In this episode, a group of LJMU sport science experts preview the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

How does the home advantage really benefit athletes? From familiarity with venues to having no jet lag to contend with and tried and tested nutrition readily available.

What are the final stages of preparation for any athlete on the eve of competition? How do you combat the panic?

Leading the conversation is Professor Greg Whyte from the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Greg is well known for optimising performance not only to help students and elite athletes, but for high profile charitable challenges, most recently supporting Owain Wyn Evans and Sophie Ellis Bextor’s 24-hour Children in Need challenges.

Joining Greg is Professor Graeme Close, a professor of human physiology who provides nutrition and physiology consultancy alongside academic research to some of the world’s leading sports organisations, including England Rugby.

Dr Amy Whitehead adds her expertise in the field of sport psychology and coaching, having worked for organisations such as St Helens RLFC, British Cycling and the FA.

Dave McDermott, who manages LJMU’s Sport Scholarship programme, completes the fab four with his oversight of the performance sport arm of LJMU where elite athletes from jockeys to boxers have benefitted from specialist research and hands-on support.