Project Title: Statistical learning and simulation tools for race strategy and profiling in athletics: a study of middle distance track events- Partner Organisation: Australian Institute of Sport
- PhD Student at QUT
- Supervisors: Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen, Associate Professor Paul Wu, Dr Mitchell Mooney
Will has long been interested in the combination of sports and mathematics with the two always being involved in his life and career in some way. Initially holding a double Bachelor’s degree in secondary education (mathematics and physical education) and exercise and movement science, he taught for five years before returning to study to complete a Master of electronic and sport engineering. The NGGP program is a natural progression into the data and statistics side of sports that Will finds particularly interesting. While not studying, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing Australian Rules Football.
What made you interested in this program?
While completing my Master of electronic and sport engineering, I found a true passion for technology, data and statistics in sport and the insights and stories they can tell. When I saw the NGGP program, it felt like the logical next step for me by providing an opportunity to work alongside a talented cohort of students, with some of Australia’s major sporting bodies.
What research question are you looking forward to exploring?
I’m looking forward to developing a deeper understanding of race strategy and how this affects pace profiles of races in middle-distance running. If athletes are able to better understand strategy and race pacing, they will be able to better optimize strategy, and be more confident making in race changes, to ensure that they are working to their own strengths. I find the idea of being able to support athletes in this way really exciting.
Fun fact about yourself?
I taught at schools in both Brisbane and in the UK. While in the UK, I met my now wife and we have recently had our first baby girl; I look forward to figuring out how to juggle being a new dad while doing a PhD!