Ludus Sports Performance

Huge shoutout to Jordy Lewis, who took out gold in the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly multi-class events, along with silver in the 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke MC events at the WA Junior Championships over the weekend.

Since joining his sister Maddie at Ludus in December, Jordy has applied himself with great intent, persistence, and professionalism during his sessions, improving out of sight in the short time he’s been training with us.

We’re stoked for Jordy, and we’re excited to see what he can do in the pool going forward!

Another year in the books at Ludus Sports Performance.

As always, the year brought countless wins, losses, challenges, failures, lessons and ultimately growth.

It’s impossible to capture all the moments, but they stick in the minds of the Ludus athletes, coaches and physios.
Whether it be a grand final win, a maiden 5fa, a Hyrox PB, a college Lacrosse contract, a Nationals qualifying time, a 200km ride, a Rotto swim, a 2k PB, a half mara, a full mara, a State Team call up, a National Team call up, or a return from a long rehab.

Those are the highlights, but the most impressive moments came during the lowlights, and the resilience shown in the face of them.

We’re overwhelmingly proud of our athletes and staff, and we’re pumped to witness their continued growth in 2026!

Some Ludus Christmas Party highlights courtesy of .vandenberg

The traditional physio model rarely works for athletes.

If the old-school “clinic room + printout exercises” actually worked for athletes, pro teams would still use it.

But they don’t. They use an integrated system where physios and S&C coaches work together, adapt training around the injury, and keep athletes progressing instead of de-conditioning.

That’s the model we’re dedicated to running at Ludus.

Athletes walk in and know they’re in the right place, not a clinic with tiny rooms, but a high-performance environment built for real athletic rehab.

Our Reconditioning Program treats every athlete like a pro:
• Weekly physio support
• Individualised training programs
• Full access to small group coaching in the gym and on the field/ court
• Access to recovery facilities
• Regular communication with your physio and S&C coaches so your progress never stalls
• A clear pathway back to sport and beyond

This is how athletes return faster, stronger, and more confident, without the cycle of re-injury.

Be the best version of yourself.

It’s at the core of the Ludus vision, and this year Elijah Quartermaine (Talbot) has been driving that vision.
Talbot came runner up in the reserves best and fairest at the Brentwood-Booragoon Best & Fairest (The Brentlows), and while that might not sound headline-worthy, his story absolutely is.

Last season, he was struggling to crack a 3rds game.
Fast forward 12 months and he’s dropped 30kg, earned a regular starting spot, stepped up as stand-in captain, and finished second in the Best & Fairest. That’s the kind of growth that should inspire not only his Brentwood teammates, but all the athletes and coaches at Ludus.

But why is his hair blue?

Talbot donned the hair dye for the MACA Cancer 200km Ride, which he raised money for and competed in the morning after the Brentlows, further showing the character or the bloke.

His coach Callan and the entire Ludus team couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved — and we’re fired up to see what’s next on his journey. 💪

Should you be taking creatine?

If you play sport, challenge your brain regularly, or are at risk of concussions, the answer is probably yes!

Do you take creatine?

Did you know Scott Pendlebury has a basketball background?

Basketball is potentially too often mentioned and credited for the smooth-moving evasiveness we associate with Pendlebury, but he’s just one of many successful athletes who cut their teeth in multiple sports as kids. And although it might not always be so obviously helpful as in Pendlebury’s case, the evidence suggests it’s an essential factor in a young athlete’s development.

Sport trains the ability to be adaptable in one way or another, and that trait only becomes more important the higher the level an athlete competes at. By playing a diverse range of sports at a young age, these athletes are literally training their ability to adapt — and when they do eventually specialise in a chosen sport, they carry those traits with them.

There’s no hard and fast age at which a child should specialise; each case should be considered on its merits, and most importantly, in the best interest of the athlete.
In LeBron’s case, he played American football until he was almost 17 — less than two years later, he made his NBA debut!

LeBron and Pendles aren’t outliers—you could name countless athletes who played other sports or did strength training (which absolutely counts) in their younger years. So if you’re a parent to, coaching or mentoring an athlete under 15 or 16, embrace variety!

Sleep meme dump

It’s an impressive skill to be able to just close your eyes and fall asleep—but we know that getting to sleep, and staying asleep, is something most people struggle with at some point in their lives.

We also know that building a consistent sleep routine that helps you gradually wind down can improve how quickly you fall asleep and how well you stay asleep.

The routine below is just one example. Your own sleep habits, needs and preferences should guide what works best for you.

If you’d like help developing a sleep routine that suits you, feel free to get in touch!

Did you know athletes are often more likely to get sick than the general population?

After intense training or competition, the immune system takes a temporary hit. This creates a short window where the body is more vulnerable to illness—especially if exposed to a virus or bacteria. This is known as the ‘Open Window Theory’.

The good news? You can shrink that window!

Stay on top of your sleep, nutrition, and training load, and you’ll give your immune system the best chance of fighting off illness!

Not sure what to do when you get sick?
Comment “cheatsheet” for a one page guide!

Last month, Tom and five members of the Ludus Tactical Program took part in the 24 Hours of Heroes Challenge — an initiative that honours fallen military personnel and first responders, while raising funds to support veterans and their families.

The challenge saw the team complete a “Hero workout” every hour for 24 hours, with each workout dedicated to a fallen veteran or first responder.

Ludus athletes and staff are used to seeing the Tac group training hard every Thursday and Saturday, and we’re proud to see them continuing to lead by example outside the Ludus walls!