Shiva, India’s luge pioneer and Deputy Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympics, opens up about leading a diverse contingent on the world’s biggest stage…. “You can’t control the outcome, but you can create the best possible environment for athletes to perform,” he says, drawing on two decades of Olympic experience. For him, leadership is about logistics, morale, and making sure every athlete feels ready to give their best.

Christopher, who was part of the Indian contingent in Paris as a sports science expert, pulls back the curtain on the work that happens away from the cameras. From optimising training loads to fine-tuning recovery, his focus is on marginal gains….“At the top level, it’s not just about training harder...it's about training smarter,” he explains. In Paris, that meant being available 24/7 for athletes’ needs, while ensuring the science served the person, not the other way around.

The episode also explores how Indian sport is evolving…. with better infrastructure, more awareness of sports science, and stronger support systems. But both guests agree that the foundation still lies within the athlete. “Extrinsic support is there, but the will to perform has to come from within,” Christopher notes.

Shiva echoes this, adding, “Sport teaches you to adapt, to face setbacks, and to keep going. Those lessons stay with you long after you’ve retired.”
Their insights go beyond competition, touching on the mental resilience required to handle pressure, the discipline to follow recovery routines, and the adaptability to perform under any conditions. For Christopher, it’s about the fine balance between data and instinct. For Shiva, it’s about nurturing belief in yourself, your preparation, and your team.

Packed with personal stories, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes view of the Games, Episode 5 is a must-watch for athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re chasing your own podium finish or curious about the machinery that powers elite sport, this conversation is a playbook for both performance and perseverance.