Head of Service

Julia Wells

Head of Performance Analysis

Julia joined the UK Sports Institute in 2004 as a Performance Analyst supporting the Canoe Slalom team over four Olympic cycles.

Following this she has been a UK Sports Institute Technical Lead and alongside led the Performance Analysis team for the Sport Wales Institute.

Michelle Pearson

Head of Strength and Conditioning

Michelle joined the UK Sports Institute in 2006 as a multisport Strength and Conditioning Coach in Loughborough.

She subsequently completed the UK Sport Fast Track Practitioner Development Programme.

Esme Matthew

Head of Physiology

Esme joined the UK Sports Institute in September 2007 with a BSc from Northumbria University, and an MSc from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Following this she has been a UKSI Technical Lead and alongside led the Performance Analysis team for the Sport Wales Institute.

Michael Naylor

Head of Performance Nutrition

Michael joined the UK Sports Institute in 2007 as part of the UK Sport Practitioner Development Program working with Para Swimming.

Professor Paul Worsfold

Head of Biomechanics

Paul has worked as a consultant for the UK Sports Institute since 2009 and was appointed as Head of Biomechanics in 2014.

He has delivered scientific support to professional and high performance athletes at both International competitions and the Olympic Games.

Joanna Harrison

Head of Performance Lifestyle

Jo joined the UK Sports Institute in July 2002 with an honours degree in Sports Studies from De Montfort University.

Dr Danielle Adams Norenberg

Head of Performance Psychology

Danielle acquired HCPC registration in 2012, she joined the UK Sports Institute in 2014 following completion of a PhD from Brunel University and delivering multi-sport performance psychology at SportScotland.

Prior to the Head of Service role, Danielle was a Technical Lead to the Psychology team and supported Canoe Slalom for the Tokyo Olympic Cycle.

Alison Thompson

‪Head of Physiotherapy

Ali joined the UKSI in 2005 as a Physiotherapist working with UK Athletics, before transitioning to multisport, supporting various sports including triathlon, short track speed skating, and gymnastics.

She completed the UK Sport Fast Track Practitioner Programme and worked as a Physiotherapy Technical Lead for 10 years before taking on the Head of Service role.