Ep 369: Victor Popov: Expert Edition: Lessons from 40 Years in Elite Sport
Release Date: 08/27/2025
Ep 374: Expert Edition: The Balanced Runner - Improve your running with Paul Mackinnon
The Physical Performance Show
Running technique coach Paul Mackinnon (The Balanced Runner) unpacks why most runners “force outcomes” (cadence, foot strike, knee drive) instead of changing the inputs that actually reshape movement. Paul explains his top-down approach—starting at the arms and torso to influence what happens below—so athletes can reduce ground contact time, improve rhythm, and shift along the continuum from rehab to performance. Across an engaging conversation in episode 374 of The Physical Performance Show, with hosts Brad Beer and Huw Darnell, Paul challenges the idea that “technique doesn’t...
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Ep 373: Expert Edition: Dr Jay Hertel. Chronic Ankle Instability in Athletes
The Physical Performance Show
In episode 373 of The Physical Performance Show, sports medicine expert Dr Jay Hertel shares an in-depth exploration of chronic ankle instability in athletes. Drawing on his extensive clinical and research experience, Dr Hertel discusses the prevalence, consequences, and complex rehabilitation of ankle sprains. The conversation covers the patho-mechanical, sensory-perceptual, and motor-behavioral impacts of repeated ankle injuries, including early onset osteoarthritis, proprioceptive deficits, and the psychological hurdles faced by patients—such as loss of confidence and fear of re-injury....
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Ep 372: Hayden Wilde Live
The Physical Performance Show
In episode 372 of the Physical Performance Show, Brad Beer and Huw Darnell host a live event featuring dual Olympic triathlon medallist Hayden Wilde. Hayden shares his athletic journey, from his early days in multi-sport and the influence of family and personal adversity, through his path to Olympic success. He details the highs and lows of elite sport, including the physical and mental challenges of coming back from a significant injury sustained in a cycling accident, with unique insights into his rehabilitation, mindset, and the role of his multi-disciplinary support team. Hayden discusses...
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Ep 371: Expert Edition: Charlie Clements Physiotherapist (FCP) 'Athletic Sciatica: navigating your symptoms'
The Physical Performance Show
In episode 371 of the Physical Performance Show, Charlie Clements, a first contact physiotherapist and specialist in musculoskeletal care based in the UK shares his expertise on the topic of sciatica, particularly as it affects athletes, discussing the prevalence, causes, and different types of leg pain associated with the condition. Charlie explains the role of disc injuries, inflammation, and nerve root irritation, and provides practical advice on when imaging and interventions like nerve root blocks may be appropriate. Charlie emphasises the importance of patience, staying active through...
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Ep 370: Expert Edition: Dr Jen Hamer: Body Image & Fuelling: The Cultural Shift Needed
The Physical Performance Show
In episode 370 of The Physical Performance Show, Dr. Jen Hamer—researcher, consultant, and former elite athlete—delivers a powerful exploration of physique considerations, body image, and the risks of low energy availability in sport. Drawing from her own journey as a high-performing endurance runner who battled an eating disorder, Dr. Hamer shares both personal and professional insights into the complex interplay between athletic culture, health, and performance. This episode delves into Dr. Hamer’s PhD research on supporting coaches to manage the risks of relative energy deficiency...
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Ep 369: Victor Popov: Expert Edition: Lessons from 40 Years in Elite Sport
The Physical Performance Show
In episode 369 of The Physical Performance Show, sports physiotherapist Victor Popov shares insights from his four-decade career working with elite athletes across Olympic Games, Tour de France cycling, AFL premiership teams, and international swimming. He recounts his journey from early days in Sydney’s top sports medicine clinics to supporting champions like Robbie McEwen, Susie O’Neill, and Shane Watson, emphasising the value of multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous learning. This episode delves into the critical role of the nervous system in athletic performance, with Victor...
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Ep 368: Expert Edition: Huw Darnell: Strength and Conditioning Principles
The Physical Performance Show
In episode 368 of The Physical Performance Show, the podcast enters a new era as accredited exercise physiologist Huw Darnell joins as co-host alongside Brad Beer. With over a decade of experience in the endurance sports industry, Huw brings a fresh perspective to the show, sharing his journey from a sport-obsessed youth through injury setbacks to becoming a leading strength and conditioning coach for runners and triathletes. This episode explores Huw’s personal and professional evolution, including the pivotal injuries that shaped his approach to athlete rehabilitation and performance. Huw...
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Ep 367: Dr Sue Mayes (AM) 'Expert Edition: Managing Foot & Ankle Injuries'
The Physical Performance Show
In episode 367 of The Physical Performance Show, sports physiotherapist Sue Mayes shares her expertise in foot and ankle injury management. With over 30 years of experience leading physiotherapy at the Australian Ballet and now a senior lecturer at La Trobe University, Sue provides groundbreaking insights into injury prevention and rehabilitation. Sue discusses her innovative research on ballet dancers and athletes, highlighting the importance of calf strength, strategic exercise implementation, and challenging traditional approaches to stretching. She reveals how implementing targeted calf...
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Ep 366: Featured Performer: Hayden Wilde
The Physical Performance Show
In this episode, Olympic triathlete Hayden Wilde shares a powerful 2025 update. Just days after running a blistering 27:38 10K in Tokyo — one of the fastest ever by a triathlete — Hayden was involved in a high-speed cycling crash that left him with a fractured scapula, five broken ribs, and a punctured lung. Hayden shares the emotional and physical rollercoaster of his injury, including emergency support from his sponsors, a medical evacuation, and career-saving surgery in Belgium. Now deep in rehab, he opens up about the mindset, team effort, and small wins guiding his return to racing....
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Ep 365: Professor Peter Malliaras ‘Tendinopathy Rehabilitation’
The Physical Performance Show
In this episode we welcome back renowned tendinopathy expert, Professor Peter Malliaras, for a 2025 Tendinopathy Rehabilitation Update. As a leading physiotherapist, researcher, and director at Monash University’s Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Peter shares the latest advancements in managing and rehabilitating tendon injuries. Peter continues to provide cutting-edge insights into evidence-based treatments for persistent tendon symptoms. Whether you're an athlete dealing with tendinopathy or a practitioner looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways...
info_outlineIn episode 369 of The Physical Performance Show, sports physiotherapist Victor Popov shares insights from his four-decade career working with elite athletes across Olympic Games, Tour de France cycling, AFL premiership teams, and international swimming. He recounts his journey from early days in Sydney’s top sports medicine clinics to supporting champions like Robbie McEwen, Susie O’Neill, and Shane Watson, emphasising the value of multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous learning.
This episode delves into the critical role of the nervous system in athletic performance, with Victor Popov explaining how heart rate variability, sleep, nutrition, and even ice baths can be used to assess and optimise recovery and resilience. He introduces his Neural Engagement Therapy and Training (NET) program, designed to help clinicians and athletes better understand and improve nervous system function. Victor Popov also offers practical advice for both aspiring professionals and athletes, highlighting the importance of self-belief, teamwork, and the ability to train consistently without injury.
Special High Performance Seminar Event with Victor Popov on 30th August - register here.
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Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach
Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell.
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