In this episode, host Helen Gorman and guest Alex Thurston discuss equipment for power and speed training, and the importance of it for masters swimmers. They explore various types of equipment that can help enhance performance, including fins, paddles, parachutes, and socks. Alex shares his personal experiences and achievements in swimming, which have included European Masters gold, a world record relay and an English Channel relay. He also shares insights into coaching and training techniques ...
Jun 30, 2025•45 min
The British Masters Championships saw five individual and one relay world record shattered in a display of speed and stamina at the iconic London 2012 Olympic pool. Among the standout stars were sprinters Helen Sadler and Barry Murphy, who etched their names into the record books in spectacular fashion. Helen delivered a dramatic finale to the meet, saving her fastest swim for the very last event, smashing a two-year-old world record in the 55–59 age group 50m freestyle. Meanwhile, Barry made a ...
Jun 23, 2025•47 min
From representing Great Britain as a junior to making history as the Caribbean’s first openly gay international swimmer, Michael Gunning’s journey is one of resilience, pride, and transformation. After missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, Michael turned disappointment into purpose, taking on a leading role with Pride House for the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Games. In Drowning Prevention Week, we discuss the fact that 80% of Black children in England cannot swim, a statistic that not only endangers liv...
Jun 16, 2025•40 min
Helen Gorman is joined by Sonny Trigg aka ‘The Swimsuit Guy’ to preview the British Masters Championships. Set at London’s iconic Olympic venue, this sold-out showdown promises personal bests galore, and we suggest some of the must-watch events. Sonny also brings his trademark swimwear expertise to the podcast, revealing the latest innovations in performance suits… or indeed why there is a lack of invention this year. Plus, we spotlight some standout performances from both international elite an...
Jun 09, 2025•46 min
What's in your swim bag could be the key to unlocking smoother, faster strokes. In this episodes, experienced coach and swimmer, Dan Bullock reveals his top three pieces of training equipment that every swimmer should be using to boost efficiency and refine technique. Dan doesn't just teach technique, he lives and breathes it. So much so, he teamed up with a former Formula One aerodynamicist to design his own innovative paddle. From clever kit combos to cutting-edge upgrades, Dan shares inventiv...
Jun 02, 2025•48 min
What happens when a multi world record-breaker meets the rising star who's surpassing some of her records? We sit down with backstroke star Jo Corben and 'young pretender' Kirsty Johnson to discuss their rivalry and mutual admiration. From their training regimes in and out of the pool to sharing backstroke drills, Jo and Kirsty discuss what it takes to reach the top. They both also run successful swim schools and discuss the highs and lows of teaching future generations of young swimmers. Helen ...
May 26, 2025•49 min
World Masters Record Holder Rebecca Guy isn't just keeping up with the next generation, she's rising to new heights to match them. At the recent GB Aquatics Championships in Lindon, Rebecca took on a field of elite teenage swimming stars, including a world junior record holder, and powered her way to a silver medal with a lifetime best performance. Rebecca joins Helen Gorman to share what it was like to race against rising stars of the sport, how she achieved a personal best by training for just...
May 19, 2025•54 min
How much does it really cost to chase your swimming dreams? Liz Simpson crunches the numbers on Joe Malone’s annual spend and uncovers a surprising culprit driving up his costs - a serious goggle habit! Would you pay anything for a personal best, or are rising expenses threatening to price swimmers out of the pool? As costs climb, is there a smarter way to save, or should we just count our blessings that we’re not paying for carbon bikes or golf green fees? Helen Gorman drives the debate to find...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Helen Gorman chats to Simon Griffiths, or Mr Swimming as he should really be known. As founder of Outdoor Swimming Magazine, published author, seasoned Thames River regular, and masters swimmer with Teddington SC, Simon's life is all things aquatic. In this episode, he shares his vast and entertaining knowledge of the swimming world, from practical tips to the truly unexpected, like floating sofas and feedback from nudist readers. Whether you're a lane-counter in the pool or a cold-water convert...
May 05, 2025•50 min
Sports massage therapist and City of Sheffield masters swimmer, Ken Flett and Dom Wooldridge discuss recovery with Helen Gorman. How can masters swimmers optimise recovery? Do we need to rush out and buy an ice bath, order some inflatable compression trousers and block book weekly massages? Ken also discusses his recovery from recent prostate cancer surgery, including a visit from Sheffield's relay rivals, Basingstoke Bluefins to help complete a charity fundraising challenge.
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min
As the countdown begins for entries to open for the British Masters Swimming Championships, Helen Gorman dives into conversation with Jonathan Saunders to preview what's in store at this year's premier long course showdown in London this June. With Jonathan's inside perspective from the British Masters Swimming Committee, tune in for discussion on the future of Masters swimming, including the recent split from Aquatics GB. We're al;so celebrating the achievements of Masters swimming nationwide, ...
Apr 21, 2025•48 min
After coaching Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee, Paul Eaglestone decided to put his methods to paper and write a book. Today he chats to Helen Gorman. As a former swimmer and masters swimmer himself, he brings the book to life with stories from a life spent watching some of the best swimmers and coaches in the world. Listen in to find out how you might gain some free speed in the pool and maybe order the book too - Free Speed, by Paul Eaglestone.
Apr 14, 2025•49 min
Judy Brown and Laura Kerrigan join Helen Gorman to discuss breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and successful returns to the pool. Their experiences are very different, but they share a determination and positivity that has helped them flourish after cancer. Judy shares stories about her records and incredible recent success in the 60-64 age group, and Laura explains why she's setting so many personal best times alongside helping to set up the new Crystal Palace Masters Club and managing the Surr...
