The Masters Swimming Podcast: Recent Episodes
Joe Malone
The go-to podcast for the masters swimming community, talking all things topical in the sport, hosted by masters swimmer Joe Malone, joined by a number of guests
We’re celebrating four years of the Freestyle Media podcast with some exciting news! Woking’s Julie Howe joins the podcast team as a regular presenter. Find out what she’ll bring to the show and what listeners can look forward to.
Helen is also joined by Nottingham Leander’s Alex Thurston to review the National Masters Open Water Championships at Rother Valley Country Park. Despite challenging high winds threatening the event, competitors enjoyed a fantastic day of racing.
Alex shares his experience, reflects on the performances of his teammates and other competitors, and captures the unique atmosphere of the championships.
Whether you raced this year or are thinking about giving open water a try next season, this episode is packed with practical advice, from what to wear and how to pace yourself to what makes the event such a memorable experience.
We also take a trip down memory lane, looking back on some of our favourite podcasts from the last year and celebrate the amazing Masters swimming community that has made this milestone possible.
Visit our Instagram Channel for additional content via @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review on your podcast player.
Craig Ward and Vicki Payne join Helen Gorman to preview the pool swimming events at the European Masters Championships in Slovakia.
From race goals to relays, travel and the excitement of competing against Europe’s best, they share how they’re preparing to race outdoors at the stunning X-Bionic Sphere in Šamorín.
Along the way, they discuss what first-time international competitors can expect, the unique atmosphere of Masters racing abroad, and whether the local food and Slovak beer will be part of the recovery plan!
Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Paul Leonard shares the extraordinary story of becoming only the 44th person ever to complete the Oceans Seven challenge. From surviving a shark bite during his Molokai Channel attempt to returning a year later to finish the swim, Paul reveals the resilience, preparation and mental strength required to conquer the world’s toughest marathon swims.
He also shares his training strategies, the highs and lows of the journey, and what it takes to succeed in one of endurance sport’s greatest challenges.
Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Woking Swimming Club’s Henry Goodlud joins the podcast to share his experience of developing Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), a potentially serious condition that forced him out of the water just weeks before the British Masters Championships in Aberdeen.
Henry explains what SIPE is, how it developed during a 24-hour relay challenge, the symptoms swimmers shouldn’t ignore, and what can be done to reduce the risks.
We also dive into the science behind Woking’s remarkable relay success, as Henry reveals the mathematical selection model that helped the club break two masters world relay records in Aberdeen.
And in a surprise twist, Henry turns interviewer, putting podcast host Helen Gorman in the hot seat with a few unexpected questions of his own.
Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Adam Wilkie is taking on one of the boldest challenges in swimming. Nearly 50 years after his father, Olympic champion David Wilkie, won gold and set a world record in the 200m breaststroke at the 1976 Olympics, Adam is attempting to match that iconic winning time of 2:15.11. The odds are against him.
Adam walked away from competitive swimming at just 17 and is now rebuilding from scratch at the age of 33. He’s even left his job to commit fully to the challenge, while aiming to raise £215,000 for SportsAid to help the next generation of athletes.
In this episode, Adam shares what it was like growing up as the son of one of Britain’s greatest swimmers, why he quit the sport as a teenager, and what inspired him to return years later to chase an extraordinary goal. We also discuss his training at Chelsea and Westminster Swimming Club, his plans to race at Masters events before next April’s British Championships in London, and what it’s like preparing in the same high-performance environment as Olympic champion Adam Peaty.
It’s a conversation about legacy, sacrifice, family, and proving that it’s never too late to chase an impossible dream. If you’d like to support Adam’s fundraising for SportsAid, please consider donating via his JustGiving page and learn more about the project via his website, In My Father’s Lane. https://justgiving.com/page/in-my-fathers-lane https://inmyfatherslane.com
Masters swimmer Nicola (Nicci) Beynon shares her journey of balancing sport, career and family life while living with multiple sclerosis.
Nicci talks about resilience, adapting to challenges and the role swimming continues to play in her health, wellbeing and happiness. She explains why saying “yes” to seemingly crazy challenges is so important to her mental health and how she hopes her experiences encourage others to be open minded the limits they may place on themselves.
We also dive into the lighter side of the sport, discussing the wonderfully chaotic world of swim parents, managing pre-race nerves, and Nicci’s memories of training seven times a week at Cardiff’s old Empire Pool, complete with its scurrying beetles.
Honest, funny and uplifting, this is a conversation about finding joy in sport, embracing challenges and continuing to move forward, whatever life throws your way.
Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for video content.
World records, epic performances, travel tails and pornstar martinis…
Olly Espinasse (Basingstoke Bluefins) and Molly James (Trafford Metro) join Helen Gorman to break down the biggest moments from the 2026 British Masters Championships in Aberdeen.
From outstanding swims to unforgettable stories on and off poolside, this championship recap captures everything that made Aberdeen 2026 one to remember. Whether you were there or not, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
We’re joined by respected swimming journalist Liz Byrnes, who has spent more than two decades at the heart of the sport covering Olympic Games, World Championships and some of swimming’s biggest moments.
From the super-suit era and Duncan Scott’s stand against Sun Yang to athlete mental health, the rise of swimming longevity and the changing nature of elite competition, Liz shares her perspective on how the sport has evolved - and where it’s heading next.
Having travelled the world covering swimming for national and international media, Liz also discusses the pressure of championship reporting, the shift from print to digital media, and what makes a swimming story break through to the mainstream.
We dive into masters swimming, discussing how clubs and athletes can attract media coverage, why participation sport matters, and the inspiring stories that deserve a bigger audience.
Packed with insight, behind-the-scenes stories, humour and predictions for the future of swimming, this is insightful for swimmers, coaches and fans of the sport alike.
Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Join Charlie Harris and Helen Gorman for a preview of the 2026 British Masters Championships in Aberdeen.
As the host of Scottish Swimming’s Aqua Pod and a member of their media and marketing team, Charlie brings a unique insider perspective on the championships, the venue and the Scottish masters swimming scene.
From athletes and stories to watch, to practical tips for navigating the weekend, Charlie shares his knowledge from attending numerous national events in Aberdeen. Find out which swimmers could make headlines, what to expect from the competition, and how to make the most of your trip.
Plus, the all-important questions: where can you find Aberdeen’s best coffee, the ultimate haggis sandwich, and the perfect pre or post race pizza?
Whether you’re racing, supporting, volunteering or following from afar, this episode has everything you need to get ready for British Masters 2026.
Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
In this episode, super sprinter and sports scientist Sam Lawman lays out exactly how to nail the final 30 minutes before you step onto the blocks.
From smart priming techniques to mental cues and race-ready routines, Sam shares practical, science-backed strategies to help swimmers feel sharp, focused, and ready to fire when it matters most.
Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for video content (priming video available soon!) If you’d like to try bicarb, visit https://www.flycarb.com and use the code FREESTYLE10 (limited to the first 50 customers only).
Back from a week training with Trojan SC in the Lanzarote sunshine, masters world record holders Helen Gorman and Jo Corben discuss everything from tough morning sets to celebrity selfies, sightseeing and cheese.
The pair discuss why Lanzarote has become the unofficial spring gathering point for masters swimmers, the atmosphere of training alongside international squads, and whether there were any swimmers left in the UK - apart from Kirsty Johnson, who stayed home and broke a world record.
They also chat about planning the camp on a budget, structuring training for maximum benefit, balancing hard work with recovery, and why using annual leave for a swim camp can be one of the best investments you make in your swimming.
Along the way there are highlights, lowlights, funny moments, favourite sets, tired legs and plenty of honest reflections on what they both took away from the week - physically, mentally and socially.
Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for Lanzarote video clips that will make you jealous you weren’t there too (maybe)…
Nicola Charlesworth shares her remarkable journey as a deaf swimmer, her return to the pool after a 17-year break, and the record-breaking performances that have made her a name to look out for in masters swimming.
Her path back to success has been anything but straightforward - from representing Great Britain as an elite junior swimmer with Olympic ambitions, to navigating progressive hearing loss and recovering after being hit by a bus.
Nicola shares the unexpected challenges she faces as a deaf athlete, balancing training with a demanding career and young family, and the powerful role swimming plays in her mental wellbeing. We also explore what drives her to keep pushing boundaries in the pool.
Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for lots of great video clips from our weekly podcasts.
Trafford Metro’s Chris Malpass chats about life in the early stages of recovery from knee surgery. Confined to the sofa rather than the pool, he shares the realities of rehab, adapting training, and the mental resilience needed to stay motivated when everything stops.
Helen Gorman digs into the bigger picture; what it really means for masters swimmers to keep pushing limits in their 40s and beyond and uncovers that this is far from Chris’s first setback.
Listen in for honest reflections and a few philosophical detours covering snooker, camper vans and crocodiles.
Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for lots of great video clips from our weekly podcasts.
Join Olympic medallist and coach Brian Brinkley for a trip back to one of the most turbulent eras in sport.
From the shadow of the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics to the podium highs of 1976 Summer Olympics, Brian shares what it was like inside the Olympic Village when history and controversy unfolded.
We dive into the rise of East German dominance, the realities behind doping, and what it meant to race in the era of David Wilkie, when British swimming was making waves on the world stage.
Expect opinions, storytelling, a surprising gesture from Bernard Matthews, and a love for the sport that still burns strong.
This is swimming history as you’ve never heard it before.
Helen Gorman catches up with masters swimmer John Wood following his standout performances at the Aquatics GB Championships in London, where racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the country’s elite pushed him to a lifetime best in the 100m butterfly at age 40.
We also shine a light on other masters swimmers racing at the very top level, including Rebecca Guy, who powered her way into two finals, and Martin Bennell, who made history as the oldest ever competitor at the championships at 49.
From warming up alongside Olympic champions to navigating the intensity of a high-performance environment, John gives an insight into the week - what he learned, and why more masters swimmers should consider stepping onto this stage.
