Sportico Talks to Dave
Dave Hancock, the CEO and founder of Apollo, recently sat down with Sportico to share insights into his groundbreaking work with world-class athletes, including Saquon Barkley, Kevin Durant, and David Beckham. Known for his expertise in sports medicine and exercise physiology, Hancock has become a trusted figure in the rehabilitation and performance optimization of top-tier athletes.
Hancock detailed his collaboration with Barkley, the New York Giants running back, who sought his help in 2022 while recovering from an ankle sprain and still regaining strength after ACL surgery. The partnership began with what Hancock calls a “movement screening,” a comprehensive series of tests to identify weaknesses and restrictions in the athlete’s movement patterns.
“There were a number of tests where he couldn’t believe he was so weak,” Hancock recalled in the interview. “He kept saying, ‘Do it again. Do it again.’ We did some three or four times. He couldn’t believe that I’d found these things—you know, he’s built like the Hulk.”
The results of this analysis informed a tailored program for Barkley, which he integrated into his strength, stretching, and pregame routines. With Apollo’s ongoing support, Barkley went on to achieve career highs in rushing yards (1,312) and carries (295) during the 2022 season, while also playing all 16 games for the first time since his rookie year.
This success is just one example of Hancock’s ability to elevate athletes to their peak performance. His work extends beyond the football field; he previously spent four months living with NBA superstar Kevin Durant during his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon and has provided rehabilitation support to soccer legend David Beckham, pop icon Madonna, and even James Bond actor Daniel Craig.
Hancock attributes his success to Apollo’s innovative health data platform, ApolloV2, which combines cutting-edge technology with personalized expertise. The platform enables athletes to receive precise, data-driven insights into their physical performance and recovery.
“Apollo is about more than recovery; it’s about helping athletes unlock their full potential,”
Hancock said.
With a growing reputation for delivering results, Hancock and Apollo continue to set a new standard in sports rehabilitation and performance, helping athletes at every level push the boundaries of what’s possible.
To read the full interview, visit the Sportico website.
