The Science of Women & Sport

Discover the science, history and stories behind women in endurance sport, and how we understand human performance. Women have always been part of endurance sports, but their achievements have often been overlooked, dismissed or excluded from the record. As access and visibility improve, a clearer picture is emerging: not of sudden breakthroughs, but of longstanding strength, resilience and capability. In this talk, journalists and ultra runners Dr Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson blend science, history and storytelling to explore what endurance really demands – and how women’s experiences in sport challenge traditional ideas of strength and limitation. Drawing on two years of research for their acclaimed book Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport, alongside interviews with more than 70 athletes, historians and scientists, they offer a deeper look at performance, perception and progress.