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Writer's pictureJamie Ogilvy

From spreadsheets to pūrākau: My journey from sports science to sport for social change

I recently completed my final data collection, prompting me to reflect on my experiences.

The transition from quantitative to qualitative research has been both challenging and rewarding. Coming from a sport and exercise performance science background, I hadn't fully appreciated the importance of understanding complex human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena. In sports science, the focus is often on quantifiable improvements—how much of X is needed to enhance Y, what can we increase or decrease, and so on. This shift has required a fundamental change in how I view knowledge and reality, moving from testing hypotheses and relying solely on numerical measures of success to generating rich, descriptive data.

I used to believe that one must be formally qualified to deeply understand a subject, and I was skeptical that experiences could be considered valid knowledge. While I remain a strong advocate for education and continuous learning, recognizing that science and evidence are ever-evolving, I've become more open to the idea that experience—even without formal credentials—can be just as valid. The key lies in how individuals approach and convey their knowledge.


I've come to appreciate the power of pūrākau (Māori storytelling) as a form of evidence, something I hadn't previously considered. I knew there was a deep history and understanding of the world in pūrākau, but never understood how powerful these narratives can be in contemporary times. 

The growth in my thinking over the past few years has been remarkable!

As I conclude my data collection journey with our incredible wāhine Māori weightlifters, I'm filled with gratitude.


Ngā mihi nui to all the amazing wāhine Māori weightlifters who have been part of our research journey. Your strength—both physical and spiritual—has been truly inspiring. Completing this data collection, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for your time, energy, and willingness to share your stories.

Your participation has not only deepened our understanding of weightlifting's empowering impact but also highlighted the importance of community and cultural connection in sport. Each lift, conversation, and shared moment has added depth and richness to my research.

To our supportive community, coaches, and everyone who has been part of this journey—your manaakitanga has been invaluable. Together, we're not just lifting weights; we're uplifting each other and our entire community.




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