In recent years, athletes have increasingly taken control of their public image by leveraging platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, bypassing traditional media outlets. This shift represents a significant change in how athletes manage their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Beyond curating their personal brands, there is an emerging opportunity to use performance data to create engaging content for fans.
The NFL preseason sets the stage not only for intense competition but also for showcasing the remarkable intersection of athlete performance and business strategy. As teams harness advanced sports science to push player capabilities to their peak, this not only affects the outcome on the field but also plays a crucial role in shaping team branding and commercial appeal.
Modern sports commentary is no longer just about describing the action; it’s about providing context and analysis that enhances the narrative of the competition. With advancements in sports science, commentators could now have access to a wealth of information that might help them explain why an athlete may be performing at their best or struggling in a particular moment. For example, insights into an athlete’s lactate threshold, heart rate, or recovery metrics could provide explanations for sudden changes in pace or endurance during a race.
Ferran Torres, a name that has become synonymous with promise and potential in the world of football, has faced his share of challenges on the path to the highest level. His journey from the Valencia youth academy to the heights of Manchester City and FC Barcelona has been marked by significant achievements and undeniable talent. However, like many elite athletes, Torres encountered obstacles that tested his mental resilience
Andy Murray, who most would consider Scotland’s greatest ever sportsman, has announced that he will officially retire from professional tennis following the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Murray's career is a testament to physical and mental resilience, determination, and exceptional natural talent. As we reflect on his journey, it’s clear that he leaves behind a legacy that transcends the sport.
Concussion and brain trauma are emotive subjects in sport. As research continues to uncover the problems that traumatic brain injuries seem to have, discussions about safety and the long-term health of players will only intensify. In the USA, as early as 1906 doctors were publishing papers highlighting the dangers of concussion linked to playing American Football.
The British & Irish Lions brings together the best players from four nations to create an All-Star team. Performance staff are also picked from across the home unions and meet up with the team only weeks before the tour begins.
This week saw a major step forward with Vodafone, as part of its partnership with the British & Irish Lions, unveiled its new PLAYER.Connect system. PLAYER.Connect takes advantage of Vodafone’s connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to allow the integration of multiple wearable data sources into one performance dashboard.
As many expected, Alun Wyn Jones will captain the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour as they take on Japan and then World Champions South Africa this summer. Much media hype and speculation surrounded the announcement but as a three-tour veteran, which includes experience of leading the triumphant third test in 2013 against Australia the Welsh captain’s selection was not a huge surprise.
Concussion and brain trauma are emotive subjects in sport. As research continues to uncover the impact that traumatic head injuries have, discussions about safety and the long term health of players will only get louder. In the USA, as early as 1906 doctors were publishing papers highlighting the dangers of concussion linked to playing American Football. Ongoing research that identifies a link between heading and dementia in football draws major attention here in the UK. Additionally, a recent legal case brought against the RFU, WRU and World Rugby alleging failure to protect against the risk of concussion will have serious ramifications for the game no matter what the outcome.
Rugby Restart has seen Gallagher Premiership and Guinness Pro 14 sides return to competition following their enforced stoppage due to Covid-19. The intense schedule implemented in order to finish the season has seen squads increase player rotation more frequently as they manage player loads recovery and injury. While player welfare measures have been put in place by World Rugby to reduce the risk associated with collisions, there is little to suggest that collision-induced muscle damage or injury is set to decrease. Players and clubs will therefore continue to seek optimised recovery strategies following matches and training.
