#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 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.
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47:03
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47:03
#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 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.
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45:08
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45:08
#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, 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.
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47:18
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47:18
#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 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.
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39:55
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39:55
#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 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.
South Africa