Freestyle Media (Joe Malone)

In the launch episode of The Masters Swimming Podcast, host and swimmer Joe Malone is joined by swimmers Bethany Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe to talk about getting into swimming, training alone vs with a club and fitting training into a busy life.

In episode two, host Joe Malone is joined by Beth Hogg (Trafford Metro) and Owen Woodland (RTW Masters), who talk through their upcoming competitions, how they approach racing, and the social side of swimming.

To get involved, please join The Masters Swimming Podcast Facebook page to contact Joe directly.

In part one, host Joe Malone catches up with Mr Masters Swimming, Bob Bolton, to talk about the recent Cheshire Masters Sprint Meet and what the aims and objectives are of the Masters Working Group. Bob also talks about his life through swimming. In part two, Beth Hogg and Owen Woodland discuss how their respective competitions went from the weekend.

To never miss an episode, please subscribe to the show, and join The Masters Swimming Podcast Facebook page.

Ever wondered what it must be like to hold a world record? Helen Gorman knows the feeling all too well. The City of Cardiff swimmer has broken six of them this year already, and in part one, Helen talks about her training, diet and journey through swimming to make it to this point. In part two, I speak to Helen's coach, Graham Wardell, who tells us Helen can still get faster yet...

In part one, Transplant Sport Swimming Club founders Jodie Cox and Liam Barnett discuss the upcoming British Transplant Games and their hopes for competing. In part two, Joe Malone, Beth Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe talk swimming equipment.

In part one, Out To Swim Head Coach Michelle Weltman talks about inclusivity in swimming, FINA's recent decision to bar transgender women in elite competition, her coaching role at Out To Swim, the club's upcoming event, and the 30-year anniversary. In part two, Beth Hogg and Owen Woodland chat about the swimming at the Commonwealth Games and their favourite races.

Masters swimmer Helen Davis, and founder of Think Believe Perform - a sports psychology consultancy - speaks to host Joe Malone about positive thinking and how to get the best out of racing by setting realistic goals to help you achieve the times you want. 

GB Masters Working Group Chairman, Nicola Latty, joins me on part one this week, to preview the upcoming European Masters Aquatics Championships in Rome. Nicola also talks about her role as GB's representative for LEN Masters and her medal hopes in Rome. In part two, Beth Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe talk about their upcoming races in Rome, their training in then build up to the event and how they plan to kick back afterwards. 

This week, former Commonwealth Games swimmer and bronze medallist winner Chris Jones joins the podcast. Chris talks about his recent British records set at the US Masters Championships in Virginia, reflects on his Commonwealth Games experience in 2006 for Team Scotland, and talks future goals in the sport.

Strength and conditioning coach, and  intermittent masters swimmer, Nathan Oxford, talks about training outside the pool to get better in the pool. He talks through how he'd approach a client under and over the age of 50, and the different intensity levels depending on which stroke and distance you're training for. 

Simon and Kalon Veale join The Masters Swimming Podcast for episode 11. They discuss the pros of having a full family of swimmers, how they support and motivate each other, training without a coach and their involvement in Club La Santa.

On the show this week in part one is Jonathan Saunders and Jamie McHale from City of Sheffield Masters Swimming Club, talking about 'Project British Record', a goal they set their club two years ago, which they've since gone on to achieve. In part two, Kath Tunnicliffe and Beth Hogg reflect on their experiences competing in Rome at the European Masters Championships.

In this week's episode, former Olympian and now elite coach, James Gibson, talks about his experiences of coaching some of the fastest swimmers on the planet, and shares his recommendations on how to make the most out of just a few sessions a week.  

This week's episode is the start of a new mini series named, Through The Water With. I spoke to Beth Hogg about her journey through swimming as she recalls her highs and lows in the sport, including taking a number of years out due to falling out of love with the sport.

Jeroen Peters, Chair of the Masters Working Group, joins the podcast this week to discuss the changes to this year's upcoming Masters National Championships. Para-swimming events have been added, and there is a change of sponsor, among other things. Jeroen talks about the organisation that goes into such events, and talks a little bit about his many roles in swimming across the board.

