“Women’s physiology isn’t a problem to be solved - it’s an opportunity to innovate.”

In this fascinating episode of The Game Changers podcast, I speak with Professor Kirsty Elliott-Sale, one of the world’s leading researchers in female physiology, about the critical need for women-focused sports science.

From her unconventional journey into the field, to leading ground-breaking research, Kirsty challenges outdated approaches and highlights why women’s health must be at the centre of performance science, not an afterthought.

We cover:

➡️  Bridging the research gap – why we must innovate rather than simply adapt male-based models

➡️  The Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport –  how the Manchester centre is dedicated to advancing research and collaboration

➡️  ACL injuries in female athletes – does oestrogen play a role, or are we missing the bigger picture?

➡️  Menstrual-cycle-based training – the scientific evidence (or lack of it) behind tailoring training to cycle phases

➡️  Pregnancy & performance – how attitudes are shifting, and why more female athletes are competing as mothers

➡️  The future of women in sports science – how young women can break into the field and drive change

Kirsty’s message is clear: women’s physiology isn’t a limitation—it’s a strength that should be studied, understood, and embraced.

“If we only ever research men, we’ll only ever understand men. It’s time to stop playing catch-up and start leading.”

Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.

Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers

Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media

A Fearless Women production