Plus, we explore how to qualify, the pathway to the Olympic Games trials in 2028, and John reveals his unusual side hustle.
Mike Peyrebrune, coach and sports scientist at Loughborough University, joins us to share expert insight into altitude training and warm weather camps. Drawing on his experience working with Olympic swimmers, Mike explains how elite athletes use these environments to fine-tune performance - and what that really looks like in practice.
We explore the science behind altitude training, from the physiological adaptations to the realities of living and training in a low-oxygen environment. What benefits are swimmers actually chasing? How are altitude camps structured across a season? And where do the marginal gains really come from?
Crucially, we bring the conversation back to club and masters swimmers. Is altitude training realistic, or even worthwhile outside the elite system? We discuss the trade-offs, the limitations, and the alternatives, including heat training and warm weather camps.
We sit down with 2025 British Masters Decathlon champions Michelle Ware and Mike Hodgson to unpack one of swimming’s most intriguing competitions.
They break down what the Decathlon actually is, how it works, and how any masters swimmer can get involved - whether you’re chasing points or just looking for a new challenge. We also dive into how it can keep you motivated across the season and push you beyond your usual comfort zone.
Along the way, we tackle the mysterious age-adjustment formula (yes, we try to make sense of it…) and explore why Jane Asher continues to set the standard as one of the toughest competitors to beat.
The best part? You’re probably already in it. Every British masters swimmer is automatically included - so this might just be the nudge you need to broaden your events and give it a go.
We discuss the radical training behind the fastest man in the world. Sonny Trigg shares what he learned from spending time in Brisbane with Cameron McEvoy.
Fresh from witnessing the build-up to McEvoy’s world record-breaking 50m freestyle (20.88), Sonny gives a unique behind-the-scenes look at a programme that’s turning traditional swim training on its head.
We explore the relentless focus on marginal gains, the team and environment that support it, and the mindset shift that allowed McEvoy to completely reinvent how he trains - with remarkable results. We also look what other swimmers can take from this approach (and there’s more than you might think, whether you’re a sprinter or not).
This is a fascinating, thought-provoking look at what it took to become the fastest in the world - and what elements of that journey might apply to you.
Huge thanks to Sonny, aka TheSwimSuitGuy, for joining Helen Gorman on the podcast.
Meet Siân Clement, an intrepid open water and ice swimmer dividing her time between South Wales and Orkney and rarely choosing the easy path.
In this episode, we learn about her remarkable journey from swimming alongside penguins in Antarctica to taking on the iconic Manhattan Island Marathon Swim and becoming the first woman to complete the Original Triple Crown of open water swimming: the English Channel, Bristol Channel, and the formidable North Channel between Ireland and Scotland.
Siân shares insights into balancing life as a doctor with extreme endurance challenges, her recent experiences racing at the European Ice Swimming Championships, and her unexpected title as a world champion in bog snorkelling. It’s a conversation full of adventure, resilience, and humour, capturing not just the extremes of the sport, but the joy and connection found within the open water swimming community.
Presented by Helen Gorman.
Jamie Ingram joins us Helen Gorman to discuss his tapering strategy ahead of the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships this April. He’s one of Britain’s top butterfly swimmers and a Commonwealth Games medallist from 2022.
Jamie explains what goes into preparation for a major event, what changes in the final weeks before competition, and the signs swimmers look for to know they’re ready to perform. He breaks down his 100m butterfly, from kick counts, pacing and strategy to handling pressure as he targets another Team England selection. There are lots of takeaways for masters swimmers, highlighting what elements of elite training can be applied at any level.
We also touch on Jamie’s own masters swimming experiences, the downsides of growing long facial hair before taper, and his race analytics and coaching business, https://www.jingramswimming.com
This week we dive into the science of lactate, that familiar burning sensation you feel in the closing stages of a hard race, and explore why bicarbonate of soda – baking powder – is being used by elite athletes to slow down lactate acid production. We look at how athletes can train to improve lactate tolerance, considering diet, lifestyle and age as a factor. We consider why elite athletes across different sports have experimented with taking bicarb supplements and whether it can genuinely help swimmers hold their speed when fatigue kicks in. Joining us are Jack Gray and Josh Elston-Carr from sports nutrition brand, FLYCARB.
They bring scientific knowledge and performance experience to the conversation. We discuss how bicarb works as a buffering agent, why it’s been used across multiple different sports since the golden era of Coe vs Ovett on the track. We also look at the downsides and discuss whether supplementation has a placebo effect on performance. This episode breaks down physiology, training, and the practical applications in a way that’s (hopefully) easy to understand.
If you’d like to try bicarb for yourself, visit https://www.flycarb.com and use the code FREESTYLE10.
Michael Read MBE is a legend of British swimming. He has spent more than six decades pushing the limits of endurance in the water. Selected for the 1960 Olympic team before an accident ended that dream, he went on to carve out an extraordinary career in marathon swimming — including 33 crossings of the English Channel, earning him the title of "King of the Channel.”
Now in his 80s, Michael is still competing at the highest level in masters swimming, recently winning multiple gold medals at the Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi and claiming a World Aquatics masters open water title in Singapore.
In this episode we talk about Olympic heartbreak, the brutal beauty of Channel swimming, and what keeps him diving in after a lifetime in the sport.
David Bryant is competing more than anyone we know right now - chasing records and rolling back the clock to his youth.
From international racing in the 80s to masters globe trotting (with a possible side hustle in espionage), he’s proof that ambition doesn’t retire. We discuss the privilege and the challenges of reaching age 65 and having world record aspirations.
This isn’t a story about slowing down.
It’s about speeding up - at 65.
Mel Bardsley has never just “gone for a swim.” From representing her country in artistic swimming to winning BUCS university water polo championships and competing in National League Division 1, she’s spent a lifetime pushing limits in the water.
She’s swum the English Channel in a relay, claimed Masters surf lifesaving titles, and now coaches open water swimmers from her base in Bude, North Cornwall after leaving school teaching to launch Swimscape Cornwall. In this fun episode, we dive into the training behind elite artistic swimming, what pool swimmers can learn from it, her tips on cold water acclimatisation, and why she’ll choose the sea over a pool every time.
It’s a conversation about longevity, variety, and always finding your next challenge.
Visit Swimcape Cornwall here: https://swimscapecornwall.co.uk
In December, Dom Wooldridge broke the British Masters 100m butterfly record in the 30–34 age group - with an unexpected training partner: AI.
Unable to attend all his training sessions with City of Cardiff Swimming Club, Dom turned to AI-generated sessions to supplement his preparation. In this episode, he joins host Helen Gorman to share his firsthand experience of using AI to support his performance. Together, they explore how well this real-life experiment worked… and reveal some of the downsides, including the occasionally bold (and sometimes outrageous) suggestions AI produced along the way.
We catch up with masters swimmer Brad Price after he’s just wrapped up an epic January challenge: 100 pull-ups every single day - 3,100 in total - in support of a charity that helps retired military and police dogs live out their well-earned retirements.
Brad discusses the methods that kept him going, the moments that nearly broke him, and how grinding through thousands of pull-ups could translate into faster, stronger swimming in the pool. He also shares practical tips for anyone wanting to level up their pull-up game, along with honest reflections on the mental grit and physical resilience needed to see a challenge like this through.
If you can, support the cause at https://heropawsuk.enthuse.com — 3,100 pull-ups is an absolute monster of a challenge, and Brad smashed it for a brilliant reason.
Rebecca Lennon and Sarah Fitzgerald-Smith join Helen Gorman on the Master Swimming Podcast for a powerful conversation about the realities of attempting to swim the English Channel - where preparation meets uncertainty, and outcomes are never guaranteed.
With significantly fewer people having swum the Channel than have climbed Mount Everest, they explore what draws swimmers to one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges. The discussion covers the months of training, the mental and physical toll of preparation, the ever-present influence of weather and tides, and the emotional weight of a goal that may, or may not, be realised.
Sarah shares insights from her successful Channel crossing, while Rebecca reflects on the contrasting experience of being fully prepared but unable to start due to adverse weather and sea conditions. Together, they unpack what success really means, how athletes adapt when plans unravel, and why the swimming community plays such a vital role in both triumph and disappointment.
Is AI the ultimate assistant coach or a step too far?
Matt Gray, assistant head coach at City of Peterborough Swimming Club, joins us to unpack how artificial intelligence is shaking up swimming. From free apps and instant feedback to race-winning pacing strategies, we explore whether AI could transform the way we train, and what we might lose if we lean on it too heavily.
We also tackle the ethical questions and look ahead to a future where data, coaching, and human instinct collide.
Do you wish you could race in one of those shiny rubber full body suits from 2009? Do you think you could smash your personal best times and look like a superhero in the process? Or are you glad that those days are gone?
Helen Gorman and Conor Osborough, discuss bodysuits and there's a special guest opinion by Dean Milwain, 2008 Olympian, who is keen to dust off his old bodysuits and enjoy the extra buoyancy and speed they provided!
Tapping into Conor's PhD knowledge, we explore the reasons why bodysuits were so fast. Having attended the Swimming World Championships in Rome in 2009, Conor saw world records broken that still stand today - including the oldest record in the books, Paul Biedermann's 200m freestyle time of 1:42.00.
The conversation delves into the arguments for and against the use of bodysuits in competitive masters swimming, including issues of cost, accessibility, and body image. Let us know what you think...
Backstroke ace, Lauren Quigley joins us at the start of a Commonwealth Games year to reflect on the medals she won at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and during an illustrious career at saw her crack the 60 second mark for 100m backstroke (long course).
Hailing from a swimming family, we discuss the intense pressure she felt leading into the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Trials, and how her experiences as an elite swimmer have shaped her new career as a firefighter.
Lauren talks about the sense of community from taking part in masters swimming and representing the fire service swimming team and offers a host of tips for anyone looking to improve their swimming performances.