I'm joined by Dr Judith Brand this week to talk about nutrition and how to plan for your race days with the right foods. Judith, based in Lanzarote, has been a masters swimmer for many years, and is a qualified nutrition coach, among other things.

If you'd like to get in contact with Judith, you can email her on drjudithbrand@gmail.com.

This week we are previewing the upcoming National Masters Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. Beth Hogg and Kath Tunnicliffe join Joe Malone to discuss what their weekends will look like - from travelling to Sheffield, to poolside action and where the evenings will take us.

After setting two British records in the 50m and 200m breaststroke for the 18/24 age category, and claiming silver in the 100m breaststroke, Imogen Clark talks about her first experience of a masters competition and what lies ahead for the rest of the season.

Beth Hogg. Jonathan Saunders, Jamie McHale and Joe Malone talk through their experiences of Ponds Forge, Sheffield after competing at the 2022 Masters National Championships.

Sonny Trigg, also known as TheSwimsuitGuy, has spent four years reviewing all the best swimsuits on his YouTube channel, and he provides us with all the knowledge we need for picking our next suit. Sonny has also coached some of the world's elite swimmers.

Beth Hogg, John Wood and Joe Malone discuss the elements to consider when planning a training block.

Former Australian Olympian and Australian record holder in the 50m freestyle Brett Hawke, says a shift in his mindset took him to the top, and that his coaching career began earlier than expected.

Beth Hogg, Kath Tunnicliffe and Kalon Veale join Joe Malone to round-up their recent successes in competitions and discuss what swimming-related gifts are on their Christmas wish lists. Helen Gorman also joins partway through to talk about being named Swim Wales' Aquatic Athlete of the Year.

In the latest episode of Through The Water With, former Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Dean Milwain, says everything 'clicked into place' when he turned 11. However, by the age of 21, after winning gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he retired due to falling out of love with the sport. It took more than a decade for Dean to get the itch back for swimming, and one day during lockdown in 2020, he decided he would return to the pool as a masters swimmer. Dean now has hopes of claiming British masters records.

In the final episode of 2022, Beth Hogg, Jamie McHale, Jonathan Saunders and host Joe Malone answer the questions you submitted on The Masters Swimming Podcast Facebook group. Find out who prefers Freddo's and who prefers Haribo's; what the toughest-ever set our panel have trained; what they think to Nick Santos winning the World Championships aged 42 and more. The Masters Swimming Podcast will be back with weekly episodes from 10 January, after a two-week break. See you soon.

A new year means opportunity to set yourself new goals in and out of the water. Beth Hogg, Kath Tunnicliffe, John Wood and Joe Malone discuss the process of setting goals and share some of their own goals for 2023.

Having swam for many years, James Simpson of Trafford Metro has always enjoyed training and competing, without it ever getting serious. However, at the age of 27, James finds himself in a position where some major PBs have somewhat unexpectedly put him in a position where he is on the brink of big things. 2023 could be the year he goes a step further than masters competitions, and he reveals his own surprise at his situation in this episode.

On this week's episode, coach of the Northampton Swimming Club masters squad, Matt Richmond - who is based out in the US studying for a physical therapy degree - talks about the perks and challenges of coaching remotely, why he chose to coach a masters squad and where he feels masters swimming sits in the eyes of the wider swimming world.

Strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Oxford is back to discuss how you can get stronger using just your bodyweight to reap the rewards in the water. He also shares his RAMP method for getting your body and mind firing on race day.

A natural born swimmer, Julie Hoyle has been in and out of swimming for many years. But, when she turned 50, began to find consistency with the sport. Consistency then led to British records, European records and even a world record. Now retired from work and 60, Julie is enjoying her most consistent training period ever, and says she 'feels at home in the water'.

Having covered Olympic and and Paralympic Games for the BBC since 2008, broadcaster - and masters swimmer - Nick Hope tells his own story of his time in the sport. Nick discusses the best race he's ever witnessed, who he believes is the GOAT, and who the best interviewee is.

