Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories

Ryan Erisman is having one of the most eye-opening freshman seasons in college swimming — and he proved it on the world stage.

Fresh off a dominant performance at the 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin, the Cal freshman joins Social Kick to break down what it takes to beat Olympic medalists, manage insane race schedules, and thrive inside the legendary Cal system. Ryan talks about winning the 200 and 400 free, dropping massive time in the 1500, and racing everything from the 200 fly to the 100 free — often in the same session.

We get into his rapid transition from high school standout to NCAA threat, training under Dave Durden, long-course vs short-course racing, and how he’s building momentum with Nationals and NCAAs ahead. If you want a look at what the next generation of U.S. distance and middle-distance freestyle looks like, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Freshman breakout
🔥 Pro Swim Austin wins
🏊 Beating Olympians
🐻 Life inside Cal swimming

Skyler Smith is swimming some of the best races of her career — right now.

In this episode of Social Kick, the UNC senior and U.S. National Team pool member opens up about finding momentum, building confidence, and racing fast without waiting for the perfect taper. From dropping personal bests at the Pro Swim Series to navigating NCAA pressure and setbacks, Skyler shares what it actually takes to stay dangerous across a long season.

This conversation goes deep into breaststroke — how it works for her body, why technique myths persist, and what matters most when racing at a high level. Skyler also reflects on confidence, consistency, and learning to trust the process after meets don’t go as planned.

Along the way, we get plenty of personality: rapid-fire questions, training war stories, pop culture, and what’s next as she balances elite swimming with grad school and life beyond the pool.

If you’re a swimmer, coach, or fan who wants to understand how elite athletes think, adapt, and keep progressing, this episode delivers.

What does it take to keep going when you’ve already given everything you have?

In this episode of Social Kick, we sit down with Andy Donaldson — ultramarathon swimmer, world-record holder, fastest man to swim around Manhattan Island, and the first male swimmer to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single calendar year.

Andy shares the realities behind the swims most people only see in photos: long hours in dark water, brutal conditions, sickness, fear, and the moments where progress feels impossible. He opens up about a swim that nearly ended in defeat — before turning into one of the most meaningful experiences of his life, finishing just four minutes outside a world record on the rocks of Scotland.

This conversation goes beyond times and results. It’s about:

Defining your “why” when things start to unravel

Learning that you don’t have to do it alone

The shift from chasing personal achievement to creating purpose

Using swimming as a platform to inspire others and elevate communities

From swimming around Manhattan to a groundbreaking relay around Bahrain, Andy reflects on how his motivation has evolved — and why impact now matters more than records.

Sometimes the finish time isn’t the point.
Sometimes the real win is what the journey reveals.

🎙 Social Kick Podcast

British Olympian Eva Okaro joins Social Kick to talk about her breakout freshman season at the University of Texas, adapting to NCAA swimming, and why fun, confidence, and environment have fueled her early success.

Eva shares what it’s really like moving from Team GB to Texas, adjusting to short course yards, handling tougher training, and surrounding herself with athletes who push each other daily. She also opens up about mindset shifts, embracing change, international competition, and what excites her about what’s ahead.

This episode covers:

Transitioning from UK swimming to the NCAA

Breaking school records as a Texas freshman

Short course yards vs meters

Training mentality, team culture & confidence

Life in Austin and balancing elite sport with college life

A must-listen for swimmers, coaches, and anyone interested in high-performance environments.

🎧 Follow Social Kick for more conversations with elite athletes shaping the future of swimming.

Legendary coach Dave Durden joins Social Kick to talk culture, champions, and what really matters in elite swim training.

As the head coach of the California Golden Bears, Dave has built one of the most successful programs in college swimming history, developing Olympic champions and sustained excellence. In this episode, he breaks down his coaching philosophy, why evaluating how athletes move in the water matters more than times, and how long-term planning shapes winning environments.

We also dive into recruiting, building trust, and why Dave believes social kick might be one of the most important — and overlooked — parts of training.

Whether you’re a swimmer, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and stories from one of swimming’s most respected leaders.

Follow Social Kick and drop a comment with your favorite Dave Durden memory or your go-to social kick set.