Friend of the pod and now 2-time Olympic medalist Ilya Kharun returns to catch us up on his massive summer. Last time we spoke with Ilya a year ago he was making waves in his first college dual meets and training with Bob Bowman at Arizona State. A lot has happened since then. The Sun Devils won their first NCAA team championship, Ilya became an in…

Mary-Sophie Harvey is a Canadian Olympian and one of the world’s most versatile swimmers. A two-time Olympian, Mary-Sophie has accomplished a feat that few swimmers do - swimming her best time in the Olympic final. However, for Mary-Sophie it was somewhat bittersweet because she left the Paris Olympics having finished in 4th place in 4 different ev…

Do you ever get bored swimming? He doesn’t. Do you ever get tired swimming? He doesn’t. Do your shoulders hurt swimming? His don’t. This man has swam 358.2km (222.6 mi) in a single week, earning him the Guinness World Record for most meters swum in a week in a 50m pool. No stranger to ultra endurance mega efforts, Spyros Chrysikopoulos has also tak…

John Mason is a much sought after TV host and correspondent. His natural on-screen energy and versatility have established him as a regular personality in the European & international markets, particularly in Olympic aquatic sports. John has been the face of the FINA Swimming World Cup Series for the last four years. In addition, he has covered som…

In this episode, we sit down with South African breaststroke sensation Tatjana Schoenmaker Smith, one of the most accomplished swimmers of her generation. At just 27 years old, Tatjana has already etched her name in swimming history, from breaking the world record in the 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to becoming a two-time Olympic go…

Going best times is all a swimmer can ask for right? Well, it may make a bittersweet Olympics, if you go best time at an Olympics (where few go best times) but you fall in your place from semi-finals to finals. Pieter Coetzé had a bittersweet Olympics, but his young career has been far from bittersweet. Coetzé made the South African Olympic team at…

Ice in his veins! Olympic finalist Keaton Jones only needed one year at Cal to bridge the gap from being an elite junior to one of the world’s best, as he snagged the 2nd Olympic spot in the 200 backstroke at the USA Olympic Trials. At his first Olympic Games, Keaton put together solid performances through the rounds to finish 5th in the Olympic fi…

The Olympic champion in the 200 backstroke, Hubert Kos, takes a break from his busy gaming schedule to hangout with us on Social Kick. For the second year in a row, the Hungarian superstar emerged from the biggest meet of the year with the gold medal around his neck, this time on swimming’s biggest stage at the Paris Olympic Games, adding to the st…

In the midst of the 2024 World Cup season, we check in with the voice of the World Cup himself, broadcaster and former World Record holder Bobby Hurley. Bobby has commentated for the last 7 World Championships as well as myriad other swimming events such as the World Cup. As a swimmer, Bobby Hurley racked up a list of accolades. A World Champion an…

It’s shades of orange everywhere for Dutch Olympic breaststroker Caspar Corbeau. When representing The Netherlands, he wears a true orange and for Texas, it’s the burnt variety, but it was the medal he wore around his neck this summer in Paris that was a magical bronze. Already a many time NCAA finalist among the top breaststrokers and IMers in col…

Ever frustrated with turns and just wish you could swim in a straight line? For USA Olympic swimmer Mariah Denigan that is the dream. While the majority of her training still takes place in a pool and she has represented the USA internationally in longer distance pool races, Mariah Denigan has established herself among the best in the world in open…

Irish goodbye? More like Irish hello! Ireland made its presence known in the pool at the Paris Olympics with a huge swim for a bronze medal in the 100 breaststroke from two-time Olympian Mona McSharry, delivering Ireland's first medal of the 2024 Olympic Games. Along with compatriot Daniel Wiffen, Mona McSharry and team Ireland had La Defense Arena…

The NFL and swimming are not the same. In a world where coaches have a very short leash, a team that has a couple down years of performance along with some key high-profile athlete departures can be enough to sound the alarm. Thankfully, perhaps because its a sport based on longer term success over a 4-year period or greater, we were not robbed of …

Could you imagine having mononucleosis and COVID-19 at the biggest competitions of your life? What about missing the Olympic team by one spot in arguably your best event? How about missing the team by two spots in your next best event? With his back against the wall, David Johnston dropped over 10 seconds and finished second in the 1500 - meters to…

Two time Olympian, by the age of 18, Katie Grimes joins us in the latest episode of Social Kick. Katie talks us through the experience of swimming at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, having already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the 10k. Was there less pressure? We talk Paris, from the river eels to the 1500 and 400 im swims in the pool. …

2x Olympic Medalist Carson Foster returns to chat about making his first Olympic team, his performance in Paris, and how he’s adjusting to Bob Bowman workouts. Last time we spoke to Carson a couple years ago (Ep. 112), he was coming off a breakout meet winning individual silvers in the IMs at the 2022 World Championships and the stage was being set…

Ever wonder how fast someone could swim if some of the rules were lifted? Nike believed someone could run a marathon under 2 hours, which Eliud Kipchoge achieved with the help of pacers, drafting, and carbon plated shoes. A similar event took place in triathlon, with Olympic Champion Kristiaan Blumenfelt completing an Iron-distance triathlon in und…