This week, Director of Swimming at Loughborough University, Andi Manley, talks about the progression through his coaching career, which now sees him harbour hopes of many of his athletes competing at next year's Olympic Games in Paris, France. Andi also still holds a number of masters British records, and continues to swim and compete on the masters stage.

After competing in the 800 freestyle, 200 and 400 IM, Keri-anne Payne tried her hand at a 10km open water swim, and went on to become an Olympic silver medallist in the event. While she never 'fell in love' with the 10km race, she certainly loved the open water environment, which has since seen her create two start-up businesses that revolve around open water swimming. In this chat, Keri-anne talks about the highs and lows of elite-level competition and why she's learning to love cold water.

In this episode, host Beth Hogg is joined by Catherine Munro, Rebecca Lennon and Elisabeth Ogbonmwan - all of whom have a medical professional background and are swimmers - to talk about two key elements in women's health that affect female swimmers when training and racing, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

This is the first in a small series of episodes covering women's health. Thank you for your support.

A serial record holder, Teddington Swimming Club's Gina Heyn has a connection with the water that is hard to match. A swimming teacher by day, Gina appreciates the skill of swimming and considers it an art. She's a sprinter herself, and thrives on beautiful technique in order to feel fast. With one more year left in the 35-39 age category, can Gina achieve a world record she craves?

Triathlon coach and masters swimmer John Wood talks through an array of sports and how they can all aid your swimming performance, both aerobically and anaerobically. Often swimming relies on club sessions or quiet lane swimming public sessions in order to get a good quality workout, but the times may not align with your availability. So, can getting out for a quick run or cycle be a good replacement for a swim, and how about 'game' sports such as tennis, badminton, football etc. Find out more in the episode.

He's competed a two Olympic Games in the modern pentathlon. He's won European and World Championship medals. He's helped many celebrities complete epic challenges for Comic Relief. He's a published author and sports scientist. And, he's a masters swimmer. Professor Greg Whyte joins us to talk about the physical and mental challenges he faced throughout his career, and how he's helped others overcome similar challenges too. 

In the second part of our women's health series, we focus on the menopause and how it can affect performance in the pool. Hear about the experiences of Jo Corben, Julie Hoyle, Catherine Munro and Kath Tunnicliffe, hosted by Beth Hogg.

In this episode we hear from co-founder of TheMagic5 — and former Team Denmark swimmer — Niklas Hedegaard, on his company's exciting journey that started in 2017 and now sells custom-fit goggles globally to over 150,000 people. Niklas explains why the company is called TheMagic5 and why he believes it's the only product on the market that can offer its unique customisation. 

From next week, The Masters Swimming Podcast will be part of a rebrand that'll see Freestyle Media launch. Listen to this two-minute episode for more details. 

A stand-out age group swimmer in Scotland, Rob Robson was very outcome driven. After a disappointing period around the age of 16 - due to a 'negative mindset' - he quit the sport altogether. Rob then worked long hours in his 20s and took part in no sport at all. Wanting to return to better health in his 30s, he began swimming again and now takes a different approach to the sport, finding joy from racing no matter what the outcome.

In partnership with TheMagic5, get 15% off a pair of goggles by using this link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited 

After setting up his own one-to-one coaching business and running his first clinic, Ed Baxter, a former swimmer under the tutelage of coach Mel Marshall, knew there was more to give. He spoke to his friend and training partner, Adam Peaty, about creating AP Race. Ed is the Managing Director, and the company has since gone on to offer clinics, competitions, tailored coaching, merchandise and more. Listen to Ed's story about AP Race, the upcoming International Meet, and the future plans of the business.

After competing as a skier and snowboarder for the Turkish national team, Mine Kasapoğlu turned her hand to photography and has covered Olympic Games for the last 20 years. Mine's main snaps are for swimming, skiing and snowboarding, and she's got to know some of the greatest swimmers on a personal level.

Fresh from being named the 2022 masters male decathlon winner, Mike Hodgson reflects on a brilliant year which saw him attain multiple records. Mike uses local competitions to try out different things, and schedules his training year-round so he is in the best possible shape for the big competitions (British masters, National Championships, Europeans and so on).  

