What happens when talent evaluation prioritizes performance over injury history? The data exposes a critical gap between draft success and career survival.

In this episode we look at new research tracking 1,071 AFL Draft Combine participants which reveals a shocking paradox: players with ACL reconstruction history get drafted at the same rate as uninjured athletes, but face an 8.5 times higher risk of reinjury during their professional careers.

Thanks for listening to Sport Science Decoded. Where we take you from research to application in 5 minutes. Cutting-edge sport science research communicated for academics, coaches, and evidence-based practitioners who want to stay current without spending hours reading papers. New episodes every week.

Email: hamish@warriorcodex.com.au

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Veale, J. P., Shawdon, A., D'Alessandro, P., Ebert, J. R., & Edwards, P. K. (2025). Impact of Pre-Elite Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction on Draft Outcomes and Reinjury Risk in Elite Australian Football Players: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Sports, 13(9), 308. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13090308

Elite athletes generate explosive power differently than strong recreational lifters. Swedish researchers tested 30 international track and field throwers and discovered the exact force development timeline that separates elite performance from gym strength. This study reveals when rate of force development peaks, when maximum strength training becomes effective, and why explosive power training requires precise timing. Essential insights for strength and conditioning coaches and athletes in throwing sports, martial arts, and Olympic weightlifting. Learn the neurophysiological timeline behind elite athletic performance and how to periodize your explosive strength training for maximum power output.

Thanks for listening to Sport Science Decoded. Where we take you from research to application in 5 minutes. Cutting-edge sport science research communicated for academics, coaches, and evidence-based practitioners who want to stay current without spending hours reading papers. New episodes every Wednesday, and Friday

Email: hamish@warriorcodex.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportScienceDecoded

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsciencedecoded

X: https://x.com/SportSciDecoded

Podcast Platforms: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Youtube Music, and all major platforms

Augustsson, J., Gunhamn, T., & Andersson, H. (2025). Relationship Between Early and Maximal Isometric Upper-Body Push and Pull Force Production Among Elite Female and Male Swedish Track and Field Throwers. Sports, 13(7), 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13070226

New research reveals the hidden muscle activation sequence behind elite karate punching technique. Scientists used electromyography (EMG) to map the complete kinetic chain of a top-ranked Japanese karate master's reverse punch (Gyaku Tsuki). This groundbreaking study represents the first objective biomechanical analysis of karate technique using advanced EMG technology. The findings challenge everything we thought we knew about optimal punching mechanics.

Thanks for listening to Sport Science Decoded. Where we take you from research to application in 5 minutes. Cutting-edge sport science research communicated for academics, coaches, and evidence-based practitioners who want to stay current without spending hours reading papers. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Email: hamish@warriorcodex.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportScienceDecoded

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsciencedecoded

X: https://x.com/SportSciDecoded

Podcast Platforms: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Youtube Music, and all major platforms

Csákvári, L., Kopper, B., & Horváth, T. (2025). A Novel, Sport-Specific EMG-Based Method to Evaluate Movement Efficiency in Karate Punching. Sports, 13(7), 218. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13070218