Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
How sport creates super-humans and super-communities
*Registrations for this event have now closed. If you are interested in attending, please email nuaevents@ncl.ac.uk*
Since ancient civilisations, sport has been a vehicle for unleashing the extent of human potential.
From supreme strength to lightning speed, from uncompromised resilience to razor-sharp concentration, sport has enabled us to push physical and mental limitations to create global champions.
But where should we draw the line with the relentless pursuit of excellence in sports? Athletes have always been driven to win, but the advent of performance-enhancing drugs has resulted in some of the most memorable and record-breaking moments in sporting history being shattered by scandal.
Whether in local fields or global arenas, how can we retain fairness in the sporting world? Are we truly interested in how an athlete wins, or do we simply care that they are the winner? With the 2024 Summer Olympic Games almost upon us, this area is a hot topic of discussion.
Join our panel for an inspiring exploration into what it means to be both extraordinary and ethical in the world of sports.
Mike Oakes - Director of Communications at The Enhanced Games/ Head of Communications at Apeiron Investment Group
Michael currently serves a double role as Head of Communications at Apeiron Investment Group, the family office of German investor and entrepreneur Christian Angermayer, and Director of Communications at The Enhanced Games, an Apeiron portfolio company. Previously, Michael was EY’s Global Sustainability Brand, Marketing & Communications Program Leader, where he played a key role in advancing EY's sustainability initiatives including their carbon negative achievement and COP26 activities. His extensive background also includes communications, editorial, speech writing, and content roles at Virgin Atlantic and The Economist, and the Middle East Economic Digest. He graduated from the University of Newcastle upon-Tyne in 1999 with a BA in Economics and Accounting.
Dr Adrian Holliday, Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition, Newcastle University
Dr Adrian Holliday is a lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition, with a passion for endurance running. Having ran competitively for nearly 30 years, and to junior international level, Adrian blends his interest and expertise in metabolism and nutrition with a deep understanding of running and runners. He currently provides nutritional and physiological support to elite international athletes, while his research involves exploring the effect of exercise on the gut and post-exercise appetite.
Katy Storie, Director of Sport, Newcastle University
Katy Storie is the current Director of Sport at Newcastle University with over 23 years of experience working within the Higher Education sport and physical activity equality sector. She is also a member of Board of Directors for British Universities and Colleges Sport following her role as the first female Chair of the National Rugby Union Sport Advisory Group.
Katy is the Director of Safeguarding in Sport within The Safeguarding Alliance, Trustee for RISE (North East Active Partnership), Advisory Group member for the Women’s Rugby Association and Trustee and Full Committee Chair at the England Students Rugby Football Union.
Within her professional career, Katy has developed significant partnership experience, including key work in the Middle East through establishing female sports leadership collaborations in partnership with FCDO, National & International sporting organisations and Professional sports clubs.
Katy is also a former GB junior international weightlifter and England Rugby Union player.
