Inside with Brett Hawke

When Albert Subirats retired from swimming after his last race, he was ready to take on new challenges in corporate America. It wasn't long before the sport came calling him back. Today, after joining Virginia Tech as an assistant coach, Albert is working to give back to the sport. In conversation with Brett he dives into his experience coming to the states as a young swimmer with misdirected confidence. Learn how he navigated the NCAA process, became a leader to his teammates and ultimately transitioned into swimming solo later in his career. He shares his advice on working hard and making the most of every opportunity. “I just made that choice and it's as simple as that. Not everybody can make the choice to be an Olympic champion but anybody can make the choice to be the best they can be.” -Albert Subirats [22:07] Key Takeaways: Why Albert Subirats returned to swimming as a coach. How he learned to be a better teammate. Advice on training and underwater dolphin kicks. Episode Timeline: [00:02] Intro [02:13] Albert Subirats on return to the sport [03:19] When did swimming start for him [07:20] The process of getting from Venezuela to the NCAA [10:16] Adapting and navigating college at 17 [12:52] Being confident in the wrong way [14:38] Lessons learned from coach Frank Busch [18:28] Winning the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke on the same day [19:38] Training for the impossible and using visualization [22:18] On Augie Busch keeping him honest [24:48] Improving his underwater dolphin kicking [27:56] Owning training and working hard [30:51] Winning the national championship in 2008 [32:25] What changed within the team [35:37] Winning for the team over the individual [38:25] Transitioning to being a solo swimmer [41:25] Making the most of the opportunities swimming brings [44:42] Thoughts on Venezuela [46:46] Joseph schooling and the 100 butterfly [49:37] Outro Key Quotes: “I really thrive in challenges. I love somebody telling me 'you can't do that.' That just makes me burn inside... It's learning how to challenge that into a healthy mindset and into things that are actually going to help you.”-Albert Subirats [26:34] “You don't ever want to walk away from this thinking, what if or I should have or what could I have accomplished?...You always want to look back to the time that you did this and smile.” -Albert Subirats [42:28] Connect: Find | Brett Hawke At fitterandfaster.com On Instagram @hawkebr Find | Albert Subirats At hokiesports.com On Instagram: @subicule Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Google Spotify YouTube Special Thanks: Swimnerd Pace Clocks.

The son of a national level swimmer, David Arluck grew up hearing stories about his father’s success in the water. The lack of opportunities that would ultimately end his father’s swimming career at the age of 20, would come to be a driving force behind his company Fitter and Faster. Today, as David takes a moment to share the story behind his business- he talks about his passion for swimming, how he got started in the business of the sport and what Fitter and Faster is trying to accomplish. Hear how he went from being a swimmer and fan to enriching the lives of young swimmers around the country. He shares what Kobe Bryant taught him about work and balance and why he is addicted to success. "I like to succeed man. I'm just addicted to succeeding. I think if you ask anyone- they hate to lose. Everybody hates to lose. But I think most people are okay with it and I think that's a hard truth that people will never admit." - David Arluck [13:39] Key Takeaways: The motivation behind Fitter and Faster. How David Arluck turned his love of swimming into a business What Fitter and Faster is trying to acheive. Episode Timeline: [00:01] Intro [00:54] Brett on working with David Arluck for Fitter & Faster [01:47] Where the concept for Fitter & Faster started [06:13] Why swimming? [08:47] Working for Gary Hall Jr. and his start in the business [12:38] What sets elite athletes apart [19:20] Having to reassess his business [25:09] Why quitting was never an option [26:34] Routines that keep him and the business going [29:31] No need to apologize for success [33:07] What fitter and faster is doing and trying to achieve [37:01] What Kobe Bryant meant to David and lessons on balance and family [46:30] Outro Connect: Find | Brett Hawke At fitterandfaster.com On Instagram @hawkebr Find | David Arluck At Fitterandfaster.com On Instagram: @fitterandfasterswimtour On Facebook: @fitterandfastertour Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Google Spotify YouTube Special Thanks: IWBH is presented by Fitter & Faster.  IWBH is produced and promoted by Swimnerd. Connect your phone to your pace clock with the Swimnerd Pace Clock.

Irish Olympic Trials have just been cancelled. What is next? Special episode featuring Irish Olympian and Backstroke Aficionado, SHANE RYAN! @shaneryan001 on Twitter

Amy Bilquist speaks with Brett about the corona virus and how it is impacting her training as well as her friends back at the University of California.