John Wood joins Helen Gorman to reflect on the European Masters Short Course Championships held in Lublin, Poland. We discuss everything from John's impressive gold medal and lifetime best performance in the 100m butterfly to the size of pizza slices available at the pool cafe.
We review the world record breaking performances and highlight a few star performances by British swimmers. We also cover the organisation of the championships and the value of having a major international short course event in the masters calendar.
Celebrating a new year, we look at key meets for 2026, and how to structure training cycles. We also consider the importance of preparation meets and scheduled recovery.
Rival Inter County team managers from Surrey (Laura Kerrigan) and Hampshire (James MacTavish) take on the 'Inter County Christmas Cup', a new podcast game show devised without any rules or a scoring system. Helen Gorman asks the questions and Joe Malone is called in work out who wins.
This Christmas special covers training traditions as well as a review of what happened in 2025. We put forward nominations for the Freestyle Media masters swimmer of the year and look ahead to 2026. See you all in the new year, thanks for listening! Follow us on Instagram for video clips and https://www.instagram.com/freestyle_media_swimming/.
Visit https://www.allensswimwear.co.uk and use the code ‘MastersPod’ to access discount on non-sale items.
Hear from Jane Asher following her induction into the Swim England Hall of Fame.
Jane has broken over 100 master’s swimming world records and won numerous world titles. Now she’s preparing for the next age group with a laser focus on the record books! Even in her 90s, her swims are a master class in technique and pacing and her approach to training is a lesson in longevity (assuming no one gets in her way!)
Hear stories from Jane’s childhood, including moving from Zambia to South Africa to get treatment for malaria, a life-threatening condition at the time, and how that move enabled a celebrated swimming career to begin.
Follow https://www.instagram.com/freestyle_media_swimming/ to access video footage and some bonus interview snippets.
Visit https://www.allensswimwear.co.uk and use the code ‘MastersPod’ to access discount on non-sale items.
This week, we meet Glen Christiansen, a Swedish Olympian and Masters World Record holder. We discuss Glen's journey from elite swimmer to coach, his heart breaking experience at the 1980 Olympics, why he attended the first ever World Masters Championships in Tokyo, and his recovery from a serious accident that resulted in him needing to relearn how to walk, talk and eat.
Glen shares insights on the evolution of Masters swimming, his coaching philosophy, and the significance of his recent induction into the Masters Swimming Hall of Fame. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to swimming, both in competition and coaching.
Imagine doing just five months of training and breaking 50 seconds for the 100m freestyle? That’s exactly what Arran Francis did and he’s now one of the most exciting new faces on the masters swimming scene. Helen Gorman tracked him down to find out more.
Arran talks through why joining Trafford Swimming Club was the best decision he’s made this year and what he hopes to achieve from here.
He’s also a high achiever in the business world, managing three YouTube channels and commentating daily on eSports and Formula One. Arran explains his work and discusses the similarities and differences between gaming, motor sports and swimming.
This week, we meet Reg Lloyd, who shares his journey from elite swimming to managing type 1 diabetes and finding unexpected joy in masters swimming.
He discusses the highs that earned him a stunning personal best time of 1 minute 46.1 for the 200m freestyle and securing a place at the National Performance Centre in Stirling to the significant health challenges that ended his elite swimming career. He discusses the training methods that have shaped his mindset and underlines the importance of good friends.
As a key part of relay teams with TheSwimSuitGuy (Sonny Trigg), Reg has broken multiple masters world records, but the most important dynamic has been the fun and motivation that comes from being part of a team.
Hosted by Helen Gorman.
Host Helen Gorman chats to Fleur and Spencer Turner, a well-known and very high achieving couple in the British Masters swimming community. They discuss their experiences at the US Masters Championships in Federal Way this summer, their achievements (including world record breaking relays), and the dynamics of being a competitive family.
We also look at the structure of their Basingstoke Bluefins club, and Spencer’s role as a coach and administrator. They share insights on training, the importance of teamwork, and their future goals.
After coaching Trafford to the Top Club award for the fourth year in a row, Bob Bolton joins Helen Gorman to review the National Masters Championships in Sheffield. Discussion covers record breaking swims, notable performers and unique insight into training and racing.
Don’t miss this fun and insightful look at the Championships, which saw 17 world records smashed.
Bob also looks at the overall success and future of the event given his position on the Masters Working Group.
George Taplin joins the Masters Swimming Podcast to discuss his record-breaking end-to-end swim in Lake Windermere. George has a unique perspective on ecology and cleaning up our waterways given his full-time employment in the water industry.
George grew up training with Olympic champion, Tom Dean in Maidenhead and now lives, trains and works full time in Leeds. He swam Windermere’s 10.5miles at an average pace of 1:09 per 100m to break the record for swimming the length of England’s longest lake. He shares insights on pacing, fuelling, and the psychological aspects of endurance swimming.
Visit Allen’s of Kingsbury to update your swimsuits and gear: https://www.allensswimwear.co.uk. Use discount code MastersPod for 10% discount – code valid until 14/11/25 on full priced items.
Sonny Trigg, the one and only SwimSuitGuy, joins Helen Gorman to preview the 2025 National Masters Short Course Championships in Sheffield.
From record contenders to legendary names and inspiring competitors, we explore the stories behind the swimmers who refuse to slow down.
And even if you’re not planning to be poolside in Sheffield, there’s plenty of swim talk, insider gossip, and a splash of humour to keep you entertained from the first whistle to the final touch.
In this episode of the Masters Swimming Podcast, mother and daughter duo, Heidi and Vivien Bell-West, share their experiences along with their family legacy connected to Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel. Preferring to sprint rather than swim long distances, Heidi has won global medals and set new national records this year in the 55-59 category.
Vivien, a mum of nine children, relies on 80 years’ experience of participation and coaching, and regular gardening, to keep her speed up.
This delightful conversation also covers early years swimming in Jamacia, being a swim-mad family and training in Australia for several months of the year. Heidi and Vivien will compete together at the National Short Course Championships and offer valuable advice for those considering entering the world of masters swimming. Presented by Helen Gorman.
Visit Allen’s of Kingsbury to update your swimsuits and gear: https://www.allensswimwear.co.uk Use discount code MastersPod for 10% discount – code valid until 14/11/25 on full priced items.
In this episode of the Master Swimming Podcast, host Helen Gorman speaks with Chris Harris, a sports scientist from Precision Fuel and Hydration, about the importance of hydration for swimmers.
They discuss how sweat rates differ in swimming compared to land sports, the role of electrolytes, and effective hydration strategies. Chris explains the impact of dehydration on performance, the causes of muscle cramps, and the effects of caffeine on hydration levels and athletic performance.
The conversation also touches on hydration needs for different age groups and the importance of listening to your body regarding thirst and hydration.
Link to Precision Fuel & Hydration: https://www.precisionhydration.com
Knowledge Hub: https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/
Book a free consultation: https://www.precisionhydration.com/book-a-video-consultation/
What happens when your shoulder suddenly goes ping, and the only way back to the pool is through surgery? For many swimmers, years of relentless arm rotations can take their toll, leading to chronic overuse injuries.
In this episode, record-breaking masters swimmers Nicola Latty and Eddie Riach discuss their journeys through surgery, rehab, and the determination it takes to return to training and racing at a high level.
From navigating expert medical advice to staying mentally resilient, they share insights into the setbacks, small victories, and smart training adjustments that shaped their comebacks. Whether you’re a swimmer facing similar challenges or simply intrigued to hear their stories, this conversation offers inspiration and practical takeaways for the next time life throws the unexpected at you.
In this episode of The Masters Swimming Podcast, Helen Gorman speaks to Jeff Commings, a Masters World Champion and former USA National Team swimmer. They cover everything from being thrown into the water as a four-year-old to getting a full scholarship at the University of Texas and breaking masters world records.
He has overcome personal challenges, including being a black, gay swimmer in college in the 1990s and more recently, cancer surgery – and he talks about his autobiography, 'Odd Man Out.'
Jeff shares experiences from his time training under legendary coach Eddie Reese, working as a journalist, the transition to Masters swimming and his cancer recovery.
In this episode of the Master Swimming Podcast, Helen Gorman interviews Professor Greg Whyte, a world-renowned sports physiologist and master swimmer. They discuss the progression in swimming and human performance in general, the importance of sports science, and how aging can be managed through proper training and nutrition.
The conversation emphasises the significance of enjoyment in sports and the importance of maintaining muscle mass and strength as we age.
Greg shares his Olympic Modern Pentathlon memories, masters swimming experiences and insights from his experiences working with BBC Comic Relief – including whether comedians can maintain their humour when they’re taking on an epic physical challenge.
In this episode of the Masters Swimming Podcast, host Helen Gorman speaks to professional triathlete, Andy Horsfall-Turner about his journey from being a distance swimmer to a professional triathlete. Andy is a Level 3 swimming and triathlon coach with experience of coaching junior, senior and masters swimmers as well as triathletes.
Andy underlines that anyone taking part in sport as an adult needs to have a strong passion for what they are doing if they want to be successful, and that there’s no getting away from volume training if you’re a distance swimmer.
They discuss the advantages swimmers have in triathlon, the challenges of transitioning to being a professional athlete, and the importance of periodising training and recovery – which apply to both masters swimmers and triathletes.
Andy shares insights on coaching, motivation, and the economic opportunities available in triathlon compared to swimming. The conversation highlights the dedication and passion required to be successful in both sports.
We invite three more swimmers into the studio to tell their stories from the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore.
Matthew Brooks, Jo Corben and Kath Tunnicliffe present different perspectives on their performances, travel adventures and the event in general. Hear about Matthew's insanely fast relay split as well as his championship record setting 50m freestyle in the 35-39 age group, and listen to Jo talk about how having team mates around helped elevate her performances to claim four gold medals in the 55-59 age group.
Kath Tunnicliffe concludes with stories of adventure and how she turned four fourth place finishes in the 70-74 age group into a stunning silver medal on the final day of the championships.
