Category Archives: Chasing Perfection

Video: What sporting future? Risks and rewards

So far in the 2016 Rio Olympics we have seen several world records (e.g. Ayana in the 10,000m, Peaty in 100m breaststroke, Wlodarczyk in the hammer,  Qingquan in weightlifting). In this video Michael Johnson, who yesterday lost his 400m world record to Wayde van Niekerk reflects on the future of sport in an age when technology is advancing rapidly.

Note: This video is also available in the OpenLearn Chasing Perfection video collection

Video: The importance of sleep in athletic performance

In this video Sir Dave Brailsford, Nick Littlehales, and Chris Hoy talk about the importance of sleep to aid recovery from intensive exercise.

Sleep is covered in our new module E314 starting in October 2016.

Note: This video is also available in the OpenLearn Chasing Perfection video collection

Video: Recovery – the next frontier in sporting progress?

In this video experts in sport science discuss the strategies used to enhance recovery in elite sport.

Recovery is covered in our new module E314 starting in October 2016.

Note: This video is also available in the OpenLearn Chasing Perfection video collection

Video: Injury rehab in rugby – keeping it personal with devices and data

With the 6 nations in full flow we thought it was time for a rugby related post. In this video staff from Saracens RFC discuss the technological resources available to injured players.

Wearable technology is covered in our new module E314 starting in October 2016.

Note: This video is also available in the OpenLearn Chasing Perfection video collection

Video: Michael Johnson on early childhood specialisation

Is it better for children to focus on one sport or a range of sports? In this video Michael Johnson hears experts’ and athletes’ views on childhood specialisation.

Early specialisation is covered in our new module E314 starting in October 2016.

 

Note: This video is also available in the OpenLearn Chasing Perfection video collection

Video: Champions talk – what makes a champion?

In the video below top athletes including Ronnie O’Sullivan, AP McCoy and Dame Sarah Storey talk about the discipline, temperament and focus it takes to become a champion.

Note: This video is also available in the OpenLearn Chasing Perfection video collection

Why watch Chasing Perfection?

In a previous blog post we told you about an exciting new TV programme, Chasing Perfection, co-produced by The Open University and presented by Michael Johnson. In the video below, Ben Oakley, one of the academic consultants on the programme, tells us a little more about Chasing Perfection and how it links to a new module (E314 Exploring contemporary issues in sport and exercise) we are developing for our BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching qualification.

Chasing Perfection will be screened on Channel 4 on Sunday 15th November and Sunday 22nd November 2015 at 7.05am. It will also be available to watch on demand on All 4.

For more information visit:

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/chasingperfection
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/chasing-perfection
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/chasing-perfection/articles/all/insights-from-chasing-perfection

Chasing Perfection

This weekend sees the start of a fascinating new TV programme co-produced by The Open University and presented by multiple Olympic Champion and 400m world record holder Michael Johnson. The programme, called Chasing Perfection, looks at the science behind sporting success. Two members of the sport and fitness team, Ben Oakley and Candice Lingam-Willgoss, were academic consultants on the programme.

The first episode will be screened on Sunday 15th November 2015 at 7.05am on Channel 4. That’s pretty early for a Sunday so make sure you get up early or record it! It will also be available to watch on demand on All 4. Here’s a little sneak preview to keep you going until Sunday…

 

For more information visit:

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/chasingperfection

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/chasing-perfection

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/chasing-perfection/articles/all/insights-from-chasing-perfection