Marius Kusch has been flying under the radar, silently improving his game. Today, he sits down and talks about the strategies and ways of thinking that have had a positive impact on his life and performance.  Listen in as he shares his thoughts on the New York Breakers and the ISL, college swimming and working with coach David Marsh of Team Elite. He gives insights into his new approach to rest and recovery and what he has planned for his future in swimming. Find out why he says, at the end of the day, it’s important he remembers exactly who he’s swimming for.  Every athlete is beatable... everyone can have a bad day. And everyone has the potential to step up and do something that they were thinking is impossible.” -Marius Kusch [36:04]     Key Takeaways: What Marius Kusch has changed to improve as an athlete. How other sports and concepts outside of swimming have shaped him. His advice for other athletes training for the Olympics. Episode Timeline: [00:01] Intro [00:28] Making the move to San Diego to train with Team Elite [00:53] The choice to swim for a Division 2 school [02:14] The events he swam coming out of Germany [03:13] His experience with Division 2 [05:21] Changes and becoming a 100 butterfly contender [08:24] The small changes add up [10:26] Improving the quality of sleep and recovery [12:50] Key changes to his nutrition [16:23] Being open-minded and making the most of his resources [17:12] What makes his coach, David Marsh, so exceptional? [19:59] Marius' thoughts on drilling [21:32] The most important to do while drilling [23:43] His best time yet and what it'll take to get on the podium  [26:08] What he's been doing to become more efficient [27:48] His best races to date [28:30] How he's planning to take relaxed mindset to the finals [29:55] Thoughts on visualization [31:00] What he's taken away from other sports [32:46] His experience with the ISL and the New York Breakers [33:58] Looking ahead to the next Olympics [34:41] Staying in America  [35:59] Does he think Caeleb Dressel is beatable? [36:34] His recommendations for others training for the Olympics [37:41] Book recommendations and thoughts on talent [38:52] His parent's thoughts and support with him living so far away [40:06] Outro Connect: Find | Brett Hawke At fitterandfaster.com On Instagram @hawkebr Find | Marius Kusch At mariuskusch.de On Instagram: @mariuskusch On Facebook: @marius.kusch.3 Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Google Spotify YouTube Special Thanks: Fitter & Faster. Swimnerd Pace Clocks.

When a sledding accident left Dave Denniston paralyzed from the waist down, the world would have understood if he’d let anger and frustration consume him. Instead, he chose to rise above it.  As top U.S swimmer, NCAA National Champion and world record holder, Dave carved out a path of success during his career as a swimmer. Today, he sits down with Brett and talks about the journey he has taken both in and out of the pool. Hear about their time spent swimming as teammates at Auburn University and the lessons they learned that would shape their careers. Listen in as Dave shares the key to his positive outlook on life and all the ways he’s redefined it’s meaning with his experience as a Paraolympian, coach and public speaker.  “I had as perfect of a body as I could physically make but realize now that my attitude had always been paralyzed.” -Dave Denniston [29:34]    Key Takeaways: How Dave Denniston became a Paralympian. His history as a swimmer. Brett and Dave’s time spent swimming for Auburn University. Episode Timeline: [00:03] Intro [00:22] Dave Dennison on branching out from his Wyoming roots [01:21] Why he got into swimming [02:15] His first Olympic memories  [03:28] Falling in love with the breaststroke [04:08] Choosing Auburn University in ‘97 [07:39] Taking shortcuts and learning from mistakes  [10:47] How the Auburn Team rebounded [13:29]  Brett on gaining confidence from his team [16:12] Dave on competing against Ed Moses and NCAA Championships [22:48] Starting a new journey in 2005 after becoming paralyzed [26:22] How his accident was a blessing in disguise [30:14] Feeling restricted and focusing on finding a way [31:32] Dave's speaking work [32:23] Becoming a Paralympian [33:59] Getting into coaching [34:57] Overcoming restrictions [35:52] What Dave Denniston is looking forward to in the future [37:18] Thoughts on the Paralympics and Jessica Long [40:16] Outro Key Quotes: “The other thing about growing up in Wyoming is, this is a blue-collar state and you work hard for whatever you get in life...I might not have the biggest hands and feet or the most talent, but I can work as hard or harder than anybody else.” -Dave Denniston [18:56] “When you really look at what this sport does for people. Especially a kid from a town of a thousand people in nowhere Wyoming, is it just gives you so many opportunities to grow as a person and to learn about who you are.” -Dave Denniston [21:46] Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Google Spotify YouTube Find | Dave Denniston On Instagram: @davodawavo On Twitter: @davodenniston Special Thanks: Fitter & Faster Swim Camps Swimnerd Pace Clocks

