is technology ruining the athlete-coach relationship? Subscribe now so you don't miss out. Available on iTunes, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, or anywhere you get your fix.

For further reading and behind the scenes content, sign up to the newsletter at trackvu.com and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

We'll see you on December 3rd.