Former Wasps forward Kearnan Myall, who spent 15 seasons playing professionally for Leeds, Sale and Wasps, is now performance director of GB Snowsport. Despite never having skied until recently, he is using Formula One technology and brain science to prepare Team GB’s winter athletes for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Myall, who completed a PhD at Oxford University on meditation and athletic performance, has patented a technology that uses quantum analysis methods to produce performance-related biomarkers from brain dynamic data. He has also liaised with McLaren to develop a new material for ski bindings. His approach aims to reduce ruminative thought – when athletes dwell on past mistakes – and enhance focus.
Myall’s rugby background, playing at Wasps during the glory days with private jets and at Leeds on a shoestring budget, gave him insight into both ends of the high-performance spectrum. He emphasises a holistic environment, noting that athletes like snowboarder Mia Brookes need to be left alone with her crew to perform. Mia is also a guitarist and artist, and Myall believes in supporting the whole person.
The 39-year-old beat ten other contenders to the performance director role last year. His playing career also taught him to encourage athletes to express themselves, and he draws on mental battles with England coach Steve Borthwick as examples of thinking clearly under pressure. Funding remains a constant struggle, but Myall says his belief in a team approach helps him bring people together.
Myall’s own mental health has improved through his work, and he jokes that a more holistic environment could have transformed his own rugby career. As the Winter Olympics approach, he aims to help athletes like Zoe Atkin, Kirsty Muir and Charlotte Bankes secure medals through cutting-edge coaching and technology.