Hosted by Helen Gorman.
In this celebratory 150th episode of the Master Swimming Podcast, hosts Helen Gorman and Joe Malone reflect on three years of the show, and the recent World Masters Championships in Singapore.
Guests John Chambers, Verity Dobbie and Dom Polling add their perspectives on success in Singapore - which was one of the best Championships to date with fantastic pools, incredible swimmers and an amazing host city.
We speak to Nathan Oxford about shoulder health and injury prevention in masters swimmers.
He explains the importance of recovery, prehab, and strength training in preventing injuries, as well as key exercises to build shoulder resilience and improve performance in the pool. He emphasises the need for consistent prehab routines and the significance of assessing shoulder function to maintain health and performance in swimming - and offers some free resources to help identify areas for development.
Nathan is a friend of the show, former international swimmer, a qualified strength and conditioning coach and a Great Britain international powerlifter.
Helen Gorman chats to Lara Ferguson, a Scottish three-time Paralympic swimmer and current Masters swimmer in the 45-49 age group. They discuss Lara's journey from her early days in competitive swimming to her international experiences, including winning two Paralympic medals at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.
Lara shares insights into the classification system for para-athletes, her transition to Masters swimming, and her current training regime. The conversation also touches on the future of para swimming within the Masters framework, the new age adjusted points system for para swimmers and the importance of inclusivity in the sport.
Helen Gorman interviews Arthur Lowe, a remarkable swimmer who has been breaking British records in the 90-94 age group. Arthur, who is joined by his wife, Marion, shares his journey in swimming, from early days of being sent by his mother into Birmingham to have a bath to his current training and record breaking. He emphasises the importance of technique and enjoyment in the sport.
Arthur reflects on his Army career and participating in international events, while also offering valuable advice for aspiring master swimmers. This podcast is guaranteed to make you smile and laugh along with Arthur and Marion.
Sports psychologist and British record breaker, Helen Davis joins us to chat about managing nerves and performance anxiety in competitive swimming. We discuss visualization techniques, the difference between threat and challenge mindsets, and how to set realistic performance goals.
The conversation with host, Helen Gorman covers strategies for staying grounded after success as well as bouncing back from poor performances.
With the World Aquatics Masters Championships looming, we get excited for upcoming races and consider the privilege of competing at a high level. The concepts in this podcast can be applied to any event, so enjoy this conversation between two breaststroke record holders as they prepare (firstly for lunch, and then) to compete in Singapore.
In this episode of the Masters Swimming podcast, you'll find out everything you need to know about travelling to and competing at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore.
Guests Nadine Day and Martin Bennell offer insights into everything from where to get the best coffee to detailed information about the organisation of the Championships. In her position as Chair of the volunteer World Aquatics Masters Group, Nadine has great insight that will help you prepare for your trip, whilst Martin, who has worked in the city for many years, has all of the local knowledge about transport, food and the best views.
Host Helen Gorman also congratulates Nadine on her induction into the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame and finds out more about the awards ceremony in Florida, USA.
In this episode of the Masters Swimming podcast, we speak to Gina Heyn about her achievements and record breaking in the 40-44 age group.
We discuss competing at the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships, her decision to change clubs and compete for Woking SC and her trip to New York to support a friend swimming around Manhattan Island.
Thinking about the future, we consider the prospect of swimming ten relays at the National Short Course Championships and muse about the distant prospect of competing at age 90.
The conversation turns to sports politics, in particular, the controversial Enhanced Games, and the glorification of taking performance-enhancing drugs for big financial rewards.
Gina holds multiple masters swimming records and competed for Great Britain as an elite swimmer. Her vast experience comes across in this conversation with host, Helen Gorman as multiple different areas of the sport are discussed.
East Leeds swimmer and experienced coach, Simon Ward joins us to explore performance traits that everyone can adopt without spending additional time or money.
Simon calls on his experience of having coached the Olympic Champion Brownlee Brothers in their early career, to consider the key traits of successful athletes, the importance of a positive attitude, body language, and being coachable. He shares insights on how masters athletes can enhance their longevity and performance through smart training, preparation, and maintaining a strong work ethic.
The conversation also touches on practical tips for dealing with jet lag and the significance of hydration and nutrition for athletes traveling to competitions such as the forthcoming World Aquatic Masters Championships in Singapore.
In this episode, host Helen Gorman and guest Alex Thurston discuss equipment for power and speed training, and the importance of it for masters swimmers. They explore various types of equipment that can help enhance performance, including fins, paddles, parachutes, and socks.
Alex shares his personal experiences and achievements in swimming, which have included European Masters gold, a world record relay and an English Channel relay. He also shares insights into coaching and training techniques based on his experiences of coaching at Nottingham University and Nottingham Leander Masters Swimming Club.
This conversation emphasises the significance of mixing up training routines and the potential for swimmers of all ages to achieve lifetime bests. They also touch on future trends in swimming gear, including the further development of smart goggles.
The British Masters Championships saw five individual and one relay world record shattered in a display of speed and stamina at the iconic London 2012 Olympic pool.
Among the standout stars were sprinters Helen Sadler and Barry Murphy, who etched their names into the record books in spectacular fashion. Helen delivered a dramatic finale to the meet, saving her fastest swim for the very last event, smashing a two-year-old world record in the 55–59 age group 50m freestyle. Meanwhile, Barry made a casual trip from Ireland for what he called a “chill weekend,” only to surpass his own world record in the 40–44 age group 50m breaststroke.
Host Helen Gorman also brings you highlights from across the Championships, including a roundup of some other impressive performances and the coveted top club award.
From representing Great Britain as a junior to making history as the Caribbean’s first openly gay international swimmer, Michael Gunning’s journey is one of resilience, pride, and transformation. After missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, Michael turned disappointment into purpose, taking on a leading role with Pride House for the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Games.
In Drowning Prevention Week, we discuss the fact that 80% of Black children in England cannot swim, a statistic that not only endangers lives but also leads to underrepresentation in elite and masters swimming.
We explore why so few Black swimmers take part in masters swimming, and what it will take to change that, both in and out of the water.
Helen Gorman is joined by Sonny Trigg aka ‘The Swimsuit Guy’ to preview the British Masters Championships. Set at London’s iconic Olympic venue, this sold-out showdown promises personal bests galore, and we suggest some of the must-watch events.
Sonny also brings his trademark swimwear expertise to the podcast, revealing the latest innovations in performance suits… or indeed why there is a lack of invention this year. Plus, we spotlight some standout performances from both international elite and masters swimmers making waves on the road to worlds in Singapore.
What's in your swim bag could be the key to unlocking smoother, faster strokes. In this episodes, experienced coach and swimmer, Dan Bullock reveals his top three pieces of training equipment that every swimmer should be using to boost efficiency and refine technique.
Dan doesn't just teach technique, he lives and breathes it. So much so, he teamed up with a former Formula One aerodynamicist to design his own innovative paddle.
From clever kit combos to cutting-edge upgrades, Dan shares inventive ways to supercharge your swim sessions. Whether you're chasing PBs or just want to swim smarter, this conversation with Helen Gorman will inspire you to rethink your gear... and your glide.
Ready to swim smarter, not just harder? Listen in and take notes.
What happens when a multi world record-breaker meets the rising star who's surpassing some of her records? We sit down with backstroke star Jo Corben and 'young pretender' Kirsty Johnson to discuss their rivalry and mutual admiration.
From their training regimes in and out of the pool to sharing backstroke drills, Jo and Kirsty discuss what it takes to reach the top.
They both also run successful swim schools and discuss the highs and lows of teaching future generations of young swimmers.
Helen Gorman asks the questions to find out how well these two backstroke aces really know each other.
World Masters Record Holder Rebecca Guy isn't just keeping up with the next generation, she's rising to new heights to match them. At the recent GB Aquatics Championships in Lindon, Rebecca took on a field of elite teenage swimming stars, including a world junior record holder, and powered her way to a silver medal with a lifetime best performance.
Rebecca joins Helen Gorman to share what it was like to race against rising stars of the sport, how she achieved a personal best by training for just three hours a week in the pool, and why she believes her fastest swims may still lie ahead.
She also discusses her work supporting athletes with performance nutrition, offering valuable insights and practical tips for fellow masters swimmers.
How much does it really cost to chase your swimming dreams? Liz Simpson crunches the numbers on Joe Malone’s annual spend and uncovers a surprising culprit driving up his costs - a serious goggle habit!
Would you pay anything for a personal best, or are rising expenses threatening to price swimmers out of the pool? As costs climb, is there a smarter way to save, or should we just count our blessings that we’re not paying for carbon bikes or golf green fees? Helen Gorman drives the debate to find out if Masters swimming is still worth the splash.
Helen Gorman chats to Simon Griffiths, or Mr Swimming as he should really be known. As founder of Outdoor Swimming Magazine, published author, seasoned Thames River regular, and masters swimmer with Teddington SC, Simon's life is all things aquatic.
In this episode, he shares his vast and entertaining knowledge of the swimming world, from practical tips to the truly unexpected, like floating sofas and feedback from nudist readers. Whether you're a lane-counter in the pool or a cold-water convert, there's something to inform, inspire and make you laugh.
For more on Simon, check out Outdoor Swimmer Magazine or explore his latest venture at renaissanceswimmer.com
Sports massage therapist and City of Sheffield masters swimmer, Ken Flett and Dom Wooldridge discuss recovery with Helen Gorman.
How can masters swimmers optimise recovery? Do we need to rush out and buy an ice bath, order some inflatable compression trousers and block book weekly massages?
Ken also discusses his recovery from recent prostate cancer surgery, including a visit from Sheffield's relay rivals, Basingstoke Bluefins to help complete a charity fundraising challenge.
As the countdown begins for entries to open for the British Masters Swimming Championships, Helen Gorman dives into conversation with Jonathan Saunders to preview what's in store at this year's premier long course showdown in London this June.