Get 15% off a pair of goggles with TheMagic5 using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited 

This week, swimmers Jodie Cox and Dave Fisher join us on the podcast to talk about their experiences of competing at the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia. Both team captains, Jodie came away with six gold medals (all new world records) and Dave an experience of being the men's team captain for the first time. Listen to their stories here.

Get 15% off a pair of goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

This week on Freestyle Media, swimmers Helen Gorman, Dan Mills and Katie Moore, along with Trafford Metro coach Bob Bolton, take part in a discussion on training volume. Is there a perfect amount and, if so, what is it? 

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the affiliate link www.theagic5.com/freestylemedialimited 

This week we're discussing the upcoming British Masters Championships, taking place at Ponds Forge, Sheffield. Helen Gorman and Beth Hogg take part in the first part of the conversation, and Dean Milwain joins for part two to discuss why he's had to pull out of the meet, and how he is overcoming that.

After competing at three Olympic and Commonwealth Games, along with various World and European Championships over an 11-year professional career, Fran Halsall talks us through her journey with swimming - where it all began at at eight, and how it ended in 2017, six months after the Rio Olympics. 

Fran still holds five British records, including the 50 free and fly long course.

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City of Sheffield Masters Swimming Club came second as an overall club at the recent British Masters Championships, and the club has come a long way in the last two years. Coach Abbie Whiting took over the reigns in 2021 and the club has gone from strength to strength ever since. Find out what goes into a coaching role, both on pool deck and beyond.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

East Leeds swimmer James Barwick has his sights set on achieving masters PBs when he heads to Tampere, Finland for the European Masters Games in a few weeks' time, which could also result in a medal or two. Find out more about James's training structure and preparation so far this year.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 using the discount code: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

At 67, Alyson Fordham still swims a 50 freestyle in 30.5 seconds. It is, of course, a European and British record. A former Commonwealth Games medallist, Alyson talks us through her recent spree of records, how she holds on to her speed and her tips of recovery and wellness through life.

Purchase a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 and get 15% off by using the code www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited 

Double medal-winning Olympian Luke Greenbank talks about his recent experience of taking two months off from swimming. In that time, he reconnected with himself, having become so 'hyper-focused on swimming' that he 'couldn't see the world around him'. Now back in the pool, he feels a fresh sense of perspective and is eager to return to his best, a year ahead of the the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Sonny Trigg, AKA TheSwimsuitGuy, has a wealth of experience in swimming, and is now offering tailor-made programmes for swimmers who may train alone, or clubs who don't have a coach. Sonny has coached some of the fastest swimmers on the planet and knows what it takes to increase speed.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Elizabeth Godfrey, Sarah Hunt, Alex O’Kelly and Fleur Turner recorded a new world’s best time of 9:17.25 in the women's 160+ 4x200m freestyle relay at the British Masters Championships in June. They talk about collective spirit, adopting a no pressure environment and celebrating in style.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Oxford, joins the podcast this week to answer your questions about land training. From improving reaction times, to open water warm-ups, and improving core strength at home, Nathan has you covered. 

Get 15% off a pair of TheMagic5 goggles by using the affiliate link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Following the release of information for this year Masters National Championships, including the schedule and qualifying times, I speak to Jonathan Saunders from The Masters Working Group, which leads on putting these events together. 

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using our affiliate link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Ahead of the World Masters Championships kicking off, we speak to Rebecca Lennon, Kiyoko Naish and Kath Tunnicliffe who are all heading out to Fukuoka, Japan to compete on the world stage. Find out what events they're racing, what their hopes and expectations are, and what they plan to do in their downtime. 

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After making her first Great Britain Junior team 10 years ago, Amber Keegan has seen it all. Mental ill health, injuries and a serious car crash are amongst the struggles she has faced, but her resilience has grown throughout. Ten years on Amber finally made her first Great Britain Senior team, at this year's World Championships, competing in the 5 and 10km open water races. After a solid performance in the 10km, Amber now has her sights set on Paris for next year's Olympic Games. And, most importantly, is in a good and happy place. 