When Chloe Sutton Mackey's career took off at the age of 14, she made a lot of tough decisions that set her on a path to realizing her Olympic dreams. Today, as a 2-time Olympian, Chloe sits down to talk about her experiences competing in both pool and open water events, taking initiative as a young swimmer and gives insights into her mindset and work ethic.  Listen in to hear her explain the drive and passion she developed for swimming as she shares some of her childhood experiences. Find out what it’s like competing for Team USA and how she was able to retire from swimming with no regrets. “If you do what's always been done, you'll get what everyone else has always got.” -Chloe Sutton [05:08]  Key Takeaways: Chloe Sutton’s experiences as a young swimmer. Ways parents might help their young swimmers take ownership of their careers. Thoughts on accepting loss and disappointment. What Chloe has accomplished outside of the pool. Episode Timeline: [00:19] Intro [01:11] Chloe Suttton on qualifying in both open water and pool  [02:10] Training for both events [04:02] Her unconventional childhood [06:55] How her parents guided her independence [09:59] Deciding that college swimming wasn't for her [12:35] How she was so driven at a young age [15:05] Dealing with failure and disappointment [17:20] What it's like competing for Team USA [18:56] Her take on Katie Ledecky and distance freestyle [22:11] Deciding to retire from swimming [24:05] Becoming VP of Fitter and Faster swimming [28:40] What's next for Chloe Sutton [30:16] Outro Key Quotes: “In order to swim at my best, I had to want to swim fast as much as I wanted to breathe. It needed to be a need for me... It had to be my entire heart and soul.”  -Chloe Sutton [22:18]  “I think everybody deals with disappointment, failure in their own kind of way... ultimately with my personality type- at least in a moment- If I was ever truly satisfied with any race I've ever swam.”  -Chloe Sutton [15:18]  Connect: Find | Brett Hawke At fitterandfaster.com On Instagram @hawkebr Find | Chloe Sutton At chloesutton.com On Instagram: @csutswim On Twitter: @csutswim Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Special Thanks: Inside with Brett Hawke is presented by Fitter & Faster. Host a swim camp. More than 1,000 swim clinic sessions in 46 States plus Canada & the Bahamas in 2019. Inside with Brett Hawke is produced and promoted by Swimnerd. Connect your phone to your pace clock with the Swimnerd Pace Clock. Digital, affordable, and Bluetooth programmable from your smartphone.

Haley Anderson will be making her third Olympic appearance at Tokyo 2020 after qualifying for the first time, at the age of 20. Competing in open water, Haley offers a unique approach to competition that seems to have given her the edge and mental stamina needed for her events.   Listen in as Haley shares her experience growing up in a family of professional swimmers. She shares what makes open water swimming a particularly rewarding challenge as she talks about potential obstacles (hot water temps & bacteria) headed her way in Tokyo. Find out how she made a name for herself, navigated life as a USC swimmer and her thoughts on the ISL’s chosen events.  Key Takeaways: How Haley Anderson is preparing for her third Olympic cycle. Insights into open water swimming. Haley’s thoughts on the ISL and her future in swimming. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Intro [00:29] Haley Anderson on approaching her 3rd Olympic cycle [02:04] Qualifying for the 2012 Olympics at 20 years old [03:25] Her experience in the London Olympics [04:57] Growing up in a swimming family [08:55] Haley’s mentality going into events [10:48] Training for 2 hour swims [12:47] Practicing in pool and open water [14:11] Gym, lifting and mobility  [17:31] Haley's approach to nutrition  [19:43] Overtraining and fatigue [20:55] How breaks and recovery have changed for her over time [22:20] Haley's strategy for open water events [25:30] Rules, etiquette and drafting in open water  [28:24] Navigating variables and gaining confidence in open water  [32:15] Sponsorships (ARENA) [33:22] Choosing to go to USC [34:36] First American to be chosen for the 2020 Olympics [38:01] Hot water, e-coli and other course drawbacks [40:17] Thoughts on the ISL and swimming after Tokyo [42:34] Outro Connect: Find | Brett Hawke At fitterandfaster.com On Instagram @hawkebr Find | Haley Anderson At teamusa.org On Instagram: @swimhaley On Twitter: @swimhaley On Facebook: @haleyandersonUSA Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Google Spotify Special Thanks: Fitter & Faster.  Swimnerd Pace Clocks.

