Stephen Moon is widely regarded as a leader in performance nutrition. Under his leadership as CEO, Science in Sport evolved into a brand trusted by high-performance athletes across the globe. In an insightful interview with Claire Stewart, Co-Founder of Prorizon, Stephen reflected on the challenges he faced along the way and discussed the increasing importance of mental health in sports, corporate life and beyond.
Building a Global Sport Nutrition Brand – Science in Sport
Stephen’s career started with him working as a bank clerk and postman, before joining corporates like BP and Nestle. It was his time at GlaxoSmithKline as Strategy Planning Director for Nutritional Healthcare, following an MBA, that ignited his passion for sports nutrition.
While working with high performance athletes across British Cycling and the Premier League, Stephen noticed something curious; many athletes were turning to a small brand company, Science in Sport (SiS), for their nutrition supplements. Intrigued by the emphasis on science, he delved deeper into its products and mission, “These guys really do what they say on the tin. This is sports nutrition backed by science,” Stephen remarked.
This interest grew, eventually leading Stephen to acquire SiS. Under his leadership as the CEO, SiS evolved into a global sport nutrition brand trusted by over 320 teams across the NBA, NFL, Premier League, and professional cycling. “We always really meant the ‘science’ part of Science in Sport,” Stephen noted, emphasising the brand’s commitment to rigorous scientific trials, innovation and patented products.
One of SiS’ most notable breakthroughs was the development of a groundbreaking product that delivered 120 grams of carbohydrates per hour to athletes, a key advancement supporting Chris Froome’s legendary comeback at the Giro d’Italia. “When Chris Froome came back from 80km out and won, this was underpinned by our fuelling,” Stephen recalled. That day, Froome never relinquished the lead and it was a performance that reinforced the critical role of nutrition in high performance sports.
However, the road to success wasn’t without challenges. Science in Sport faced substantial obstacles during global crises like Brexit, COVID-19, and the Ukraine war. These events disrupted supply chains and dramatically increased input costs, threatening the company’s growth. But through it all, Stephen maintained a laser-sharp focus on the core of SiS: science and brand. “Good science and good brands are durable,” he reflected, pointing to SiS’ continued ability to thrive despite the setbacks.
Balancing Nutrition and the Psychological Toll of Sport
Stephen’s work in sports nutrition extended beyond fuelling athletes. He witnessed the rapid evolution of sports nutrition firsthand, from early practices of consuming 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour to more advanced techniques involving recovery protein shakes mid-race. Through his collaboration with leading sports scientists, including Professor James Morton of Liverpool John Moores University, Stephen saw how the integration of science into nutrition was transforming athletes’ performance.
Beyond the physical demands of high performance sport, Stephen has become increasingly concerned with the psychological pressures athletes face. While much is known about physical training and recovery, less attention is paid to the chronic mental stress that can affect performance. “We put athletes through the meat grinder from as young as 12,” Stephen said, pointing out that many young athletes are subjected to immense public and personal pressures. He added that, too often, society projects unrealistic expectations on athletes, amplifying their anxiety and stress.
One conversation that sticks with Stephen was with a Performance Director at a global institute, who casually mentioned that many of his athletes struggled with eating disorders. The lack of urgency infuriated Stephen, “It’s not acceptable to just accept that young athletes will have eating disorders as a price of the game,” he stated, highlighting the broader mental health issues in sport. Stephen argued that while progress is being made, much more needs to be done, to address the mental health of athletes at every stage, from their early years through to their retirement.
Harnessing Mental Resilience
Stephen’s advocacy for mental health is deeply personal. From his teenage years, he has experienced depression and anxiety and over the years he has worked with therapists and medical professionals to manage his mental health. “I’m no longer embarrassed or ashamed of my mental health,” he admitted. By working with therapists and medical professionals, he’s learned how to manage his mental health over the years, building the resilience that’s become a hallmark of his personal and professional success; emphasising that mental health, like physical health, should be openly addressed.
Stephen’s resilience was put to the test when he experienced two serious cycling accidents within the space of a year. Between them, he sustained 26 fractures and found himself in intensive care. Despite the severity of his injuries, Stephen’s recovery was remarkably swift, surprising even his medical team. His physical fitness played a role, of course, but Stephen said it was his mental resilience that made all the difference, “The mind can drag the body through some extraordinary things,” he explained, emphasising the critical link between mental strength and physical recovery that allowed him to recover and return to cycling sooner than expected.
Bridging the Gap
Stephen’s experiences have made him a vocal advocate for addressing mental health more comprehensively in both sport and business. While there’s growing awareness of mental health in these organisations, Stephen pointed out a critical gap: the lack of effective tools to manage these concerns. “If we’re going to talk about fast twitch and slow twitch fibres in detail, why can’t we also talk about an athlete’s mental health and how they’re feeling” he questioned, highlighting that mental health should be treated as an integral part of performance, not as a separate issue.
Passionate about changing the status-quo, Stephen argued that by taking mental health seriously and providing the right support, athletes could unlock greater potential. “If you get your mind in the right place, you can do extraordinary things,” he said, advocating for a culture of openness and trust where athletes can discuss their mental well-being without fear of career repercussions.
Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond Sport
As athletes approach retirement, the transition from a life centred around sport to an uncertain future can be distressing. As athletes’ identities often become so intertwined with their sports, the end of their career can feel like the loss of self. Stephen understands the challenge all too well, observing many athletes struggle with identity during transitions. While few high-profile athletes secure media deals or endorsements, many are left without clear career prospects, leading to feelings of loss and confusion.
Stephen contrasted the European system with the American collegiate model, where scholarship athletes are able to pursue higher education alongside their sporting careers, giving them more opportunities post-retirement. He believes that sporting organisations could do more to prepare athletes for life beyond sport, supporting them to thrive long after their sporting careers come to an end.
A Positive Path Forward
Despite the challenges that athletes and businesses face when it comes to mental health and performance, Stephen is optimistic about the future. He sees progress being made, particularly in the growing openness around mental health conversations. As awareness continues to grow, he believes that athletes will be better supported, both during their careers and after they retire. “It’s about understanding the whole picture – mental and physical health working together,” Stephen said.
Stephen’s work now focuses on supporting young growth businesses and mentoring CEOs, where his extensive experience in leadership and resilience is making a meaningful impact. Reflecting on his own journey, he remains committed to the belief that both business and sport can benefit from fostering environments that support mental and physical health and well-being. “The mind and body are powerful tools,” he concluded, “and with the right support, they can take us further than we ever thought possible.”