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After a stellar career that saw Hannah Miley compete at three Olympic Games, and claim titles on the World, European and Commonwealth stage, retirement brought about a whole new challenge. A loss of confidence and routine meant Hannah had to navigate her way through the transition out of competitive sports, to where she finds herself now. An MBE, business ventures and commentating on the sport she loves, Hannah is now shining in every aspect of life. 

Listen to Hannah's story on retirement from swimming and how she hopes to help others who will inevitably share similar experiences when they leave swimming.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

There seems to be more masters competitions available to us than ever, but how many races and events per year is the right amount? Should we take a break over the summer and will it really affect our performance? And are we training in the best possible way to get results on race day? All this, with Beth Hogg.

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A year on from his second retirement from swimming, two-time Olympian Ross Murdoch has launched his own coaching programme, aimed at helping others to develop an athletes mindset. Murdoch Coaching will will help form healthy daily habits and put structures in place that make it easy to think, feel and perform like an athlete. In this conversation, Ross talks about his own mindset and how it helped him reach the top, and how he now wants to help others achieve their goals.

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This week swimmer and triathlon coach, John Wood, joins in the conversation around different methods of training and hi preferences. We also discuss when to use equipment - when to add resistance and when to use overspeed. 

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the code www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

On Saturday 23 September, Derby Excel Masters Swimming Club is hosting its first ever Masters Development Day at Alfreton Leisure Centre in Derbyshire. The day will consist of two swim sessions, talks by a qualified physiotherapist and psychologist, as well as a guest appearance from a current Great Britain swimmer. Jamie Brown, the head coach for the masters squad at Derby Excel, joins the podcast to talk more about it.

There's still space to take part. Visit this link to find out more: https://uk.gomotionapp.com//team/derbyexcel/page/news/4283/masters-development-day---saturday-23rd-september-2023 

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the affiliate link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

In today's episode, we discuss the power of swimming for the mind, but how it can also tip the other way and add stress to our lives. Jo Beardsworth, James Barwick, Beth Hogg and James Simpson all share their own experiences of how swimming has benefited and hindered their mental health.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the following link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Former GB artistic swimmer Sammy Wilson works as a movement and mobility coach and understands the daily aches and pains we experience as we age. Lifestyles such as desk-bound jobs don't help, but Sammy helps athletes incorporate small, daily habits into their lives to rid themselves of chronic pains. In this episode, Sammy explores some of the simple changes you can make to improve your mobility. 

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited.com  

Cockermouth Swimming Club Head Coach, Sean Balmer, joins the podcast this week as we discuss what makes a great swimmer, from a technical, mental and ambassadorial point of view. Sean is a longstanding volunteer in the swimming community and has overseen the development of hundreds of swimmers, including Great Britain's Luke Greenbank. 

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Get a personalised strength and conditioning programme from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com

AP Race Innovation Director Kevin Pickard joins the podcast this week to discuss the upcoming AP Race Masters Grand Prix, which takes place over the final weekend of November at Moorways, Derby. Kevin also shares the wider plans AP Race has for the masters community.

To event the AP Race Grand Prix, click here: https://events.aprace.club/events/ap-race-masters-2023/?fbclid=IwAR0WZGjGNvFdK6PNpQP8EPtj3IeJh5earcwFtfmiGGP9XXT8KhAxhXGp3ZY

To join the AP Race Masters mailing list, click here: https://events.aprace.club/masters/mailing-list/?fbclid=IwAR0CS8tM9wgvcMiaKOwnW0cznf9y5VKIM8_GAZSJ7aSciDnMhVn8wLsMNxI

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using this link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Check out Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com

It's now just 10 days before the Swim England Masters National Championships begin, so it's time to start planning what'll be in your lunchbox over the weekend. In this episode, nutrition coach Dr Judith Brand discusses what types of food to each at which parts of the day, and what to avoid.

A swimmer herself in Lanzarote, Judith has competed at the English nationals on many occasions in the past and understands the complexities of planning your nutrition over a three-day period while stuck in a hotel room with no ability to cook and prepare your own meals. Here, Judith gives her best practice advice on how to fuel properly for the weekend ahead.