For nearly a decade, Frank Busch has been USA swimming’s National Team Director. He was the head of the organization towards the end of Michel Phelps’ Olympic career and led the charge that brought home 64 medals for the United States. Today, he’s giving back in new ways — spending the days of his retirement with family and working with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity.  Listen in as he looks back on his 50 year career. He talks about his time spent as a collegiate swim coach at the University of Arizona and offers advice for young coaches. Hear what he’s learned from some of the best athletes in the world and the impression they’ve made on him as a coach and as a person. “His determination...I consider him the greatest athlete I've ever seen.”  -Frank Busch on Michael Phelps [43:01]  Key Takeaways: What Frank Busch took away from his 50 year career. How he divided his time among his athletes. Advice for synergy between coaches and athletes. How he fostered passion and pride in athletes throughout his career. Episode Timeline: [00:03] Intro [00:16] Frank Busch’s life post USA swimming retirement [02:18] Is it hard being away from the pool? [03:32] Advice young coaches need to hear [05:38] Managing and fostering creativity in assistant coaches  [08:46] Keeping everyone on the same page [14:01] Making contact with all the athletes [16:47] Finding the right formula to win a championship [18:50] Differences in coaching men and women teams [20:27] Standout athletes and thoughts on Lacey Nymeyer [24:33] Instilling passion and school pride while at the University of Arizona [29:07] Speaking to all levels of experience on Olympic teams [32:19] Choosing to lead at USA Swimming [35:51] Advocating for the best athletes in the world  [39:34] What every swimmer can learn from Micheal Ph [42:01] How Micheal performed under pressure [46:37] Dealing with jealousy and competition [51:47] Processing disappointment and failure with athletes [55:51] Frank Busch's thoughts on the ISL [59:23] Will he write a book? [1:01:38] Outro Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Google Spotify YouTube Special Thanks: Inside with Brett Hawke is presented by Fitter & Faster. Host a swim camp. More than 1,000 swim clinic sessions in 46 States plus Canada & the Bahamas in 2019. Inside with Brett Hawke is produced and promoted by Swimnerd. Connect your phone to your pace clock with the Swimnerd Pace Clock. Digital, affordable, and Bluetooth programmable from your smartphone.

Olympic swimmer turned coach, James Gibson packed up and flew to Turkey to serve as the head coach of a Russian club in 2016; betting it all on a vision of a world class competitive team and the future of the ISL.  Today, that club is better known as Energy Standard and they’ve recently claimed the first ever International Swimming League championship title.  Listen in as James talks about his career in coaching and his decision to coach for the ISL. He shares some of the challenges he’s faced along the way and what has made it all worth it. Learn how he balances his time and efforts in coaching for the Olympics and the ISL as he shares his experiences working with world class athletes like Sarah Sjostrom and Flo Manaudou.  “I still pinch myself a little bit that ISL has happened and gone already, season one… it happened so quickly and it just felt right.” -James Gibson [36:18] Key Takeaways: Why James Gibson decided to work with the ISL. How his top athletes work towards their personal goals. His plans for the future with the ISL. Episode Timeline: [00:02] Intro [00:32] James Gibson on pushing the boundaries on sprinting [02:21] What is a professional swimmer? [03:20] Energy Standard winning the ISL championships [04:26] How James Gibson fell into coaching [06:41] His subsequent coaching timeline  [08:46] His work with Flo Manaudou [13:04] Advice Brett once gave Cesar Cielo [14:28] James Gibson’s  [15:27] Stroke changes to Flo's routine inspired by Freddie Bousquet [18:28] What James Gibson is saying to his athletes  [21:15] Olympic favorites and what makes them special [21:38] Sarah Sjostrom's drive & resilience [25:33] Chad Le Clos's passion & transition [27:34] Brett on working with Cesar Cielo and Fred Bousquet [28:52] James Gibson’s work with Ben Proud and Flo Manaudou [31:22] Giving equal effort to all athletes [33:02] Life and training in Turkey [34:05] Is Energy Standard Paris moving? [35:00] Choosing to work for the ISL [38:15] Focusing on the Olympics and the ISL at the same time [40:59] Outro Connect: Find | Brett Hawke At fitterandfaster.com On Instagram @hawkebr Find | James Gibson At eliteteamenergystandard.org On Instagram: @_jamesgibson_ On Twitter: @jamesgibsongbr Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Produced by: SWIMNERD