Image: Caster Semenya at the 2018 African Athletics Championships The controversy between Caster Semenya and Sebastian Coe is one of the most contentious debates in modern athletics. The dispute highlights the complex interplay between biological sex, gender identity and athletic performance. It flags a number of ethical and scientific questions. Caster Semenya Caster Semenya is a 2 x Olympic Champion 800 m (2012 London, 2016 Rio), 3 x World Champion 800 m (2009 Berlin, 2011 Daegu, 2017 L...

Cardiologists who manage athletes should pay greater attention to the right side of the heart In the realm of sports science, understanding the intricacies of the heart is crucial, especially when it comes to enhancing athletic performance and ensuring the health of athletes. One area that has garnered significant attention is the right ventricle. Routine assessments of those with suspected arrhythmias often focus on the left ventricle. However, the right ventricle plays a critical role in t...

In Australia, rip currents remain the #1 coastal hazard, involved in 20% of drowning deaths since 2013–14. According to the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia's, National Drowning Report 2023, 281 people drowned in Australian waterways in the period 2022/23. Of the total drowning deaths: 216 (77%) were men and 65 (23%) were women 160 (57%) were adults aged 45 years and over 76 (27%) of drowning deaths occurred at beaches, 76 (27%) at river and creek loca...

What are the key benefits of strength training for endurance athletes and why is it an essential component of any training regimen? Strength training has traditionally been seen as the domain of bodybuilders and powerlifters. However, its benefits extend far beyond the realm of muscle size and brute strength, particularly for endurance athletes. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, swimmer, or triathlete, incorporating strength training into your routine can provide a multitude of advantage...

Recent advancements in medical understanding mean that athletes with HCM can safely compete. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition characterised by the thickening of the heart muscle, which can impede normal heart function and increase the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. Historically, the diagnosis of HCM has often meant an immediate halt to an athlete’s career, with the presumption that intense physical activity exacerbates the risks associa...