You can contact Judith for nutrition advice by emailing her at drjudithbrand@gmail.com

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using this link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Visit www.oxolt.com for a strength and conditioning programme from Nathan Oxford.

After recently being awarded life membership to Trafford Metro, Helen Sadler took some time to reflect on her life in swimming, beginning as a primary school student when she joined Sale Swimming Club, which would later be renamed Trafford Metro. 

Listen to Helen's wonderful stories from her life in swimming, and how she's always finding ways to peak her enthusiasm for the sport.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using this link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Check out Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com

For all your pre-Nationals excitement, join me (Joe Malone), Beth Hogg, Kath Tunnicliffe and Kalon Veale as we discuss the weekend ahead and all the things we expect and hope to see across the three days at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedia/limited

Visit www.oxolt.com to get a personalised strength and conditioning programme for greater gains in and out of the water. 

In this episode, City of Sheffield's Jonathan Saunders - who is part of the Masters Working Group - talks about feedback he's had from swimmers so far after nationals, and looks ahead of future developments in the sport now he is the Swim England representative for the home countries working group. Jonathan also reflects on his recovery from injury that meant he could compete in Sheffield.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Get a personalised strength and conditioning programme with Oxolt Strength and Conditioning, at www.oxolt.com

This week, James Barwick, Eleanor Grimes and Kath Tunnicliffe join the podcast to discuss all things technology in swimming. They talk through the technology they and their clubs currently use, and what technology, in a world with no limits, they would love to add to their regime.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Get a personalised strength and conditioning programme with Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com

This week, Helen Gorman and Kevin Pickard join the podcast to imagine what the future of our sport could look like. New training methods, club structures, new races and enhanced PR for the professionals, were all discussed.

You can enjoy up to 50% off until the end of November on TheMagic5 products thanks to a Black Friday sale. Use the link www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Get a personalised swim-specific strength and conditioning programme from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com

This week, Clive Marquis of Cardinal Performance Swimming talks about his expanding business which aims to offer swimmers a full suite of services from swim and gym programmes,  nutrition and sports psychology. Clive believes masters swimmers, and those who leave university and are looking to further their swimming career, could benefit from this remote service, and promises good results.

Cardinal Performance Swimming website: https://www.cardinalperformanceswimming.com/
Cardinal Performance Swimming Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cardinal_ps/
Cardinal Performance Swimming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cardinalperformanceswimming

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Check out Oxolt Strength and Conditioning for a tailored gym programme at www.oxolt.com

In part two, David Westcough, Jamie McHale (first half) and John Wood (second half) join in the conversation on technology - it's worth and its overhype. Are you a fan of technology?

Get 15% off goggles and more products from TheMagic5 by using the link www.themagic5.com/freestylemedia

Get a tailored strength and conditioning programme from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning. Head to www.oxolt.com for more

In part one... 
Oxolt Strength and Conditioning is launching a new at-home bodyweight training programme in the new year, and founder Nathan Oxford discusses the fundamentals of the programme - what swimmers can expect and how it will be periodised to prime them for the major competitions.

In part two...
Swim England's Coach of the Year, Bob Bolton, joins to talk about his surprise at receiving the award, and discusses Trafford Metro's inaugural masters open meet in May next year.

Get 15% off a pair of custom-fit goggles from TheMagic5 by using the link www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

On our Christmas Special Podcast, we're joined by Rebecca Lennon, Eleanor Grimes and Jonathan Saunders. We talk about a mixture of things such as swimming-related Christmas activity, reflect on our favourite swimming events this year, and decide what our favourite Christmas songs, films and traditions are. It's a lot of fun!

Rebecca is raising money for The Aplastic Anaemia Trust by taking ice baths everyday in December. Do support her, if you can, using this link: https://www.theaat.org.uk/Fundraisers/katie-and-beckys-dip-a-day-december?fbclid=IwAR0eFcuSb0wpJcqbQN10-V0vPyY0zyaV-ls4ehbz2n4JeHz2t0RMRz8FtA4 

Get 15% off purchases at TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Check out Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com

It's a new year, which means we're all thinking of ways that we can improve in the water in 2024. But time is of the essence, and many of us are already working at capacity. So, what can we do to improve on the sessions we already commit to, be that in the pool, gym or elsewhere? And how can we level up the other elements of our lives - such as diet and recovery - to get those marginal gains? Coach and swimmer, John Wood, joins to discuss. 

