Spotlight: Cramping Truths and Myths / Unscientific Trans Non-Advantage Claims / Sports Science's Trust Erosion

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Show notes

In a packed edition of Spotlight, we start our Discourse Digest segment with a dive into the men’s 5000m, where non-African athletes have taken control of the rankings and victories so far in 2025. Is this an aberration, or the beginning of a trend in distance running? We discuss what might be shifting in the sport to close the gap.

Next, we explore the phenomenon of athletes switching national allegiance—this time with Jamaican sprinters now competing for Turkey. Ross and Gareth look at historical examples from track, rugby, cricket and football, while defending the right of athletes to make these switches, and the necessity for sport to minimize them. Discussion shifts to the case of a trans cricketer who has claimed “no advantage” based on test results and comparisons to females. Both the science and logic behind the appeal are bluntly rebutted by Ross, who explains how the science is being misused, and that these "data snapshots" actually reveal a mediocre male with advantage rather than a trans athlete without advantage. We also return to youth sport after Gareth flagged eye-catching performances by 10- and 13-year-olds in the UK. While their talent is undeniable, we ask whether early hype might do more harm than good?

In Ross Replies (30:00), Ross has an 'off-week', because listener Ewan Morris' fascinating insights carry the segment. He explained how some young athletes experience an expiratory flow limitation during breathing, because lung growth outpaces airway development, as yet another challenge that adolescent athletes experience in the journey to adulthood.

In Listener Lens (33:51), we respond to Sean's question about muscle cramps in an ultrarunner he coaches. Ross breaks down two theories—electrolytes vs. fatigue-induced failure of neural regulation—and explains why cramp is far more about the nervous system than sodium and magnesium. We also learn the fascinating reasons why pickle juice may work... but not for the reasons people think, and offer suggestions for what Sean might consider adding to the plan.

In Center Stage (53:33), we revisit sports science's replication crisis. Gareth shares his frustration at the sciences, while Ross explores the structural issues behind shaky science, and offers a partial defence of the failures to produce robust science.

And Finally (1:15:16), we look ahead to Faith Kipyegon’s attempt at a sub-four minute mile, which haunted Ross' dreams, and we make our predictions.

Some links

• Distance running shifts: Aberration or a narrowing gap?
• A review exploring the causes of muscle cramps
• Study showing that electrolyte loss is not associated with muscle cramp
• The pickle juice effect

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