Sport is one of the great joys of the human condition for athletes and spectators alike. It can bring happiness, livelihood, physical health, and mental well-being, and it provides an education in teamwork, discipline, maturity, and humility. If that is to continue, sport must face up to serious structural challenges, both within and around it. It doesn’t simply inherit society’s problems; it can reinforce and broadcast them, or, handled differently, help to dismantle them. But what are the challenges, and what steps can be taken?

Here I seek to address exactly that. Along with accomplished guests, I look at planetary boundaries, sexism, racism, sponsorship ethics, mental and physical health, social justice, and more. We’ll talk about potential remedies and how each of us can make a difference. Change starts with conversation, can build into awareness and mobilisation, and, with luck and persistence, can lead to something more like meaningful change.

Please remember that the views expressed in this podcast may no longer be current when you hear them. My views are my own, as are those of my guests, who, while valued here for their insights, do not necessarily reflect the values of Sustaining Sport and do not speak on behalf of the show. Contact: [email protected]