BSc Sport and Exercise Science student Jotham Yamoah recently had the unique opportunity to assist Dr Chris Tyler in conducting performance testing for McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri, using our state-of-the-art facilities. This hands-on experience offered Jotham an invaluable glimpse into the high-performance world of elite athletes. We caught up with Jotham to learn more about his experience, his time at the University of Roehampton, and his ambitions for the future.
Jotham explains: “It was presented to me as a routine opportunity to assist with some testing by Chris Tyler. I’m always keen to take on opportunities, so I signed up. On the day, Chris explained what we would be doing and revealed that it was for Oscar Piastri himself! He selected me for this opportunity because of my enthusiasm for F1, as well as my strong engagement and attendance throughout the year.”
“It was an incredible experience to see how athletes operate at such a high level and to understand the processes they go through behind the scenes,” he says. “I also had the chance to speak with his personal trainer and coach to learn about the path they took to end up in such roles.”
This unique insight into the dedication and expertise required to perform at the pinnacle of sport has further inspired Jotham to pursue his own ambitions.
A former football player, Jotham has always been passionate about sport. “I’ve always been fascinated by how players and athletes perform at an elite level, and I’m particularly interested in how we can help injured players through rehabilitation and other challenges,” he shares.
His desire to understand the science behind elite performance led him to the University of Roehampton. “As someone who wanted to stay in London, I explored a variety of options. Roehampton stood out for its excellent course and connections with organisations like Crystal Palace, as well as the opportunities on offer,” Jotham explains.
Looking ahead, Jotham hopes to work in football or Formula 1, potentially as a sports scientist or in fitness and conditioning. “I’m also considering pursuing a master’s degree in a specialised subject,” he adds.
Jotham credits the academic staff at Roehampton with preparing him for a successful career. “In biomechanics, for example, we carry out practicals ourselves, replicating real-world scenarios,” he says. “Andrew’s lectures, for instance, offer insight into the technologies used at Crystal Palace and other cutting-edge advancements. The staff are always keen to show how what we learn can be applied in professional settings.”
Reflecting on how his studies prepared him for working with Oscar Piastri, Jotham says: “The tests we conducted were similar to those we’ve practised before—perhaps not to the same level as for an elite athlete—but the experience built on the foundation of knowledge I already had. Hopefully, I can apply this to similar opportunities in the future.”
In addition to his academic pursuits, Jotham is a passionate fan of sport. “I follow Liverpool FC and Formula 1, particularly Lewis Hamilton, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris,” he says.
Jotham’s story showcases the incredible opportunities available to Sport and Exercise Science students at Roehampton and the dedication needed to succeed in the competitive world of elite sport.
To find out more about our Sports and Nutrition programmes here at the University of Roehampton, visit https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/study/academic-areas/life-and-health-sciences/sport-and-nutrition.