While she was only 8 years old when she chose her Instagram handle @alexandrathebeast, it’s clear now how a young Alex Shackell foresaw a bright future. In this episode, teenage Olympian Alex Shackell tells us what it’s like to return home to high school as an Olympic Gold Medalist. Already a relay member of the World Championship team last year, A…

In this episode, Michael Andrew joins us and reflects on the disappointment of not making the US Olympic team and explains what he feels led to that outcome - one of the best swimmers in the world for many years unexpectedly sitting at home instead of racing in Paris. Having given time to reflect on the necessary changes to get back on the right tr…

In this episode, Regan Smith returns with her latest medal haul from the Paris Olympics, where she picked up her first Olympic golds, a few individual silvers, and came home with another World Record (Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay). Reflecting on her 2nd Olympics, her first under coach Bob Bowman, Regan Smith reflects on how proud she is of her perfo…

In this episode, we chat with teenage swim phenomenon and Team USA Olympic swimmer Thomas Heilman after his first Olympics in Paris. At age 17, Thomas secured his Olympic berth with a decisive win in the 200 butterfly at the 2024 USA Olympic Trials, and put an exclamation point on the week in Indy when he finished 2nd in the 100 fly, earning him a …

In this episode, we are joined by French Olympic bronze medalist Clement Secchi following his experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Clem tells us what it was like to experience the support of the home crowd as a member of Team France, including seeing all the hype behind other French swim stars like Leon Marchand, Florent Manaudou, and Marie Watte…

In this episode, friend of the pod Cam McEvoy returns as the 50m freestyle Olympic Champion and reigning fastest man in the world. The last time Cam McEvoy raced an individual Olympic final, he was the hot favorite to win the 100 freestyle following his then world textile best 47.04 from the 2016 Australian Olympics Trials. But in 2016, McEvoy’s sp…

Kyle Chalmers is often called ‘King Kyle’ since he ascended to the top of the world at 18 years old to win 100 free gold in Rio, but we prefer the moniker ‘Classy Kyle.’ No disrespect to the King. That’s a fair description for someone who never misses a 100 free podium. But at the ripe age of 26 (yes, Kyle Chalmers is only 26), he speaks like a pro…

In this episode of the Social Kick podcast, we sit down with legendary swimming coach Bob Bowman, renowned for his role in shaping the careers of many Olympic champions, most notably Michael Phelps, but more recently with the swimming star of the Paris Olympic Games, France’s Leon Marchand. Bob’s group had quite an Olympic Games - shocker. Beyond L…

Aaron Shackell dominated the 400 freestyle to kick off an epic USA Olympic Trials, earning a trip to his first ever Olympic Games in Paris. Aaron joined us to chat following his experience in Paris, where he swam a personal best time in the prelims and qualified to race in his first Olympic final. This season has been a journey for Aaron, as he cha…

We sit down with Luca Urlando, a 2024 US Olympian, for an in-depth discussion recorded before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Luca shares insights into his intense training regimen and his experiences at the US Olympic training camp. We also delve into his journey to recovery and ongoing shoulder health since his surgery, exploring how it has impacte…

Join Bryan Lundquist, Luke Paddington, and Dr. John Mullen, DPT, on this episode of Social Kick as they discuss into the most thrilling moments from the first half of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Our hosts break down the standout races, including the electrifying women's 100 backstroke, the intense men's 100 breaststroke, the competitive women's 100 br…

Dive into an exclusive conversation with US Breaststroke swimmer Brian Benzing on our latest podcast episode! 🏊‍♂️ From his unique development journey in the world of swimming to finding high school success in Oslo, Norway, Brian shares insights into his athletic career and life. We explore his recent successes at Towson University finishing second…

Join us on this episode of Social Kick as we welcome Olympic swimmer Shane Ryan! In an in-depth conversation, Shane opens up about his journey recovering from shoulder surgery and shares insights into how his unique 100 backstroke technique contributed to the stress on his shoulder. Discover the adjustments he's making in his current training, with…

USA Swimming legend Brendan Hansen joins the Social Kick Podcast!. With multiple Olympic gold medals, world records, and a prestigious career both in and out of the pool, Brendan shares his insights on preparing for the 2024 US Olympic Swimming Trials. From his memorable rivalry with fellow swimmers to the electrifying atmosphere of major swimming …

n this episode of the Social Kick Podcast, we sit down with Markus Marthaler, a former professional swimmer from Switzerland who has competed at both national and international levels. Markus has transitioned into the world of Ironman competitions and is now taking on a challenge that has never been completed: swimming from Tobago to Trinidad. Join…

In this episode of Social Kick, we sit down with University of Texas swimming sensation Emma Sticklen. A two-time NCAA champion in the 200 fly, Emma shares her incredible journey in swimming, the challenges she faces, and her aspirations for the future. Join us as we dive deep into her training routines, her thoughts on competing at the highest lev…

Emma Weyant, 2020 400 IM Olympic Silver Medalist and University of Florida standout joins the conversation. Emma shares her training regimen, experiences at the recent 2024 NCAA Swimming Championships, and preparations to qualify for her second Olympic team. Learn about her dynamic training environment alongside fellow champions like Bella Sims and…

