{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/f3fb5c75-b943-4f5d-bd87-27c91611dd24/6a0626463fd6979bfc1cc386?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"A Huge Doping Bust in Georgia Rugby / Epic Climbs and Concussions in Cycling / Who is the Greatest Track Athlete of Them All?","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6100856531fd81f125b34dac/1778786094539-e1d28c83-f2ed-4b33-a88d-ee3358e4d49c.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Become a Supporter and share your views - <a href=\"https://www.patreon.com/c/thescienceofsport\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">a monthly pledge gets you access to the Community</a>, and our endless appreciation!</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>Show notes</u></strong></p><p><br></p><p>In the news this week:</p><ul><li>Operation Obsidian - A c<a href=\"https://www.world.rugby/media-zone/advisory/1043909\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ollaborative investigation between WADA and World Rugby produces a big doping bust in Georgian rugby</a>, revealing collusion and corruption, but to what end? We explain how almost 40 years of bans were given out, and what remains unanswered and unknown</li><li>(00:16:18) SA <a href=\"https://supersport.com/rugby/news/8afa2dd9-47dc-4dcf-b024-0170c2b420c2/breaking-bok-ntlabakanye-banned-for-18-months\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months</a>, for drugs he says were prescribed by a specialist physician. We explore why this case may run for some time, and have some major implications</li><li>(00:26:15) The women's Vuelta finished atop the Angliru, producing a new champion and some chat about gear ratios and torque. Plus, concussion in the Giro, with dramatic crashes and racing igniting the race in its first week</li><li>(00:41:52) Who is the Greatest of all time? <a href=\"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-026-02443-2\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Sports scientists set out to take the subjectivity out of the question and produce their lists of the greatest track athletes ever</a>. Do you agree?</li><li>(00:54:25) A <a href=\"https://x.com/TimesSport/status/2053773865742950648\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Times survey says a worryingly high proportion of young adults are using banned, harmful products.</a> We wonder about the risk of doping and how the Enhanced Games will amplify it</li><li>(01:09:20) <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/may/12/gout-gout-sprinter-us-60-minutes-interview\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Gout Gout gets his (latest) 60 minutes of fame</a>. As his star continues to rise, good things are being said, now the performances will follow. We discuss the hype and unrealistic expectation that is steadily building on Australia's superstar</li><li>(01:15:35) Who wins a half marathon between Luke Littler and Mo Farah, if they have to complete a 501 leg of darts every mile? A ridiculous question, perfect for Gareth to bring his pub darts experience to the fore! Who do you think wins?</li></ul>","author_name":"Professor Ross Tucker and Mike Finch"}