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Name:

Siwan Iorwerth

Course:

Master's Degree in Sport and Exercise Science

What inspired you to study a Masters in Sport Science, and how did you get started in this field?

I am very interested in understanding the physiological, biomechanical and psychological mechanisms that influence athletes' performance. I've always been enthusiastic about sport and aware of the important role that sports science has in improving performance, preventing injuries, and supporting recovery.

I started in the field through my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Sciences, where I had the opportunity to work on practical projects, observe experts, and develop an understanding of the basic principles of the field. Through work experiences, I was able to experience the challenges and opportunities within sport science and strengthen the skills necessary to develop my career further by studying for a Master's.

Can you describe your research focus or any projects you are currently working on?

At the moment, I am investigating how individuals' mental states or inner feelings affect the way they judge the exercise effort of others. In particular, I am looking to see if physical fatigue creates a bias towards the criticism, suggesting that physical condition influences the interpretation of the effort of others. We also want to see if giving a sweet reward changes the judgment, assuming that the relationship between effort and reward affects it.

This project seeks to improve our understanding of how fatigue and motivation affect how we see and judge the efforts of others, with implications for the training, rehabilitation and assessment of athletes' efforts.

How do you see sport science developing in the future, and what impact do you hope to have in the field?

I assume that sport sciences will develop as technologies develop, for example, better ways of analyzing data and increasing use of AI, to improve athlete performance and personalise training. Also, I believe there will be more and more emphasis on mental health and rehabilitation to support athletes holistically.

In my career, I hope to promote the use of physical exercise as medicine within the clinical and general population, by teaching and creating more effective and efficient recovery and injury prevention strategies, in the hope of improving standards of life and reducing the risk of injury.

What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of your studies so far?

The most challenging part for me so far is the research work in the laboratory because this is a new environment for me and takes me out of my 'comfort zone'. However, this is also the most rewarding opportunity I've had as I learn new things every time, it's great to work in a team, and the lab is a great facility and I feel lucky to work there day to day.

What are your career aspirations after completing your degree, and how do you plan to use what you've learned?

After completing my degree, I aim to work with clinical populations, focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation. I would like to create and provide exercise plans for people with chronic conditions, using my knowledge to improve their quality of life and independence. By using what I have learned, I hope to make a practical difference by providing strategies that support recovery and long-term health.

Any advice for someone considering pursuing a Masters in Sport Science?

I advise taking advantage of every opportunity and fully committing to the experience. Take part in lectures and practical sessions because you will get much more out of the degree by being part of the discussions and research.

Focus on areas you really enjoy because the degree is a great start to preparing for a successful career and developing your skills in the field. Finally, enjoy the experience, it's a great opportunity to grow professionally.