Interview: Bill Moreau, USOC on the Pursuit of a Career in Sports Analytics
We discuss challenges in applying Data Analytics to sports, advice to beginners in the field of Sports Analytics, and more.

He served as Team USA’s medical director at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, in which he was responsible for administering medical care to more than 500 athletes as provided by more than 100 medical providers.
Dr. Moreau has more than 30 years of clinical expertise in both general practice and sports medicine. He serves on the editorial review board of the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine and has served for many years with the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
First part of interview
Second part of interview
Here is third and last part of my interview with him:
Anmol Rajpurohit Q8. What are the biggest challenges in applying Data Analytics to Sports?

Dr. Bill Moreau: Sports may have cultures that can be resistant to the implementation of data collection and analysis as well as changes in sport preparation. Culture typically resists rapid change from what might be preserved as a successful platform to become more successful through new applications of technology driven change. The “culture factor” can be a major barrier to implementing data driven science into sports medicine, sports science and coaching programs.
Clearly culture is not an insurmountable obstacle because when the data driven change drives positive performance outcomes this makes a difference. Success can be achieved through careful communication and the appropriate introduction of data science into the sport. Positive results on the field of play rapidly change the culture.
AR: Q9. What advice would you give to students and professionals aspiring a successful career in Sports Analytics?

Take some time to understand the specific area of sport that really drives your inner heart. Learn to avoid asking all questions, but instead to ask the right questions so you can provide the right answers. Remember the right question for you to solve might not be what you first think is important. Look from above down and see the entire field of play in regards to what the athlete, coach or other end user feels they need to achieve success. Sometimes the question(s) may seem impossible, but by parsing the question into smaller blocks you can build to the final answer.

AR: Q10. On a personal note, what book (or article) did you read recently and would strongly recommend? What do you like to do when you are not working?

When I am not working I like to plant trees and take care of the woods where I live in Black Forest Colorado. It is always interesting what thoughts drift into my mind while I work in the trees. No electronics are allowed, well I guess I still carry my cell phone, but I do turn the ringer off!
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