Swim Smooth

Jazz Carlin, a dual Olympic silver medallist, shares her insights on transitioning from pool to open water swimming. She highlights the importance of adapting stroke technique and offers tips on sighting and breathing. The conversation also touches on coaching advice for novice swimmers and personalizing stroke efficiency. Carlin emphasizes the thrill of competing in open water settings like BESTFest, where unique dynamics like group swims and water conditions can change the race experience.

After a tough recovery from a serious back injury, insights on coping with injury and illness take center stage. The hosts share personal anecdotes about returning to swimming and the emotional toll of missing activities and family time. They discuss the impact of chronic fatigue on lifestyle and performance, emphasizing the importance of sleep in recovery. With practical tips on sleep hygiene and mindset shifts, listeners gain a fresh perspective on balancing training, work, and well-being, making it a relatable reflection for anyone facing setbacks.

Join 19-time Paralympic champion Stephanie Dixon as she shares her remarkable journey from being born with a limb difference to becoming a world record holder and motivational speaker. She discusses the impact of winter life in the Yukon and her role as Chef de Mission for Team Canada. Stephanie delves into the camaraderie between athletes with disabilities and reflects on her mental resilience during competition. With a passion for coaching, she emphasizes the importance of acceptance and making the most of one's circumstances, inspiring listeners to embrace their uniqueness.

David Davies, a distinguished British swimmer from Wales, is the only athlete to win Olympic medals in both pool and open water events. He shares heartfelt reflections on his Olympic journey, touching on the emotional highs and lows of competition. Davies candidly discusses the temptation to alter his stroke style before his third Olympics and offers insights on transitioning from pool to open water swimming. His experiences highlight the importance of mentorship and rediscovering the joy in swimming, making this conversation both inspiring and relatable.

Sam Bradley, a former world #1 triathlete and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist from New Zealand, shares her journey from late-blooming athlete to coach at Sweat7. She discusses her unique mental 'switch' that helps her balance coaching and family life, a skill that many struggle with in our digitally connected world. Sam reflects on her surprising performance improvement when breathing to her left during swimming, valuable insights from her coaching experiences, and the resilience needed to transition from elite competition to mentoring others.

Join Emma Brunning, coach mentor from Active Blue, Chris Bagg, former pro Ironman, Mandi Kowal, ex-head coach at the University of Iowa, and triathlete Toni Saunders as they share insights from their intense two-week coaching certification in Perth. They discuss the rigorous training method focusing on emotional support and sustainability in coaching. The guests reflect on their transformative journeys, the joy of coaching, and the challenges of adapting from athlete to coach, all while enjoying the local culture and bonding over culinary delights!

Dave Scott, a six-time Hawaii Ironman World Champion and renowned triathlon coach, shares insights from his legendary career. He discusses the evolution of Ironman competition, the shift towards ketogenic nutrition, and overcoming mental barriers in racing. Scott emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and positive mindset, drawing on personal experiences. He also delves into innovative swim techniques and the advancements in triathlon equipment, reflecting on how these changes impact performance and training today.

In this discussion with Matt Koorey, an experienced triathlon coach, he dives into the common anxieties athletes face during open water swimming. He shares his personal journey and emphasizes the psychological aspects of training, particularly overcoming fears. Matt reflects on the balance between coaching and personal athletic goals, while also addressing strategies for nutrition and injury prevention. His passion for triathlon and his unique coaching philosophy shine through, providing valuable insights for both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Lessing, a five-time ITU World Triathlon Champion and a dedicated coach based in Boulder, shares his remarkable journey from growing up in apartheid South Africa to dominating the triathlon world. He reflects on his early swimming experiences, his "Swinger" stroke technique, and the harsh realities of competing with minimal support. Simon also dives into the evolution of triathlon, the significance of community in sports, and the challenges of injury management, all while maintaining a heartfelt connection to his passion for the sport.

In this insightful chat, professional triathlete Joe Skipper shares his journey from casual competitor to Ironman winner, highlighting his experience with technology in training. He discusses the balance of racing and recovery, their impact on performance, and how innovative training methods like parachute sessions enhance swimming efficiency. Joe offers a candid look at pacing strategies, the importance of personalized coaching, and the complexities of heat training, making it a must-listen for aspiring endurance athletes.