Apr 07, 2025•53 min
Michelle Ware and Dominic Wooldridge join Helen Gorman for a discussion on racing disasters. This light-hearted look at past mistakes includes botched dives, malfunctioning equipment and backstroke navigation issues. These things happen to everyone - even masters world champions!
Mar 31, 2025•48 min
Award-winning coach Tony Corben and AP Race's Kevin Pickard discuss the rapid evolution of South Downs Trojan SC. In this conversation, we cover the recent visit of the AP Race team to Trojan, explore coaching philosophies, and step into the new Freestyle Media Confession Booth for some exclusive coaching insights. Plus, hear one of the toughest sets that masters world record-breaker, Jo Corben does, and get an inside look at one of Adam Peaty's gruelling sets...do you dare try them yourself? Ho...
Mar 25, 2025•51 min
Mum of four, Julie Howe, chats to Helen Gorman about pregnancy, motherhood and swimming 400 IM at the National Masters Championships just three months after giving birth to her fourth child. Hear about Julie's past as a Commonwealth Games athlete in Melbourne in 2006, her decision to step away from competitive swimming at a young age, and her passion for science. Discover what motivated Julie to resume her swimming journey as a member of Woking Swimming Club and how she balances training with he...
Mar 18, 2025•46 min
Helen Gorman meets up with Exeter-based fitness trainer Del Pitcher to explore whether CrossFit and Hyrox can enhance performance in masters swimming. They compare these to other forms of land-based workouts and discuss why swimmers often excel in the CrossFit Games and Hyrox events. Drawing from his background in military and police fitness, as well as his experience in swimming, Del explains how CrossFit could fill a gap in overall fitness and wellbeing, whilst also addressing potential drawba...
Mar 11, 2025•46 min
Coventry Masters swimmer Martyn Brunt dives into the eco-side of swimming with Helen Gorman, proving that every little choice counts - from holding onto the same kickboard for two decades to embracing the simple joy of a train ride to Sheffield. They explore sustainability, from pools warmed by data centres and landills to medals crafted by recycled electronics. Plus, could sticking with your worn-out race gear actually give you mental edge? Tune in for a fresh take on how swimmers can make wave...
Mar 04, 2025•54 min
Meet Sam Lawman, a powerhouse in the pool and a key player in East Leeds' world-record-breaking relay teams. Whether he's representing Great Britain in sport lifesaving or dominating underwater fin events, his speed and skills are exceptional. But Sam isn't just fast, he's got the brains to match it. With a Master's in Sport Science and a future in physiotherapy, he offers expert insights to help athletes get faster. Tune in as Helen Gorman uncovers top tips, training secrets, and the science be...
Feb 25, 2025•40 min
Kat Greenslade reflects on an elite career that saw her win Commonwealth and European Championship medals. Her career was building perfectly towards the 2020 Olympic Trials until Covid and a freak injury hit. Now working as a doctor, Kat explains that Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) ended her elite career but that masters swimming with Trafford Metro SC drew her back to the pool with incredible success in 2024.
Feb 18, 2025•43 min
Cate Jackson broke a British masters record exactly one year after major surgery to remove a brain tumour. She tells her story openly and eloquently. Enjoy memories from swimming at Millfield School and reaching an individual final representing Guernsey at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia. Hosted by Helen Gorman.
Feb 11, 2025•48 min
Three intrepid ice swimmers chat to Helen Gorman about their success at the Ice Swimming World Championships in Malveno, Italy. Jonathan Saunders, Wendy Figures and Lili May Mustoe prevailed in nearly freezing water, and are keen to encourage others to give it a go! If the incentive of prize money doesn't persuade you, their enthusiasm might!
Feb 04, 2025•48 min
Olympic gold medalist (and masters world record holder), Anna Hopkin, reflects on her career and, having recently retired, discusses what comes next. She talks about the intense focus she had training in the US that helped her become one of the best sprinters in the world. Helen Gorman hosts.
Jan 28, 2025•51 min
Triple Olympian, Roland Lee, reflects on his Team GB, Army and Masters Swimming Career. Roland swam at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. He reflects on unusual twists and turns that led him to Olympic selection as well as world masters records and a long career in the Army. Helen Gorman hosts.
Jan 21, 2025•49 min
This week we're joined by Amanda Heath, Martin Bennell and Bob Bolton to debate what they each believe is the toughest event in swimming - hosted by Helen Gorman.
Jan 14, 2025•46 min
Dawn Kissack is just 0.2 off the world record for 50m freestyle in the 60-64 age group. She talks us through her training and coaching philosophy as well as her backstory from growing up in Sheffield to living in Scotland.
Jan 07, 2025•52 min
It's the Christmas Special Podcast for 2024! Host Helen Gorman is joined by Olly Espinasse, Joan Edwards and Joe Malone. Thank you to everyone for listening to the podcast this year. We will be back on 7 January after a two-week Christmas break.
Dec 17, 2024•50 min
This week former Loughborough Head Coach Ian Hulme talks about his new venture, Signiture Swim Coaching, providing online personalised swim programmes to any swimmer. Ian spent 12 years coaching elite swimmers at Loughborough University, and guided a number of athletes to this year's Paris Olympics.
Dec 10, 2024•49 min
Nick Parkes has made a full recovery from a cardiac arrest at the National Masters Open Water Championships in 2023. He tells his remarkable story, including getting back to record breaking form at the National Masters Championships in Sheffield just over a year later.
Dec 03, 2024•50 min
This week, Dr Conor Osborough applies his Olympic and Paralympic biomechanics experience to masters swimmers hoping to achieve speed and longevity in the pool.
Nov 26, 2024•40 min