With Jonathan's inside perspective from the British Masters Swimming Committee, tune in for discussion on the future of Masters swimming, including the recent split from Aquatics GB.
We're al;so celebrating the achievements of Masters swimming nationwide, from the latest on the Masters Decathlon and Inter Counties to the jaw-dropping number of records already shattered in 2025.
After coaching Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee, Paul Eaglestone decided to put his methods to paper and write a book. Today he chats to Helen Gorman.
As a former swimmer and masters swimmer himself, he brings the book to life with stories from a life spent watching some of the best swimmers and coaches in the world. Listen in to find out how you might gain some free speed in the pool and maybe order the book too - Free Speed, by Paul Eaglestone.
Judy Brown and Laura Kerrigan join Helen Gorman to discuss breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and successful returns to the pool.
Their experiences are very different, but they share a determination and positivity that has helped them flourish after cancer.
Judy shares stories about her records and incredible recent success in the 60-64 age group, and Laura explains why she's setting so many personal best times alongside helping to set up the new Crystal Palace Masters Club and managing the Surrey team at the Inter-Counties.
Michelle Ware and Dominic Wooldridge join Helen Gorman for a discussion on racing disasters.
This light-hearted look at past mistakes includes botched dives, malfunctioning equipment and backstroke navigation issues.
These things happen to everyone - even masters world champions!
Award-winning coach Tony Corben and AP Race's Kevin Pickard discuss the rapid evolution of South Downs Trojan SC. In this conversation, we cover the recent visit of the AP Race team to Trojan, explore coaching philosophies, and step into the new Freestyle Media Confession Booth for some exclusive coaching insights.
Plus, hear one of the toughest sets that masters world record-breaker, Jo Corben does, and get an inside look at one of Adam Peaty's gruelling sets...do you dare try them yourself?
Hosted by Helen Gorman.
Mum of four, Julie Howe, chats to Helen Gorman about pregnancy, motherhood and swimming 400 IM at the National Masters Championships just three months after giving birth to her fourth child.
Hear about Julie's past as a Commonwealth Games athlete in Melbourne in 2006, her decision to step away from competitive swimming at a young age, and her passion for science. Discover what motivated Julie to resume her swimming journey as a member of Woking Swimming Club and how she balances training with her busy life.
Helen Gorman meets up with Exeter-based fitness trainer Del Pitcher to explore whether CrossFit and Hyrox can enhance performance in masters swimming.
They compare these to other forms of land-based workouts and discuss why swimmers often excel in the CrossFit Games and Hyrox events.
Drawing from his background in military and police fitness, as well as his experience in swimming, Del explains how CrossFit could fill a gap in overall fitness and wellbeing, whilst also addressing potential drawbacks.
Coventry Masters swimmer Martyn Brunt dives into the eco-side of swimming with Helen Gorman, proving that every little choice counts - from holding onto the same kickboard for two decades to embracing the simple joy of a train ride to Sheffield.
They explore sustainability, from pools warmed by data centres and landills to medals crafted by recycled electronics. Plus, could sticking with your worn-out race gear actually give you mental edge?
Tune in for a fresh take on how swimmers can make waves without making waste.
Meet Sam Lawman, a powerhouse in the pool and a key player in East Leeds' world-record-breaking relay teams.
Whether he's representing Great Britain in sport lifesaving or dominating underwater fin events, his speed and skills are exceptional.
But Sam isn't just fast, he's got the brains to match it. With a Master's in Sport Science and a future in physiotherapy, he offers expert insights to help athletes get faster.
Tune in as Helen Gorman uncovers top tips, training secrets, and the science behind speed.
Kat Greenslade reflects on an elite career that saw her win Commonwealth and European Championship medals. Her career was building perfectly towards the 2020 Olympic Trials until Covid and a freak injury hit.
Now working as a doctor, Kat explains that Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) ended her elite career but that masters swimming with Trafford Metro SC drew her back to the pool with incredible success in 2024.
Cate Jackson broke a British masters record exactly one year after major surgery to remove a brain tumour. She tells her story openly and eloquently.
Enjoy memories from swimming at Millfield School and reaching an individual final representing Guernsey at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia. Hosted by Helen Gorman.
Three intrepid ice swimmers chat to Helen Gorman about their success at the Ice Swimming World Championships in Malveno, Italy.
Jonathan Saunders, Wendy Figures and Lili May Mustoe prevailed in nearly freezing water, and are keen to encourage others to give it a go!
If the incentive of prize money doesn't persuade you, their enthusiasm might!
Olympic gold medalist (and masters world record holder), Anna Hopkin, reflects on her career and, having recently retired, discusses what comes next. She talks about the intense focus she had training in the US that helped her become one of the best sprinters in the world. Helen Gorman hosts.
Triple Olympian, Roland Lee, reflects on his Team GB, Army and Masters Swimming Career.
Roland swam at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. He reflects on unusual twists and turns that led him to Olympic selection as well as world masters records and a long career in the Army.
Helen Gorman hosts.
This week we're joined by Amanda Heath, Martin Bennell and Bob Bolton to debate what they each believe is the toughest event in swimming - hosted by Helen Gorman.
Dawn Kissack is just 0.2 off the world record for 50m freestyle in the 60-64 age group. She talks us through her training and coaching philosophy as well as her backstory from growing up in Sheffield to living in Scotland.
It's the Christmas Special Podcast for 2024! Host Helen Gorman is joined by Olly Espinasse, Joan Edwards and Joe Malone.
Thank you to everyone for listening to the podcast this year. We will be back on 7 January after a two-week Christmas break.
This week former Loughborough Head Coach Ian Hulme talks about his new venture, Signiture Swim Coaching, providing online personalised swim programmes to any swimmer. Ian spent 12 years coaching elite swimmers at Loughborough University, and guided a number of athletes to this year's Paris Olympics.
Nick Parkes has made a full recovery from a cardiac arrest at the National Masters Open Water Championships in 2023.
He tells his remarkable story, including getting back to record breaking form at the National Masters Championships in Sheffield just over a year later.
This week, Dr Conor Osborough applies his Olympic and Paralympic biomechanics experience to masters swimmers hoping to achieve speed and longevity in the pool.
Doctor and masters record holder Dom Wooldridge joins the podcast this week to talk about his training routine amid a testing career and lifestyle.
Sports Psychologist Helen Davis joins the podcast once more to talk about motivation, hosted by Helen Gorman.
Pullbuoy first came to light in 2000 thanks to founder Steve Buckley, providing a fan's eye view of British Swimming. 24 years later, it's still going strong. Steve joins Helen Gorman this week on the podcast to chat about that, and review the Masters National Championships that took place at the end of October.
Check out Pullbuoy's feature film launched in early 2024; Imogen Clark, Leaving It All In The Pool, on the website: https://www.pullbuoy.co.uk/imogen/
Glenn Smith joins the podcast this week to talk about his role in the rise of Olympic and Paralympic swimmers at Mansfield Swimming Club.
Host Helen Gorman is joined by Julie Hoyle and Joe Malone to preview all the action across the weekend in Sheffield.
Rob Shaw is a record holder masters swimmer. He's also a cancer surviver. Listen to his story, hosted by Helen Gorman.
Hattie Pearson is a Radio DJ on Hits Radio. She is also a triathlete. Find out what songs get her through her swims, which songs she hates to have stuck in her head, and how she found a love for triathlon.
This week, host Helen Gorman is joined by City of Cardiff coach Graham Wardell. They discuss the none negotiables for swimmers if they want to achieve longevity in swimming, despite life often getting in the way.
Mentions also for Dara Torres, Florent Manaudou and Sarah Sjöström and how they have shown the way to achieving big despite their ages.
Host Helen Gorman - a world record breaststroker herself - is joined by a fellow breaststroke record holder Ian Swift of City of Sheffield Swimming Club for this week's episode.
Trafford Metro's Rebecca Lennon has had quite the journey in swimming. From a top-level 200m backstroker in her formative years, to a marathon swimmer in her adult life, she is currently training to swim the English Channel.
Rebecca talks to host Helen Gorman.
Host Helen Gorman is joined by Maggie Kelly MBE, who competed at the 1976, 1980 and 1988 Olympics. Maggie discusses her swimming career on the elite stage and her transition into masters swimming.
Host Helen Gorman is joined by Jo and Tony Corben to chat all about the Olympics, Paralympics, European Masters Champs, among other things.
Give Helen Gorman a shout out following her first hosting gig!
The Freestyle Media podcast is ending how it started, with Kath Tunnicliffe, Beth Hogg and Joe Malone talking all things swimming.
We discuss joining new swimming clubs, tailoring training, competing around the world and share our favourite memories of the last 100 episodes of the podcast.
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This week we're joined by Jonathan Saunders, masters swimmer and member of the Masters Working Group, to discuss what we know so far about the Swim England Masters Nationals Championships, following the release of the schedule for the weekend.
This week, masters swimmer and triathlon coach John Wood joins the podcast once more to discuss when to accelerate and decelerate your training, and what to do when life gets busy but you don't want to let go of your hard work.
From perfect training conditions, to only getting one small swim in per week, and everything in between, we've got you covered in this conversation.
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Former Great Britain Olympian and silver medallist, Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, joins the podcast this week to talk about coaching actress Daisy Ridley who stars as Trudy Ederle in Disney's Young Woman and the Sea, set to be released on 31 May 2024.
Siobhan-Marie discusses how she landed the job, what Daisy's starting base was, and the programme she undertook to help turn Daisy into a top-class swimmer. Trudy Ederle was, of course, the first women to swim the English Channel, and the film is based on those events that saw her make history in the open water.
Thank you to Siobhan-Marie and Disney for making this conversation happen.
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Masters swimmer John Griffin is on course to complete his challenge in 2024 of swimming a million metres, while aiming to raise £1 million in the process for the Cornish Air Ambulance.