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Check out the new at-home bodyweight strength training programme from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning at www.oxolt.com

Sports Psychologist Helen Davis joins this week to talk about the different layers of goal setting and how setting them well can manifest into a healthy mindset when getting ready to race. On the flipside, poor goal setting - or no goal setting - can lead to insecurities and feeling unsure when getting ready to race.

Get 15% off equipment from TheMagic5 by using the link: www.themagic5.com/freestylemedialimited

Get personalised training programmes from Oxolt Strength and Conditioning by visiting www.oxolt.com

This week, coach Abbie Whiting and masters swimmer Ken Flett, join the podcast to discuss how many competitions and races per year they believe is the best amount.

How many competitions per year should be our 'target meets'? How many races per day is too many? Should we do sacrificial events? How many practice competitions and races should we do leading up to a target meet?

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Martin Bennell, of Basingstoke Bluefins, might be mid-40s, but boy is he getting quicker and quicker every year. With a number of lifetime bests last year, he is on the cusp of a British record in the 50m breaststroke and is the current European holder of the event in the 45-49 age category.

Martin talks about his journey in swimming - how he's never taken it too seriously but loves the buzz of racing, and a new approach to training is helping him continue to get PBs. This is Through The Water With Martin Bennell.

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This week, Kevin Pickard joins the podcast to discuss AP Race's recent Masters Grand Prix at Moorways, Derby, as well as the up and coming one at Sunderland Aquatics Centre in March. AP Race is taking a really interesting approach to competitions and is keen to see the standards raised across the board in the sport.

Check out the recent competition in November last year with this behind the scenes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYkEl_VAeu4

There's still time to sign up for the competition next month. You can enter here: https://events.aprace.club/events/masters-gp-lc-2024/

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in 2004, Nigel Kube founded SwimTherapy, a technical analysis centre filming swimmers from all angles to help improve swimmers move through the water with more efficiency. 

Nigel was the original head coach, but that mantra has since been passed on to Jay Wilson, who has held the position for seven years. 

SwimTherapy, based in Leicester, UK, works with all swimmers, from age groupers, to masters, triathletes, and those looking to start from scratch.

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As our masters athletes prepare to head out to Doha, Qatar, I'm joined by Amanda Heath, Olly Espinasse and Esther Iseppi before they pack their bags and fly out for competition. 

We preview the Worlds, find out what they're swimming, what their hopes for the competition are, and if they have any plans to be tourists whilst out in Qatar.

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This week we go through the water with British record holder in the 200m freestyle (short course) in the 35-39 age category, James Wardle. 

James grew up in a swimming family and began with the club his dad had a long affiliation with spanning upwards of 40 years. James says he wasn't always the best in training as a teenager, but knew he had ability, and went on to swim with the Loughborough University team when he studied a Politics degree there. 

Now late 30s, swimming has become about more than racing and PBs - it's a routine and a lifestyle that keeps him feeling healthy in the body and the mind (though he still enjoys the odd PB... don't we all!). This is Through The Water With James Wardle.

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Ben Shaw has two passions: swimming and fashion. In 2022, he decided to merge the two and create his own brand, named Last Is Fast (LIF). 18 months on, he now sells a range of products including swimming caps, t-shirts, hoodies and more, through his website and at pop-up shops at swimming competitions. 

Ben talks about how he came to setting up his brand, how it's been going and where he plans to take it in the future. 

You can check out the website at www.lastisfast.co.uk

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This week, Beth Hogg joins to talk about how we can make the pathway to masters swimming a more attractive proposition to age group, senior and university swimmers. Such a small percentage of swimmers 'make it', but the rest can still experience the best years of their swimming lives at masters level - breaking PBs, setting records and winning medals. 

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This week I speak once more to John Wood, who recently competed at a licensed meet and made the qualifying time for the 100m butterfly for Olympic Trials in April this year.

