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 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.



Show Sponsor:

POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services.

Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online.

Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter

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.

The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1)

Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

Ep 369: Victor Popov: Expert Edition: Lessons from 40 Years in Elite Sport

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 in sport (RED-S) among developing athletes. She discusses the challenges of shifting deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours in sports environments, the impact of coach and practitioner language on athlete well-being, and the importance of systemic education that goes beyond awareness to drive real change. You will hear practical examples from Dr. Hamer’s work with national sports organizations, including Swimming Australia and Triathlon Australia, and learn actionable strategies for coaches, parents, and practitioners.

Show Sponsor:

POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services.

Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online.

Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter

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.

The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1)

Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

Ep 370: Dr Jen Hamer: Body Image & Fuelling: The Cultural Shift Needed

The Physical Performance Show’s purpose is to educate & inspire listeners to pursue their best physical performance. 

The Show features interviews with the world’s leading and most inspiring physical performers, as well as Expert Editions featuring some of the world’s leading health and fitness experts. The guest’s share the highs, lows, and learnings from their careers.

New tracks tagged #Expert Edition