John is 70-years-of-age and has never swam this distance over a period of a year before, but wanted to set himself a lofty challenge in retirement. He lives in Cornwall and the Air Ambulance is close to his heart. Listen to John's approach, training regime and fundraising feats in this engaging chat.
If you would like to donate to John's JustGiving page, click here: https://justgiving.com/page/john-griffin-1710870062969
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This week, Chris Malpass of Trafford Metro joins to discuss what went into organising Trafford's first-ever masters meet - from creating a working group months in advance, to defining the schedule of events, and choosing the music to play on the day.
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Do you have to get on the blocks on a certain side? Do you have to eat a certain meal the day before? Or do you have to go to the toilet in the same cubicle each time (cough cough, Julie)?
In this episode, Helen Sadler, Julie Hoyle and Helen Gorman discuss their race day superstitions and other crazy behaviours they know other swimmers have.
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This week on Freestyle Media, swimmers Helen Gorman, Dan Mills and Katie Moore, along with Trafford Metro coach Bob Bolton, take part in a discussion on training volume. Is there a perfect amount and, if so, what is it?
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Amanda Heath competes in the 65-69 age category and is a serial medal winner and world champion. Records are a source of motivation for Amanda which keeps the fire burning bright for her. She considers swimming competitions a chance to compete but also spend time with her 'swimming family'.
This is Through The Water With Amanda Heath.
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Here we go, then! Everything you need in the build up to the British Masters Championships, taking place in Swansea, Wales across three days. Host Joe Malone is joined by Jonathan Saunders, Jamie McHale and David Westcough to discuss the swimming, the travelling and the downtime across the weekend.
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This year Andy Jameson celebrates his 36th year in the commentary box, following a successful swimming career of his own that saw him win medals on the Olympic, Commonwealth, world and European stage.
Andy is the voice you hear when tuning into the swimming on the BBC, over many years including all the major competitions. Reflecting on his time as a commentator, and the recent Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, Andy discusses some of his most memorable moments behind the mic.
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After British Swimming announced its rebrand to Aquatics GB last week, Sports Reporter Nick Hope jumped on the podcast to discuss what this means for our sport and the advantages it could give the whole aquatics umbrella, including masters swimming. We also discuss Olympic Trials and, well, Easter eggs...
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Recently crowned a double World Masters Champion for the 400 and 800 freestyle in Doha, Dan Mills recalls his swimming journey that saw him become age group champion as a teenager and go on to compete at the Youth Olympics. After a year of full-time training as an 18 year old, Dan decided to head to university and study medicine, and has since competed on the masters stage, to quite an outstanding level. This is Through The Water With Dan Mills.
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This week I speak once more to John Wood, who recently competed at a licensed meet and made the qualifying time for the 100m butterfly for Olympic Trials in April this year.
The Trials will be held at the London Aquatics Centre and John - who is 37 and last qualified for an Olympic Trials 20 years ago - hopes to enjoy the experience and take on a no-pressure mentality.
John discusses how he's got faster over the years and how his training is simple but on point.
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This week, Beth Hogg joins to talk about how we can make the pathway to masters swimming a more attractive proposition to age group, senior and university swimmers. Such a small percentage of swimmers 'make it', but the rest can still experience the best years of their swimming lives at masters level - breaking PBs, setting records and winning medals.
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Ben Shaw has two passions: swimming and fashion. In 2022, he decided to merge the two and create his own brand, named Last Is Fast (LIF). 18 months on, he now sells a range of products including swimming caps, t-shirts, hoodies and more, through his website and at pop-up shops at swimming competitions.
Ben talks about how he came to setting up his brand, how it's been going and where he plans to take it in the future.
You can check out the website at www.lastisfast.co.uk
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This week we go through the water with British record holder in the 200m freestyle (short course) in the 35-39 age category, James Wardle.
James grew up in a swimming family and began with the club his dad had a long affiliation with spanning upwards of 40 years. James says he wasn't always the best in training as a teenager, but knew he had ability, and went on to swim with the Loughborough University team when he studied a Politics degree there.
Now late 30s, swimming has become about more than racing and PBs - it's a routine and a lifestyle that keeps him feeling healthy in the body and the mind (though he still enjoys the odd PB... don't we all!). This is Through The Water With James Wardle.
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As our masters athletes prepare to head out to Doha, Qatar, I'm joined by Amanda Heath, Olly Espinasse and Esther Iseppi before they pack their bags and fly out for competition.
We preview the Worlds, find out what they're swimming, what their hopes for the competition are, and if they have any plans to be tourists whilst out in Qatar.
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in 2004, Nigel Kube founded SwimTherapy, a technical analysis centre filming swimmers from all angles to help improve swimmers move through the water with more efficiency.
Nigel was the original head coach, but that mantra has since been passed on to Jay Wilson, who has held the position for seven years.
SwimTherapy, based in Leicester, UK, works with all swimmers, from age groupers, to masters, triathletes, and those looking to start from scratch.
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This week, Kevin Pickard joins the podcast to discuss AP Race's recent Masters Grand Prix at Moorways, Derby, as well as the up and coming one at Sunderland Aquatics Centre in March. AP Race is taking a really interesting approach to competitions and is keen to see the standards raised across the board in the sport.
Check out the recent competition in November last year with this behind the scenes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYkEl_VAeu4
There's still time to sign up for the competition next month. You can enter here: https://events.aprace.club/events/masters-gp-lc-2024/
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Martin Bennell, of Basingstoke Bluefins, might be mid-40s, but boy is he getting quicker and quicker every year. With a number of lifetime bests last year, he is on the cusp of a British record in the 50m breaststroke and is the current European holder of the event in the 45-49 age category.
Martin talks about his journey in swimming - how he's never taken it too seriously but loves the buzz of racing, and a new approach to training is helping him continue to get PBs. This is Through The Water With Martin Bennell.
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This week, coach Abbie Whiting and masters swimmer Ken Flett, join the podcast to discuss how many competitions and races per year they believe is the best amount.
How many competitions per year should be our 'target meets'? How many races per day is too many? Should we do sacrificial events? How many practice competitions and races should we do leading up to a target meet?
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Sports Psychologist Helen Davis joins this week to talk about the different layers of goal setting and how setting them well can manifest into a healthy mindset when getting ready to race. On the flipside, poor goal setting - or no goal setting - can lead to insecurities and feeling unsure when getting ready to race.
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It's a new year, which means we're all thinking of ways that we can improve in the water in 2024. But time is of the essence, and many of us are already working at capacity. So, what can we do to improve on the sessions we already commit to, be that in the pool, gym or elsewhere? And how can we level up the other elements of our lives - such as diet and recovery - to get those marginal gains? Coach and swimmer, John Wood, joins to discuss.
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On our Christmas Special Podcast, we're joined by Rebecca Lennon, Eleanor Grimes and Jonathan Saunders. We talk about a mixture of things such as swimming-related Christmas activity, reflect on our favourite swimming events this year, and decide what our favourite Christmas songs, films and traditions are. It's a lot of fun!
Rebecca is raising money for The Aplastic Anaemia Trust by taking ice baths everyday in December. Do support her, if you can, using this link: https://www.theaat.org.uk/Fundraisers/katie-and-beckys-dip-a-day-december?fbclid=IwAR0eFcuSb0wpJcqbQN10-V0vPyY0zyaV-ls4ehbz2n4JeHz2t0RMRz8FtA4
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In part one...
Oxolt Strength and Conditioning is launching a new at-home bodyweight training programme in the new year, and founder Nathan Oxford discusses the fundamentals of the programme - what swimmers can expect and how it will be periodised to prime them for the major competitions.
In part two...
Swim England's Coach of the Year, Bob Bolton, joins to talk about his surprise at receiving the award, and discusses Trafford Metro's inaugural masters open meet in May next year.
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In part two, David Westcough, Jamie McHale (first half) and John Wood (second half) join in the conversation on technology - it's worth and its overhype. Are you a fan of technology?
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Get a tailored strength and conditioning programme from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning. Head to www.oxolt.com for more
This week, Clive Marquis of Cardinal Performance Swimming talks about his expanding business which aims to offer swimmers a full suite of services from swim and gym programmes, nutrition and sports psychology. Clive believes masters swimmers, and those who leave university and are looking to further their swimming career, could benefit from this remote service, and promises good results.
Cardinal Performance Swimming website: https://www.cardinalperformanceswimming.com/
Cardinal Performance Swimming Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cardinal_ps/
Cardinal Performance Swimming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cardinalperformanceswimming
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This week, Helen Gorman and Kevin Pickard join the podcast to imagine what the future of our sport could look like. New training methods, club structures, new races and enhanced PR for the professionals, were all discussed.
You can enjoy up to 50% off until the end of November on TheMagic5 products thanks to a Black Friday sale. Use the link www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited
Get a personalised swim-specific strength and conditioning programme from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com
This week, James Barwick, Eleanor Grimes and Kath Tunnicliffe join the podcast to discuss all things technology in swimming. They talk through the technology they and their clubs currently use, and what technology, in a world with no limits, they would love to add to their regime.
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Get a personalised strength and conditioning programme with Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com
In this episode, City of Sheffield's Jonathan Saunders - who is part of the Masters Working Group - talks about feedback he's had from swimmers so far after nationals, and looks ahead of future developments in the sport now he is the Swim England representative for the home countries working group. Jonathan also reflects on his recovery from injury that meant he could compete in Sheffield.
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Get a personalised strength and conditioning programme with Oxolt Strength and Conditioning, at www.oxolt.com
After recently being awarded life membership to Trafford Metro, Helen Sadler took some time to reflect on her life in swimming, beginning as a primary school student when she joined Sale Swimming Club, which would later be renamed Trafford Metro.
Listen to Helen's wonderful stories from her life in swimming, and how she's always finding ways to peak her enthusiasm for the sport.
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For all your pre-Nationals excitement, join me (Joe Malone), Beth Hogg, Kath Tunnicliffe and Kalon Veale as we discuss the weekend ahead and all the things we expect and hope to see across the three days at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.
