The Abnormal Show

I walked into my hotel gym in Macau and a metre away from me was a 19-year-old girl who’s taller than Shaq.

I’ve just got back from NBA China, with Yao Ming at breakfast every morning, and it got me thinking: does hard work actually beat talent? I was never the most talented player on any team I played for and still got a pro contract. But I’ve also stood next to Yao Ming.

We get into the science (it’s not what you think), Wemby, the most talented kid I ever played with, and whether you’re even up against your talent yet.Which gift are you drafting?

Let me know in the comments.

Ironman Barcelona got cancelled the day before the race. Right call, but it left 3,300+ athletes, more than half of them first-timers, with a year of training and nothing to show for it.Which got me thinking: when did we start normalising abnormal feats? 1.3 million people entered the London Marathon ballot, people are running across Africa, and I genuinely don't know if I like running or if I just think I'm supposed to.We get into Ironman's rough 2026, what an Ironman actually costs, whether Strava is doing our running for us, and one question: would you still run a marathon if you couldn't post about it?

The Asian Games has medals for Pokémon, breath-holding kabaddi, and gravity-defying sepaktakraw—but is it actually bigger than the Olympics?

On this episode of The Abnormal Show, I compare the Asian Games and the Olympic Games, from athlete numbers and medal tables to prize money, national pride, and the value of an Olympic medal.

Along the way, discover why China dominates the Asian Games, how Indonesia pulled off a badminton comeback, and what Pokémon Unite is doing in a medal event.

With unusual sports, esports, wild incentives, and a few questions about what really makes a competition prestigious, this is a light-hearted look at the Asian Games vs. the Olympics—and why both matter.

Which would you choose: Asian Games gold or Olympic bronze? Share your pick in the comments.

Welcome to The Abnormal Show! After almost 12 months off, WE ARE BACK! But this time with a brand new look 😎Kimi Antonelli is looking on track to become the youngest EVER F1 World Champion in 2026 at just 20 years old, which got me thinking...Who is the Greatest 20 Year Old Athlete of All Time? 🤔Do you agree with my Top 3? Let me know in the comments!

Dean Karnazes is one of the most iconic endurance athletes in history — and in this episode, we dive deep into the mind and body of a man who has pushed human limits further than almost anyone alive.

Dean has run 350 miles nonstop, completed 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, raced across deserts, glaciers and mountains, and continues to take on extreme challenges well into his 60s. But behind the world records and the headlines is a story about purpose, identity, resilience, and what it really takes to keep going when every part of you wants to stop.

Subscribe on YouTube

Follow Pete on Instagram

Follow Dean on Instagram

In today’s episode, I sit down with Damien Fitzpatrick — former pro rugby player and CEO/Founder of Pillar Performance — the company redefining how athletes think about micronutrition.

We break down the real science behind recovery, why most people take supplements incorrectly, and how micronutrition can change your energy, sleep and performance. Damien also shares the untold story of building Pillar, working with elite athletes, and what he’s learned about discipline, consistency and long-term health.

Whether you’re training for a marathon, trying to recover faster, or simply want to understand which supplements actually work, this episode will completely change the way you approach performance and wellbeing.

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AeqJQT...Follow Abnormal on IG: / abnormalpod Follow Pillar Performance on IG: https://www.instagram.com/pillarperformance_/

Siobhan Haughey just won gold at the National Games — but her story started long before the headlines.

In this conversation, recorded just after the Paris Olympics, Siobhan opens up about the real life behind being Hong Kong’s most decorated athlete. She talks about the mental toll of elite sport, what it feels like to carry a city’s expectations, and how she stays grounded while constantly chasing progress.

We also talk about her path from the University of Michigan to Olympic medals, her views on psychology and pressure, and what life might look like after swimming.

This is a rare, honest look at what it takes to perform at the highest level — and how to stay human while doing it.

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AeqJQTJVTfiOeo0tn09Aa?si=c140875205b349fa

Follow Abnormal on IG: / abnormalpod

In this episode, Pakhung, a world champion in rope skipping, shares his journey from a passionate athlete to a social media influencer and entrepreneur. He discusses the evolution of rope skipping as a sport, the impact of social media on its popularity, and the importance of teamwork and community in maintaining motivation. Pakhung also opens up about the pressures of competition, the significance of mental health, and his personal definition of success. He emphasizes the value of failure as a learning experience and offers advice for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs.

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AeqJQTJVTfiOeo0tn09Aa?si=f467cc42b56a48cf

Follow Abnormal on IG: https://www.instagram.com/abnormalpod/

Follow Pakhung on IG: https://www.instagram.com/pakhungjai/

Ant Haynes is one of Hong Kong’s most respected CrossFit athletes, a multiple-time CrossFit Games competitor, former Hong Kong rugby player, and co-owner of Coastal Fitness. But behind the medals and highlight reels lies a powerful story about sacrifice, burnout, and rediscovering balance.

In this episode, Ant opens up about his journey from professional rugby to CrossFit, how he built one of Asia’s top training communities, and the moment he realised that success was costing him the relationships that mattered most.

Chapters

00:00 The Cost of Athletic Pursuits

03:01 Navigating Life Changes: From Hong Kong to Dubai

05:54 The Journey from Rugby to CrossFit

09:01 Transitioning to Coaching and Business

12:00 The Evolution of CrossFit and Personal Training

15:00 The Challenges of Competing at a High Level

17:50 Programming for Longevity in Fitness

21:00 The Reality of Competition Preparation

29:47 The Pain of Preparation

31:55 Lessons from Competition

33:29 Training Adaptations and Resilience

36:52 The Evolution of CrossFit Training

39:32 CrossFit vs Other Sports

44:20 The Mental Game of Training

49:32 Shifting Priorities

55:39 Redefining Success

59:30 Legacy and Impact

01:01:18 Courage Over Comfort

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with people doing Abnormal things.

Follow Ant: https://www.instagram.com/anthayneshk/

Re-release: A listener favourite from the Abnormal archives

Hyrox has exploded across the world — but how did it reach Asia?

In this conversation, Gary Wan, the man responsible for bringing Hyrox to Asia, joins us to share the story behind one of the fastest-growing fitness movements on the planet.

Gary talks about how he discovered Hyrox, the early struggles of launching it in a new region, and the cultural differences that shaped its growth. From athlete psychology to building community, this episode is a blueprint for anyone who’s ever tried to take an idea global.

Whether you’re a Hyrox competitor, a business founder, or just someone who loves pushing your limits, Gary’s story will fire you up.

🎧 This is a special re-release of one of our most popular early episodes — because some stories deserve to be heard twice.