Why being a sports scientist is the coolest

PERSONAL BEST

STEPHEN BIRD WHEN the opportunity arose to present at the World Science Festival Cool Jobs, I could not contain my enthusiasm.

I am given an opportunity to do something that I am passionate about, to talk and engage with students and share my journey to become a sports scientist – the coolest job in the world in my eyes.

Ultimately the role of the sport scientist is to assist the athlete and coach though the use of scientific principles that underpin performance optimisation.

This often involves research in areas such as training techniques, athlete wellbeing, nutritional strategies, environmental conditions and sport equipment.

Then, most importantly, applying this information in the real world situations for athletes and coaches.

The emergency services also work with sports scientists to train and perform in extreme occupational demands.

I like the analogy of the Formula 1 racing team – the head engineer as the head coach, the driver as the athlete, and mechanic as the sport scientist.

I love the challenge that sport science offers, working in many different contexts in different countries and climates.

I often get asked what it was like working with the Indonesian Olympic badminton team at the Rio Olympics.

A typical day for me in Rio was 17-18 hours, up at 5.30am to prepare for the day ahead, player wellness reviews, player soreness screening, gym sessions; massage; pool sessions; data analysis; court preparation; post-training recovery sessions.

Every day I am thankful for the opportunities that my work provides, a journey where I never stop learning. Visit the World Science Festival website to find out more about Stephen Bird.

I LOVE THE CHALLENGE THAT SPORT SCIENCE OFFERS, WORKING IN MANY DIFFERENT CONTEXTS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND CLIMATES STEPHEN BIRD