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Visit www.oxolt.com to get a personalised strength and conditioning programme for greater gains in and out of the water.
It's now just 10 days before the Swim England Masters National Championships begin, so it's time to start planning what'll be in your lunchbox over the weekend. In this episode, nutrition coach Dr Judith Brand discusses what types of food to each at which parts of the day, and what to avoid.
A swimmer herself in Lanzarote, Judith has competed at the English nationals on many occasions in the past and understands the complexities of planning your nutrition over a three-day period while stuck in a hotel room with no ability to cook and prepare your own meals. Here, Judith gives her best practice advice on how to fuel properly for the weekend ahead.
You can contact Judith for nutrition advice by emailing her at drjudithbrand@gmail.com
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Visit www.oxolt.com for a strength and conditioning programme from Nathan Oxford.
AP Race Innovation Director Kevin Pickard joins the podcast this week to discuss the upcoming AP Race Masters Grand Prix, which takes place over the final weekend of November at Moorways, Derby. Kevin also shares the wider plans AP Race has for the masters community.
To event the AP Race Grand Prix, click here: https://events.aprace.club/events/ap-race-masters-2023/?fbclid=IwAR0WZGjGNvFdK6PNpQP8EPtj3IeJh5earcwFtfmiGGP9XXT8KhAxhXGp3ZY
To join the AP Race Masters mailing list, click here: https://events.aprace.club/masters/mailing-list/?fbclid=IwAR0CS8tM9wgvcMiaKOwnW0cznf9y5VKIM8_GAZSJ7aSciDnMhVn8wLsMNxI
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Cockermouth Swimming Club Head Coach, Sean Balmer, joins the podcast this week as we discuss what makes a great swimmer, from a technical, mental and ambassadorial point of view. Sean is a longstanding volunteer in the swimming community and has overseen the development of hundreds of swimmers, including Great Britain's Luke Greenbank.
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Get a personalised strength and conditioning programme from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com
Former GB artistic swimmer Sammy Wilson works as a movement and mobility coach and understands the daily aches and pains we experience as we age. Lifestyles such as desk-bound jobs don't help, but Sammy helps athletes incorporate small, daily habits into their lives to rid themselves of chronic pains. In this episode, Sammy explores some of the simple changes you can make to improve your mobility.
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In today's episode, we discuss the power of swimming for the mind, but how it can also tip the other way and add stress to our lives. Jo Beardsworth, James Barwick, Beth Hogg and James Simpson all share their own experiences of how swimming has benefited and hindered their mental health.
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On Saturday 23 September, Derby Excel Masters Swimming Club is hosting its first ever Masters Development Day at Alfreton Leisure Centre in Derbyshire. The day will consist of two swim sessions, talks by a qualified physiotherapist and psychologist, as well as a guest appearance from a current Great Britain swimmer. Jamie Brown, the head coach for the masters squad at Derby Excel, joins the podcast to talk more about it.
There's still space to take part. Visit this link to find out more: https://uk.gomotionapp.com//team/derbyexcel/page/news/4283/masters-development-day---saturday-23rd-september-2023
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This week swimmer and triathlon coach, John Wood, joins in the conversation around different methods of training and hi preferences. We also discuss when to use equipment - when to add resistance and when to use overspeed.
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A year on from his second retirement from swimming, two-time Olympian Ross Murdoch has launched his own coaching programme, aimed at helping others to develop an athletes mindset. Murdoch Coaching will will help form healthy daily habits and put structures in place that make it easy to think, feel and perform like an athlete. In this conversation, Ross talks about his own mindset and how it helped him reach the top, and how he now wants to help others achieve their goals.
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There seems to be more masters competitions available to us than ever, but how many races and events per year is the right amount? Should we take a break over the summer and will it really affect our performance? And are we training in the best possible way to get results on race day? All this, with Beth Hogg.
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After a stellar career that saw Hannah Miley compete at three Olympic Games, and claim titles on the World, European and Commonwealth stage, retirement brought about a whole new challenge. A loss of confidence and routine meant Hannah had to navigate her way through the transition out of competitive sports, to where she finds herself now. An MBE, business ventures and commentating on the sport she loves, Hannah is now shining in every aspect of life.
Listen to Hannah's story on retirement from swimming and how she hopes to help others who will inevitably share similar experiences when they leave swimming.
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After making her first Great Britain Junior team 10 years ago, Amber Keegan has seen it all. Mental ill health, injuries and a serious car crash are amongst the struggles she has faced, but her resilience has grown throughout. Ten years on Amber finally made her first Great Britain Senior team, at this year's World Championships, competing in the 5 and 10km open water races. After a solid performance in the 10km, Amber now has her sights set on Paris for next year's Olympic Games. And, most importantly, is in a good and happy place.
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Ahead of the World Masters Championships kicking off, we speak to Rebecca Lennon, Kiyoko Naish and Kath Tunnicliffe who are all heading out to Fukuoka, Japan to compete on the world stage. Find out what events they're racing, what their hopes and expectations are, and what they plan to do in their downtime.
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Following the release of information for this year Masters National Championships, including the schedule and qualifying times, I speak to Jonathan Saunders from The Masters Working Group, which leads on putting these events together.
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Strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Oxford, joins the podcast this week to answer your questions about land training. From improving reaction times, to open water warm-ups, and improving core strength at home, Nathan has you covered.
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Elizabeth Godfrey, Sarah Hunt, Alex O’Kelly and Fleur Turner recorded a new world’s best time of 9:17.25 in the women's 160+ 4x200m freestyle relay at the British Masters Championships in June. They talk about collective spirit, adopting a no pressure environment and celebrating in style.
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Sonny Trigg, AKA TheSwimsuitGuy, has a wealth of experience in swimming, and is now offering tailor-made programmes for swimmers who may train alone, or clubs who don't have a coach. Sonny has coached some of the fastest swimmers on the planet and knows what it takes to increase speed.
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Double medal-winning Olympian Luke Greenbank talks about his recent experience of taking two months off from swimming. In that time, he reconnected with himself, having become so 'hyper-focused on swimming' that he 'couldn't see the world around him'. Now back in the pool, he feels a fresh sense of perspective and is eager to return to his best, a year ahead of the the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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At 67, Alyson Fordham still swims a 50 freestyle in 30.5 seconds. It is, of course, a European and British record. A former Commonwealth Games medallist, Alyson talks us through her recent spree of records, how she holds on to her speed and her tips of recovery and wellness through life.
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East Leeds swimmer James Barwick has his sights set on achieving masters PBs when he heads to Tampere, Finland for the European Masters Games in a few weeks' time, which could also result in a medal or two. Find out more about James's training structure and preparation so far this year.
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City of Sheffield Masters Swimming Club came second as an overall club at the recent British Masters Championships, and the club has come a long way in the last two years. Coach Abbie Whiting took over the reigns in 2021 and the club has gone from strength to strength ever since. Find out what goes into a coaching role, both on pool deck and beyond.
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After competing at three Olympic and Commonwealth Games, along with various World and European Championships over an 11-year professional career, Fran Halsall talks us through her journey with swimming - where it all began at at eight, and how it ended in 2017, six months after the Rio Olympics.
Fran still holds five British records, including the 50 free and fly long course.
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This week we're discussing the upcoming British Masters Championships, taking place at Ponds Forge, Sheffield. Helen Gorman and Beth Hogg take part in the first part of the conversation, and Dean Milwain joins for part two to discuss why he's had to pull out of the meet, and how he is overcoming that.
This week on Freestyle Media, swimmers Helen Gorman, Dan Mills and Katie Moore, along with Trafford Metro coach Bob Bolton, take part in a discussion on training volume. Is there a perfect amount and, if so, what is it?
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This week, swimmers Jodie Cox and Dave Fisher join us on the podcast to talk about their experiences of competing at the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia. Both team captains, Jodie came away with six gold medals (all new world records) and Dave an experience of being the men's team captain for the first time. Listen to their stories here.
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Fresh from being named the 2022 masters male decathlon winner, Mike Hodgson reflects on a brilliant year which saw him attain multiple records. Mike uses local competitions to try out different things, and schedules his training year-round so he is in the best possible shape for the big competitions (British masters, National Championships, Europeans and so on).
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After competing as a skier and snowboarder for the Turkish national team, Mine Kasapoğlu turned her hand to photography and has covered Olympic Games for the last 20 years. Mine's main snaps are for swimming, skiing and snowboarding, and she's got to know some of the greatest swimmers on a personal level.
After setting up his own one-to-one coaching business and running his first clinic, Ed Baxter, a former swimmer under the tutelage of coach Mel Marshall, knew there was more to give. He spoke to his friend and training partner, Adam Peaty, about creating AP Race. Ed is the Managing Director, and the company has since gone on to offer clinics, competitions, tailored coaching, merchandise and more. Listen to Ed's story about AP Race, the upcoming International Meet, and the future plans of the business.
A stand-out age group swimmer in Scotland, Rob Robson was very outcome driven. After a disappointing period around the age of 16 - due to a 'negative mindset' - he quit the sport altogether. Rob then worked long hours in his 20s and took part in no sport at all. Wanting to return to better health in his 30s, he began swimming again and now takes a different approach to the sport, finding joy from racing no matter what the outcome.
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From next week, The Masters Swimming Podcast will be part of a rebrand that'll see Freestyle Media launch. Listen to this two-minute episode for more details.
In this episode we hear from co-founder of TheMagic5 — and former Team Denmark swimmer — Niklas Hedegaard, on his company's exciting journey that started in 2017 and now sells custom-fit goggles globally to over 150,000 people. Niklas explains why the company is called TheMagic5 and why he believes it's the only product on the market that can offer its unique customisation.
In the second part of our women's health series, we focus on the menopause and how it can affect performance in the pool. Hear about the experiences of Jo Corben, Julie Hoyle, Catherine Munro and Kath Tunnicliffe, hosted by Beth Hogg.
