Freestyle Media
Weekly podcasts covering all aspects of the sport we love.
Episodes
#199: What’s on the Menu? The Perfect Pre-Race Meal with Robbie Blackman
Masters swimmer and nutrition coach Robbie Blackman joins us to explore one of the most important — and most debated — parts of race day: what to eat and drink before you dive in.We revisit the pre-race favourites of five Masters swimmers — Amanda Heath, Chris Jones, Janet McLean, Lizzie Bellinger and Joe Malone — and get Robbie’s verdict on their choices.From a love of rare steak and a vegetarian
#198: The Sets We Never Forget
Julie and Helen ease into Julie's first episode as co-host by doing something a bit different. They turn the mic on themselves and swap the training sets that never left them: the ones scrawled on a whiteboard years ago that somehow still live rent-free in their heads.Helen digs up the back-end pace breaststroke set she's been doing since joining Cardiff in 2017 (the same one she now doe
#197: National Open Water & Exciting News with Alex Thurston & Julie Howe
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
#196: European Masters Preview with Craig Ward & Vicki Payne
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
#195: Shark Bite to Oceans Seven: Paul Leonard’s Extraordinary Journey
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 a
#194: What Is SIPE? Henry Goodlud’s Story & Woking’s World-Record Formula
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 d
#193: In My Father’s Lane: Adam Wilkie’s Incredible Challenge
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 a
#192: MS Won’t Stop me Swimming with Nicci Beynon
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
#191: Aberdeen 2026: Records, Revelry & Masters Magic
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
#190: Inside 20+ Years of Swimming Journalism with Liz Byrnes
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 o
#189: Aberdeen Awaits: Previewing British Masters 2026 with Charlie Harris
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, Charl
#188: Sam Lawman's Pre-Race Routines That Work
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
#187: Jo Corben’s Training Camp Tales
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
#186: Nicola Charlesworth on Masters Swimming, Deaflympics and Determination
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
#185: Swimming Pool to Sofa: Rehab Reality with Chris Malpass
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
#184: Racing Through Olympic History
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
#183: Masters Making Waves at Aquatics GB Championships
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 Ma
#182: The Science of Altitude Training & Elite Insights from Mike Peyrebrune
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 physio
#181: Inside the British Masters Decathlon
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
#180: From Tradition to 20.88: A New Way to Train?
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 margin
#179: Siân Clement and the Art of Extreme Swimming
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
#178: The Art of the Taper
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
#177: Can Baking Soda Make You Faster?
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
#176: From Olympic Heartbreak to King of the Channel
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
#175: New age group. Same obsession.
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 d
#174: From Sequins to Swimscape
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 Cornw
#173: I Used AI to Break a British Masters Record
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 performa
#172: Brad Price's 3,100 Pull-Up Challenge
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
#171: Two Swimmers, One English Channel, Very Different Outcomes
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 mo
#170: Can AI Make You A Faster Swimmer?
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 ethica
#169: Should Masters Swimmers be Allowed to Wear Full Bodysuits?
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
#168: From Elite Swimming to Firefighting: Lauren Quigley's Journey
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 experience
#167: Lessons from Lublin & Training Smart for the Year Ahead
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
#166: Surrey vs Hants: Inter County Christmas Cup & 2025 Review
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 f
#165: History Maker Jane Asher Enters Swim Hall of Fame at 94
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
#164: From Olympic Heartbreak to Masters Hall of Fame
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
#163: From zero to 49 second 100m freestyle hero!
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
#162: Finding Love for Swimming Beyond Diabetes Diagnosis
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.
#161: Together in the Fast Lane
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
#160: 17 World Records Smashed - National Masters Review
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 succ
#159: From Windermere Record Breaking to River Breakthroughs
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 a
#158: From Lanes to Legends: The National Masters Preview
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 hum
#157: Channelling History by Sprinting to Success
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 n
#156: The Science of Hydration, Electrolytes, Caffeine and Cramp
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
#155: Overcoming Shoulder Surgery
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 r
#154: The Power of Perspective in Swimming
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
#153: Mastering Swimming Performance and Defying Age
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 t
#152: Long Distance Life with Andrew Horsfall-Turner
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 need
#151: Singapore Stories
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 g
#150: Celebrating 150 Episodes and the Singapore World Masters Championships
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 h
#149: Mastering Shoulder Health for Swimmers
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
#148: From Paralympic Glory to Masters Swimming
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 transit
#147: Arthur Lowe on breaking records at age 90
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
#146: Preparing for Major Competition: How to Turn Anxiety into Excitement
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 bac
#145: Preparing for the World Aquatics Masters Championships 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 voluntee
#144: Breaking records and achieving success after 40
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
#143: Unlocking Swimming Potential Without Extra Effort or Cost
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 sha
#142: Mastering Power and Speed in Swimming
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 recor
#141: Setting New World Records at the British Masters Championships
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,
#140: Breaking Barriers in the Pool and Beyond with Michael Gunning
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
#139: British Masters Preview & Swimwear Secrets
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
#138: Three Must-Have Training Tools for Smarter Swimming
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 aerodynamic
#137: Backstroke Brilliance with Jo Corben and Kirsty Johnson
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 ru
#136: Faster With Age: Rebecca Guy Takes on the Next Generation
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
#135: Is Masters Swimming Breaking the Bank?
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 blessing
#134: From the Pool to the Page: The Life Aquatic of Simon Griffiths
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
#133: Recovery with Ken Flett and Dom Wooldridge
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 r
#132: Countdown to London: Inside British Masters
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, incl
#131: Finding Free Speed
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
#130: Flourishing after breast cancer
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 p
#129: Chlorine-Fuelled Catastrophes - dealing with swim meet disasters
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!
#128: The Rise of Trojan SC With Help From AP Race
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 Corbe
#127: Balancing Motherhood, Science and a Swimming Comeback
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
#126: Will CrossFit Make Me A Better Swimmer?
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 C
#125: From Trash to Treasure - How Data Centres and Landfills Could Revolutionise Sustainable Swimming
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-
#124: Sprinting, International Lifesaving and the Science of Sport
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
#123: Elite Swimming Highs and Lows, RED-S, Medicine and Masters
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 in
#122: Brain Tumour to Record Breaking with Cate Jackson
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.
#121: Ice Swimming World Championships
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!
#120: Celebrating a Wonderful Career in Swimming with Anna Hopkin
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.
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