The science of sports
![Athlete riding an exercise bike while his performance and oxygen consumption are measured](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B8GqoAHoMLj2ReVuyNJ6cE-320-80.jpg)
From recreational leagues to the world stage, athletes and sportspeople are always searching for that extra 10% to help them train harder, run faster and play smarter than their opponents.
How can science help give athletes that competitive edge? And what can it tell us about the limits of the human body and mind? Discover all this and more as we uncover the science of sports.
Latest about science of sports
![Male nervous system, computer artwork.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Sz3Bbu8Uy8VpPfCiJinvX6-320-80.jpg)
6 ways an athlete's brain differs from an average person's
By Emily Cooke published
Sports mastery is about much more than physical capability — it shapes the brain, too.
![Top-half of a female runner shown with her hands on her face against a blurred background. She looks completely exhausted. She is wearing a black vest, red watch and white baseball cap, as well as blue nail varnish.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VETaNEi2kC3PmZuQSFFDt8-320-80.jpg)
What happens when you 'hit the wall'?
By Emily Cooke published
Experts tell Live Science what it means to "hit the wall" while exercising and how to avoid it.
![a b-girl wearing a green t shirt, black pants and a black ball cap performs a freeze on one hand in front of judges and an audience](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tb8KoZuWPVz4FRThYhcMbQ-320-80.jpg)
'Breaking,' aka breakdancing, is in the Olympics for the 1st time — here's the brain science behind it
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Here's the brain science of breaking, the dance style making its Olympic debut in Paris.
![Two clear bottles with silver caps are lying flat against a white surface. One bottle has an orange label with the word test on it and the other has a similar label but is blue.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oHGq59rgipryw8oFC34jjN-320-80.jpg)
What is doping? And which performance-enhancing drugs are banned?
By Sara G. Miller, Emily Cooke last updated
Many drugs are forbidden for use by athletes in major international competitions, such as the Olympics. Here's why.
![LeBron James for team USA Basketball is shown dunking the ball into the net during a game at the 2024 Paris Olympics while spectators and fellow team mates (who are blurred) look on.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LRpG3Uq4a4Z2HxTUQK6Hb7-320-80.jpg)
USA Basketball doctor shares what it's like to treat athletes at the Olympics
By Emily Cooke published
An orthopedic surgeon explains what it's like to support USA Basketball at the Olympics.
![A row of swimmers dives into the Seine river with a banner reading "paris 2024" visible in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r4DarrjKZFd44bwCPUMo6X-320-80.jpg)
Olympic athletes dive into the Seine — days after it was deemed too contaminated with poop for safe swimming
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Olympic triathlon racers finally dove into the Seine following postponements due to poor water-quality test results. Will the water stay swimmable?
![A young Chinese girl in a helmet waves the country's flag and smiles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RVuCEcJ7thJATPnQxDTosS-320-80.jpg)
At what age does athleticism peak in different sports?
By James Witts published
The Paris Olympics welcome the strongest, fastest and sharpest athletes in the world. But to what extent does age raise or lessen their chances of gold?
![Simone Biles launches upside-down off of the vault](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4fARszPkDngg45YKTDKCS3-320-80.jpg)
'Simone is a very, very rare bird': Experts discuss the science behind Simone Biles' gymnastic prowess
By Stephanie Pappas published
Even among the world's most elite gymnasts, American Simone Biles, now competing in her third Olympic Games, is a standout.
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