He's competed a two Olympic Games in the modern pentathlon. He's won European and World Championship medals. He's helped many celebrities complete epic challenges for Comic Relief. He's a published author and sports scientist. And, he's a masters swimmer. Professor Greg Whyte joins us to talk about the physical and mental challenges he faced throughout his career, and how he's helped others overcome similar challenges too.
Triathlon coach and masters swimmer John Wood talks through an array of sports and how they can all aid your swimming performance, both aerobically and anaerobically. Often swimming relies on club sessions or quiet lane swimming public sessions in order to get a good quality workout, but the times may not align with your availability. So, can getting out for a quick run or cycle be a good replacement for a swim, and how about 'game' sports such as tennis, badminton, football etc. Find out more in the episode.
A serial record holder, Teddington Swimming Club's Gina Heyn has a connection with the water that is hard to match. A swimming teacher by day, Gina appreciates the skill of swimming and considers it an art. She's a sprinter herself, and thrives on beautiful technique in order to feel fast. With one more year left in the 35-39 age category, can Gina achieve a world record she craves?
In this episode, host Beth Hogg is joined by Catherine Munro, Rebecca Lennon and Elisabeth Ogbonmwan - all of whom have a medical professional background and are swimmers - to talk about two key elements in women's health that affect female swimmers when training and racing, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
This is the first in a small series of episodes covering women's health. Thank you for your support.
After competing in the 800 freestyle, 200 and 400 IM, Keri-anne Payne tried her hand at a 10km open water swim, and went on to become an Olympic silver medallist in the event. While she never 'fell in love' with the 10km race, she certainly loved the open water environment, which has since seen her create two start-up businesses that revolve around open water swimming. In this chat, Keri-anne talks about the highs and lows of elite-level competition and why she's learning to love cold water.
This week, Director of Swimming at Loughborough University, Andi Manley, talks about the progression through his coaching career, which now sees him harbour hopes of many of his athletes competing at next year's Olympic Games in Paris, France. Andi also still holds a number of masters British records, and continues to swim and compete on the masters stage.
Having covered Olympic and and Paralympic Games for the BBC since 2008, broadcaster - and masters swimmer - Nick Hope tells his own story of his time in the sport. Nick discusses the best race he's ever witnessed, who he believes is the GOAT, and who the best interviewee is.
A natural born swimmer, Julie Hoyle has been in and out of swimming for many years. But, when she turned 50, began to find consistency with the sport. Consistency then led to British records, European records and even a world record. Now retired from work and 60, Julie is enjoying her most consistent training period ever, and says she 'feels at home in the water'.
Strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Oxford is back to discuss how you can get stronger using just your bodyweight to reap the rewards in the water. He also shares his RAMP method for getting your body and mind firing on race day.
On this week's episode, coach of the Northampton Swimming Club masters squad, Matt Richmond - who is based out in the US studying for a physical therapy degree - talks about the perks and challenges of coaching remotely, why he chose to coach a masters squad and where he feels masters swimming sits in the eyes of the wider swimming world.
Having swam for many years, James Simpson of Trafford Metro has always enjoyed training and competing, without it ever getting serious. However, at the age of 27, James finds himself in a position where some major PBs have somewhat unexpectedly put him in a position where he is on the brink of big things. 2023 could be the year he goes a step further than masters competitions, and he reveals his own surprise at his situation in this episode.
A new year means opportunity to set yourself new goals in and out of the water. Beth Hogg, Kath Tunnicliffe, John Wood and Joe Malone discuss the process of setting goals and share some of their own goals for 2023.
In the final episode of 2022, Beth Hogg, Jamie McHale, Jonathan Saunders and host Joe Malone answer the questions you submitted on The Masters Swimming Podcast Facebook group. Find out who prefers Freddo's and who prefers Haribo's; what the toughest-ever set our panel have trained; what they think to Nick Santos winning the World Championships aged 42 and more. The Masters Swimming Podcast will be back with weekly episodes from 10 January, after a two-week break. See you soon.
In the latest episode of Through The Water With, former Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Dean Milwain, says everything 'clicked into place' when he turned 11. However, by the age of 21, after winning gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he retired due to falling out of love with the sport. It took more than a decade for Dean to get the itch back for swimming, and one day during lockdown in 2020, he decided he would return to the pool as a masters swimmer. Dean now has hopes of claiming British masters records.
Beth Hogg, Kath Tunnicliffe and Kalon Veale join Joe Malone to round-up their recent successes in competitions and discuss what swimming-related gifts are on their Christmas wish lists. Helen Gorman also joins partway through to talk about being named Swim Wales' Aquatic Athlete of the Year.
Former Australian Olympian and Australian record holder in the 50m freestyle Brett Hawke, says a shift in his mindset took him to the top, and that his coaching career began earlier than expected.
Beth Hogg, John Wood and Joe Malone discuss the elements to consider when planning a training block.
Sonny Trigg, also known as TheSwimsuitGuy, has spent four years reviewing all the best swimsuits on his YouTube channel, and he provides us with all the knowledge we need for picking our next suit. Sonny has also coached some of the world's elite swimmers.
Beth Hogg. Jonathan Saunders, Jamie McHale and Joe Malone talk through their experiences of Ponds Forge, Sheffield after competing at the 2022 Masters National Championships.
After setting two British records in the 50m and 200m breaststroke for the 18/24 age category, and claiming silver in the 100m breaststroke, Imogen Clark talks about her first experience of a masters competition and what lies ahead for the rest of the season.
This week we are previewing the upcoming National Masters Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. Beth Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe join Joe Malone to discuss what their weekends will look like - from travelling to Sheffield, to poolside action and where the evenings will take us.
I'm joined by Dr Judith Brand this week to talk about nutrition and how to plan for your race days with the right foods. Judith, based in Lanzarote, has been a masters swimmer for many years, and is a qualified nutrition coach, among other things.
If you'd like to get in contact with Judith, you can email her on drjudithbrand@gmail.com.
Jeroen Peters, Chair of the Masters Working Group, joins the podcast this week to discuss the changes to this year's upcoming Masters National Championships. Para-swimming events have been added, and there is a change of sponsor, among other things. Jeroen talks about the organisation that goes into such events, and talks a little bit about his many roles in swimming across the board.
This week's episode is the start of a new mini series named, Through The Water With. I spoke to Beth Hogg about her journey through swimming as she recalls her highs and lows in the sport, including taking a number of years out due to falling out of love with the sport.
In this week's episode, former Olympian and now elite coach, James Gibson, talks about his experiences of coaching some of the fastest swimmers on the planet, and shares his recommendations on how to make the most out of just a few sessions a week.
On the show this week in part one is Jonathan Saunders and Jamie McHale from City of Sheffield Masters Swimming Club, talking about 'Project British Record', a goal they set their club two years ago, which they've since gone on to achieve. In part two, Kath Tunnicliffe and Beth Hogg reflect on their experiences competing in Rome at the European Masters Championships.
Simon and Kalon Veale join The Masters Swimming Podcast for episode 11. They discuss the pros of having a full family of swimmers, how they support and motivate each other, training without a coach and their involvement in Club La Santa.
Strength and conditioning coach, and intermittent masters swimmer, Nathan Oxford, talks about training outside the pool to get better in the pool. He talks through how he'd approach a client under and over the age of 50, and the different intensity levels depending on which stroke and distance you're training for.
This week, former Commonwealth Games swimmer and bronze medallist winner Chris Jones joins the podcast. Chris talks about his recent British records set at the US Masters Championships in Virginia, reflects on his Commonwealth Games experience in 2006 for Team Scotland, and talks future goals in the sport.
GB Masters Working Group Chairman, Nicola Latty, joins me on part one this week, to preview the upcoming European Masters Aquatics Championships in Rome. Nicola also talks about her role as GB's representative for LEN Masters and her medal hopes in Rome. In part two, Beth Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe talk about their upcoming races in Rome, their training in then build up to the event and how they plan to kick back afterwards.
Masters swimmer Helen Davis, and founder of Think Believe Perform - a sports psychology consultancy - speaks to host Joe Malone about positive thinking and how to get the best out of racing by setting realistic goals to help you achieve the times you want.
In part one, Out To Swim Head Coach Michelle Weltman talks about inclusivity in swimming, FINA's recent decision to bar transgender women in elite competition, her coaching role at Out To Swim, the club's upcoming event, and the 30-year anniversary. In part two, Beth Hogg and Owen Woodland chat about the swimming at the Commonwealth Games and their favourite races.
In part one, Transplant Sport Swimming Club founders Jodie Cox and Liam Barnett discuss the upcoming British Transplant Games and their hopes for competing. In part two, Joe Malone, Beth Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe talk swimming equipment.
Ever wondered what it must be like to hold a world record? Helen Gorman knows the feeling all too well. The City of Cardiff swimmer has broken six of them this year already, and in part one, Helen talks about her training, diet and journey through swimming to make it to this point. In part two, I speak to Helen's coach, Graham Wardell, who tells us Helen can still get faster yet...
In part one, host Joe Malone catches up with Mr Masters Swimming, Bob Bolton, to talk about the recent Cheshire Masters Sprint Meet and what the aims and objectives are of the Masters Working Group. Bob also talks about his life through swimming. In part two, Beth Hogg and Owen Woodland discuss how their respective competitions went from the weekend.
To never miss an episode, please subscribe to the show, and join The Masters Swimming Podcast Facebook page.
In episode two, host Joe Malone is joined by Beth Hogg (Trafford Metro) and Owen Woodland (RTW Masters), who talk through their upcoming competitions, how they approach racing, and the social side of swimming.
To get involved, please join The Masters Swimming Podcast Facebook page to contact Joe directly.
In the launch episode of The Masters Swimming Podcast, host and swimmer Joe Malone is joined by swimmers Bethany Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe to talk about getting into swimming, training alone vs with a club and fitting training into a busy life.