In episode 370 of The Physical Performance Show, Dr. Jen Hamer—researcher, consultant, and former elite athlete—delivers a powerful exploration of physique considerations, body image, and the risks of low energy availability in sport. Drawing from her own journey as a high-performing endurance runner who battled an eating disorder, Dr. Hamer shares both personal and professional insights into the complex interplay between athletic culture, health, and performance.
This episode delves into Dr. Hamer’s PhD research on supporting coaches to manage the risks of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) among developing athletes. She discusses the challenges of shifting deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours in sports environments, the impact of coach and practitioner language on athlete well-being, and the importance of systemic education that goes beyond awareness to drive real change. You will hear practical examples from Dr. Hamer’s work with national sports organizations, including Swimming Australia and Triathlon Australia, and learn actionable strategies for coaches, parents, and practitioners.
“I think we’ve developed an overly performance driven culture… what we’ve had with an overly performance driven environment is the lack of consideration for health and well being.”
“Knowledge doesn’t necessarily challenge behaviors and beliefs which are outdated, which are born from opinion rather than what we know to be true.”
“The majority of coaches I’ve worked with want to do the right thing, but they’ve never been equipped with those skills and capabilities to know what the right thing is.”
“If an athlete doesn’t eat enough or consume enough energy for what they expend through their training and exercise to meet the requirements of normal physiological function, then they enter low energy availability.”
“Eat enough—sometimes too much, never not enough.”
“As soon as someone comments on your appearance, it’s what you cling to, and it’s so hard to let that go.”
“Let’s not try and fix the body, let’s try and fix the mind.”
“Be open and curious to be challenged on your beliefs.”
“Don’t comment on an athlete’s body.”
LinkedIn: Dr. Jen Hamer
Website: Dr. Jen Hamer
0:00 Start
04:30 Dr. Hamer’s personal background: athletic career, eating disorder, and transition to research.
08:39 Discussion on sports culture including performance-driven environments and the need for a shift toward health and well-being.
13:04 Practical examples: Changing coach beliefs and behaviors, Swimming Australia project.
21:34 The impact of language: Harmful phrases and their effects on athletes.
27:10 Body image dissatisfaction: Definitions, personal experience, and psychological aspects.
31:53 RED-S explained: Definition, causes, and awareness in sport.
39:29 The COM-B model: Challenges in translating awareness into behaviour change for coaches.
40:28 Actionable advice: Top three tips for parents, coaches, and practitioners.
48:39 Physical challenge for listeners: The importance of activity in nature for well-being.
51:19 Finish
Cliff Mallett – Professor of Sport Psychology
For questions and comments about this Episode Send to the Show Host @Brad_Beer (Twitter) and Huw Darnell @huwdarnell(Instagram)