Anna Peplowski, a formidable middle-distance swimmer, has been dominating the Big Ten conference representing The University of Indiana, and is on the brink of national glory, recently boasting silver and bronze medals in the 200m and 500m freestyle events at the 2024 NCAA Swimming Championships. Join us as Anna shares her remarkable journey, inclu…

University of Virginia's standout athlete Jack Aikins and their highly rated recruit Maximus Williamson join us as we unpack the thrilling 2024 NCAA Swimming Results We delve into their rigorous training routines, and explore the unique journeys that brought them to UVA. Maximus opens up about his recruiting experience and sheds light on why he ult…

Anastasia Pagonis shares her incredible journey from breaking world records to overcoming setbacks. At just 19 years old, Anastasia's accomplishments speak volumes— from clinching gold at the 2020 Paralympics to dominating at the 2022 Worlds, she's a force to be reckoned with. However, her path hasn't been without challenges, including a year-long …

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ukrainian Swimming World Champion Vladyslav Bukhov, as he shares his remarkable journey from his home and training base in war-torn Kyiv. A world Junior Champion and Tokyo Olympics semi-finalist, Vlad recently stunned the world with a close victory in the 50 free at the 2024 World Championships in Doha, cl…

Canadian World Champion Finlay Knox! 🏊‍♂️ In this episode, we unravel Finlay's incredible journey to becoming a Pan Am and World Champion in the 200 Individual Medley, all while discussing the impact of his move to Vancouver and training under Scott Talbot. Discover the secrets behind Finlay's triumphant world championship win from lane 7, where he…

We sit down with University of Virginia's elite swimmers, NCAA champions Ella Nelson and Aimee Canny. In this captivating episode, we explore the unparalleled success of the UVA women’s swimming and diving team, dissecting their strategies, training regimens, and the team dynamics that have propelled them to the top. Join us as we delve into the ex…

We sit down with American Olympic medalist, World Champion, and Double World Record Holder, Kieran Smith. Join us in this exclusive episode where we explore Kieran's rigorous training regimen, his insights on mastering the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle races, and the dynamic training environment at the University of Florida. Plus, discover Kier…

Canadian Swimming World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Brent Hayden, shares his incredible journey, from standing on the podium at the 2012 London Olympics to making a triumphant comeback after a 7-year hiatus. Hear firsthand about his remarkable achievement of becoming the oldest swimmer to break the 48-second barrier in the 100m freestyle …

We sit down with Herbie Behm, Associate Head Coach at Arizona State. Alongside Bob Bowman, Herbie plays a pivotal role in shaping the burgeoning juggernaut that is ASU Swimming. Focusing primarily on the sprinters, Herbie brings a wealth of experience, having been a sprinter himself during his time at ASU. Of course, we get into some examples of th…

Dive into the world of American swimming sensation Erin Gemmell as she sits down with Social Kick to share her inspiring journey! In this exclusive podcast, Erin, an American Record holder, takes us through her experiences with collegiate recruiting and her exciting first year at the University of Texas. Erin candidly discusses the areas she's work…

Dive into the inspiring story of Zalan Sarkany, the Hungarian distance swimmer making waves under the legendary coaching of Bob Bowman at Arizona State University! 🌊🔥 In this exclusive podcast, Zalan shares his incredible journey of transformation, from qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the 1500m freestyle to dropping remarkable times …

Join us for an exciting episode as Social Kick sits down with two powerhouses from the University of Louisville Women’s Swim Team – Gabi Albiero and Christiana Regenauer! 🏅💪 In this enlightening podcast, we explore the remarkable progress and goals of the team, offering an exclusive peek into the world of collegiate swimming. Gabi Albiero, an All-A…

Embark on a riveting journey with Coach Elliot Ptasnik and 50m Butterfly World Record Holder, Andrii Govoroz, as they dive into the intricacies of their partnership and preparation for the 2024 World Championships in Doha. Currently training in Charlotte at the Division 2 powerhouse, Queens University, Coach Elliot shares insights into the delicate…

🏊‍♂️ Welcome to our latest podcast episode featuring an exclusive interview with two rising stars from the University of Tennessee swim team - Austrian 200 butterfly specialist, Martin Espernberger, and Brazilian freestyle sprinter, Gui Santos Caribe. 🌟 As these sophomore swimmers gear up for the SECs and NCAAs, they're also navigating the exciting…

🏊‍♂️ Step into the fast-paced world of sprinting with our latest podcast episode featuring none other than the legendary Florent Manaudou. At 33 years old and gearing up for his 4th Olympic Games, this French sensation is a force to be reckoned with in the 50 freestyle. 🥇 Join us as Flo takes us on a journey through his extraordinary swimming caree…

🏊‍♀️ Dive deep into the fascinating world of competitive swimming with our latest podcast episode featuring Kelly Pash, a remarkable fifth-year senior at The University of Texas at Austin and a key member of the U.S. National Team. Kelly's journey is nothing short of inspiring as she shares her experiences, triumphs, and challenges in the pool. 🦋 J…