Professor Kirsty Elliott-Sale: Revolutionising Women’s Sports Science
Series 19 Ep 3
In this insightful episode, Professor Kirsty Elliott-Sale shares her unconventional journey into sports science - from an unexpected entry into coaching science at Liverpool John Moore’s University to becoming a leading global researcher in female physiology.
We explore the critical importance of understanding women's health in sport and how cutting-edge research is transforming training, performance and athlete wellbeing.
Kirsty sheds light on the historical gap in female-focused sports science, emphasising the need to innovate rather than simply adapt male-based research. She introduces the Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport, launched at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2024, which is dedicated to bridging these gaps through pioneering research, advocacy and collaboration with elite teams and sports organisations.
One pressing issue in women’s sport today is the high prevalence of ACL injuries among female athletes. Kirsty questions whether oestrogen plays a role in this trend, sparking discussion about how hormonal factors might impact injury risk. She also tackles the controversial topic of menstrual cycle phase-based training, highlighting the lack of strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and advocating for further research before its widespread adoption.
With more female athletes choosing to continue competing as mothers, we discuss the shifting perceptions of pregnancy in sport and the importance of supporting athletes throughout all life stages.
Kirsty encourages young women to pursue careers in sports science, emphasising the value of upskilling, seeking mentorship and embracing the exciting opportunities within this evolving field.
Ultimately, Kirsty champions the idea that women’s physiology should be embraced, studied, and understood - not as a limitation, but as a strength.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production