The Trials will be held at the London Aquatics Centre and John - who is 37 and last qualified for an Olympic Trials 20 years ago - hopes to enjoy the experience and take on a no-pressure mentality. 

John discusses how he's got faster over the years and how his training is simple but on point. 

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Recently crowned a double World Masters Champion for the 400 and 800 freestyle in Doha, Dan Mills recalls his swimming journey that saw him become age group champion as a teenager and go on to compete at the Youth Olympics. After a year of full-time training as an 18 year old, Dan decided to head to university and study medicine, and has since competed on the masters stage, to quite an outstanding level. This is Through The Water With Dan Mills. 

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After British Swimming announced its rebrand to Aquatics GB last week, Sports Reporter Nick Hope jumped on the podcast to discuss what this means for our sport and the advantages it could give the whole aquatics umbrella, including masters swimming. We also discuss Olympic Trials and, well, Easter eggs...

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Amanda Heath competes in the 65-69 age category and is a serial medal winner and world champion. Records are a source of motivation for Amanda which keeps the fire burning bright for her. She considers swimming competitions a chance to compete but also spend time with her 'swimming family'. 

This is Through The Water With Amanda Heath.

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This year Andy Jameson celebrates his 36th year in the commentary box, following a successful swimming career of his own that saw him win medals on the Olympic, Commonwealth, world and European stage. 

Andy is the voice you hear when tuning into the swimming on the BBC, over many years including all the major competitions. Reflecting on his time as a commentator, and the recent Aquatics GB Swimming Championships, Andy discusses some of his most memorable moments behind the mic.

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Here we go, then! Everything you need in the build up to the British Masters Championships, taking place in Swansea, Wales across three days. Host Joe Malone is joined by Jonathan Saunders, Jamie McHale and David Westcough to discuss the swimming, the travelling and the downtime across the weekend.

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This week on Freestyle Media, swimmers Helen Gorman, Dan Mills and Katie Moore, along with Trafford Metro coach Bob Bolton, take part in a discussion on training volume. Is there a perfect amount and, if so, what is it? 

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Do you have to get on the blocks on a certain side? Do you have to eat a certain meal the day before? Or do you have to go to the toilet in the same cubicle each time (cough cough, Julie)? 

In this episode, Helen Sadler, Julie Hoyle and Helen Gorman discuss their race day superstitions and other crazy behaviours they know other swimmers have.

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This week, Chris Malpass of Trafford Metro joins to discuss what went into organising Trafford's first-ever masters meet - from creating a working group months in advance, to defining the schedule of events, and choosing the music to play on the day.

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Masters swimmer John Griffin is on course to complete his challenge in 2024 of swimming a million metres, while aiming to raise £1 million in the process for the Cornish Air Ambulance. 

John is 70-years-of-age and has never swam this distance over a period of a year before, but wanted to set himself a lofty challenge in retirement. He lives in Cornwall and the Air Ambulance is close to his heart. Listen to John's approach, training regime and fundraising feats in this engaging chat.

If you would like to donate to John's JustGiving page, click here: https://justgiving.com/page/john-griffin-1710870062969

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Former Great Britain Olympian and silver medallist, Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, joins the podcast this week to talk about coaching actress Daisy Ridley who stars as Trudy Ederle in Disney's Young Woman and the Sea, set to be released on 31 May 2024.

Siobhan-Marie discusses how she landed the job, what Daisy's starting base was, and the programme she undertook to help turn Daisy into a top-class swimmer. Trudy Ederle was, of course, the first women to swim the English Channel, and the film is based on those events that saw her make history in the open water.

Thank you to Siobhan-Marie and Disney for making this conversation happen.

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This week, masters swimmer and triathlon coach John Wood joins the podcast once more to discuss when to accelerate and decelerate your training, and what to do when life gets busy but you don't want to let go of your hard work. 

From perfect training conditions, to only getting one small swim in per week, and everything in between, we've got you covered in this conversation.

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This week we're joined by Jonathan Saunders, masters swimmer and member of the Masters Working Group, to discuss what we know so far about the Swim England Masters Nationals Championships, following the release of the schedule for the weekend.