Swim Smooth Episode 20 - Tom Gregory - youngest ever English Channel Swimmer (11yrs old!)
Feb 17, 2020
Meet Tom Gregory, the remarkable record-holder for the youngest solo swimmer of the English Channel at just 11 years old. In this engaging discussion, Tom reflects on the challenges of his night swim and the lasting bond with his coach, John Bullitt. He shares insights from his memoir, A Boy in the Water, and his experience narrating the audiobook. Tom also discusses the evolving landscape of Channel swimming, coaching philosophies, and the impact of resilience he learned through his journey.
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Episode notes
Writing From A Child's Memory
- Tom wrote his memoir decades later by carving out commute time and treating writing like training.
- He remembered scenes vividly and narrated the audiobook himself, making the story feel like a child's perspective.
Make Training Fun And Communal
- Make training environments enjoyable and team-driven to retain kids and build resilience.
- Use group activities and shared projects so children gain life skills beyond race results.
Environment Beats Innate Talent
- Tom credits environment and coaching over innate talent for his and others' success.
- He argues enthusiasm plus a knowledgeable coach unlocks extraordinary outcomes in ordinary kids.
