I’m interested in how morphology, physiology and behaviour contribute to success in physical activities, which I study in two very different but complementary systems: wild animals and professional athletes. In both cases, we have individuals whose performance in specific physical tasks underlies their ‘success’—defined either in the context of survival and reproductive output or fame and wealth. There are clear parallels in research programs across evolutionary ecology and sports sciences, as both aim to identify combinations of traits that drive success (as well as, in the life sciences, their evolution). Despite this, these disciplines operate in relative isolation. One of my goals is to bring these worlds together, pushing the field of performance ecology into its next phase by increasing our theoretical and practical understanding of how animals move and why it matters. In this seminar, I will show the importance of studying trait suites rather than singular traits, measuring motor skill as well as athletic abilities, and emphasising performance outcomes, such as winning fights or points, in realistic situations. I will present data from my research, focusing here on one natural and one sporting study system. I will show which traits drive success in battles between conspecific crustaceans – in species that use deception in conflict. Then I will show how my ecological approach to football is being used in Brazil’s top football academies to improve fairness and equity during talent identification.