Swim Smooth

Ross Davenport, a three-time Olympian and former European record holder, shares his inspiring journey from aspiring soccer player to swimming champion. He reflects on a pivotal moment that reignited his passion for the pool, drawing parallels with other athletes' comebacks. The conversation dives into the cultural differences between British and Australian swimming experiences. Ross also discusses his transition to the swimming equipment industry, where he emphasizes the importance of product feedback in supporting swimmers' growth and performance.

In this engaging conversation, Jess Potter, a respiratory specialist from London and a passionate swimmer, shares her frontline experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. She opens up about the mental strain faced by healthcare workers and how swimming became her solace. Jess discusses her shoulder injury linked to hand entry technique and the struggle of mastering a 2-beat kick for marathon swimming. With insights on breathing and stroke efficiency, she inspires listeners to refine their swimming skills while navigating personal challenges.

Rebecca Adlington, a double Olympic gold medallist and former world record holder in the 800m freestyle, shares her inspiring journey through the swimming world. She discusses the pressures of fame, her strong bond with coach Bill Furniss, and the transition to life after competitive swimming. The conversation touches on the significance of mental health and self-care, along with playful anecdotes about family vacations. Listeners also get to enjoy a fun 20-question quiz challenge with Rebecca, making for an entertaining and insightful chat!

Paolo Mangilinan, a Swim Smooth Coach from Dubai, shares his incredible journey of swimming 300 kilometers in 30 days to inspire others during the Dubai Fitness Challenge. He discusses the physical and mental resilience needed for such a feat without any swimming aids. Paolo reflects on the supportive role of family and community, the emotional highs and lows, and the joy of encountering marine life in open water. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength and dedication required to overcome challenges in both swimming and life.

Lucy Lloyd-Roach, head coach at Swim Smooth Manchester and a British Masters champion, leads a talented team including marathon swimmer Melanie Holland, British Masters champion Claire Thorne, and Ironman competitor Sarah Hempenstall. They successfully broke the world record as the first all-female English Channel medley relay team. The guests share insights on their training, the challenges of nighttime swimming, and emotional moments during the crossing, including encounters with sea wildlife and the camaraderie that drove them to triumph.

Join five-time Ironman World Champion Craig 'Crowie' Alexander as he opens up about his journey from overcoming injuries to achieving incredible feats in triathlon. He shares insights on his coaching philosophy, SansEGO, emphasizing performance without ego. Craig reflects on the evolving sport, the impact of ITU athletes, and the importance of balancing technique with personal strengths. He also discusses life after triathlon, his family values, and how the pandemic led him to pivot his coaching approach, proving resilience is key to success.

Jana Oosthuizen, a physiotherapist and Swim Smooth certified coach from Johannesburg, shares her innovative dry-land cord training program designed during the COVID-19 lockdown. Discover how this structured routine helps swimmers maintain strength and technique with practical exercises. Jana emphasizes the importance of balancing stabilizers and mobilizers to prevent injuries, while offering tips on using everyday items as equipment. Her dynamic warm-ups and recommended sequences guarantee effective training, making dry-land workouts both engaging and essential for swimmers.

In a candid reflection, Paul shares his emotional response to sudden pool closures and zero revenue as a coach. He introduces the idea of applying swim training principles to financial forecasting. Listeners are encouraged to assess their financial status, categorize expenses, and model scenarios. Paul emphasizes the importance of planning over panic and exploring alternative income streams. With personal anecdotes, he highlights the lessons learned during this chaotic time and urges community support and patience.

Bec Johnson, a Type 1 diabetes advocate, ultramarathon swimmer, and CEO of the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre, shares her inspiring journey. After being diagnosed at 17, she channeled her experience into advocacy and launched the 'Life Without Limits' challenge to raise funds for her center. She discusses the complexities of diabetes management during her extreme swims, the importance of continuous glucose monitoring, and the balancing act of nutrition while enduring grueling events. Bec's determination and community focus shine throughout their conversation.

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.