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Freestyle Media
Published by Joe Malone
- News
- Sports News
- Sports
- Swimming
Weekly podcasts, all for the sport we love.
Listen on Apple PodcastsPublished by Joe Malone
Weekly podcasts, all for the sport we love.
Listen on Apple PodcastsCraig Ward and Vicki Payne join Helen Gorman to preview the pool swimming events at the European Masters Championships in Slovakia. From race goals to relays, travel and the excitement of competing against Europe’s best, they share how they’re preparing to race outdoors at the stunning X-Bionic Sphere in Šamorín. Along the way, they discuss what first-time international competitors can expect, the unique atmosphere of Masters racing abroad, and whether the local food and Slovak beer will be part of the recovery plan! Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Paul Leonard shares the extraordinary story of becoming only the 44th person ever to complete the Oceans Seven challenge. From surviving a shark bite during his Molokai Channel attempt to returning a year later to finish the swim, Paul reveals the resilience, preparation and mental strength required to conquer the world’s toughest marathon swims. He also shares his training strategies, the highs and lows of the journey, and what it takes to succeed in one of endurance sport’s greatest challenges. Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Woking Swimming Club’s Henry Goodlud joins the podcast to share his experience of developing Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), a potentially serious condition that forced him out of the water just weeks before the British Masters Championships in Aberdeen. Henry explains what SIPE is, how it developed during a 24-hour relay challenge, the symptoms swimmers shouldn’t ignore, and what can be done to reduce the risks. We also dive into the science behind Woking’s remarkable relay success, as Henry reveals the mathematical selection model that helped the club break two masters world relay records in Aberdeen. And in a surprise twist, Henry turns interviewer, putting podcast host Helen Gorman in the hot seat with a few unexpected questions of his own. Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Adam Wilkie is taking on one of the boldest challenges in swimming. Nearly 50 years after his father, Olympic champion David Wilkie, won gold and set a world record in the 200m breaststroke at the 1976 Olympics, Adam is attempting to match that iconic winning time of 2:15.11. The odds are against him. Adam walked away from competitive swimming at just 17 and is now rebuilding from scratch at the age of 33. He’s even left his job to commit fully to the challenge, while aiming to raise £215,000 for SportsAid to help the next generation of athletes. In this episode, Adam shares what it was like growing up as the son of one of Britain’s greatest swimmers, why he quit the sport as a teenager, and what inspired him to return years later to chase an extraordinary goal. We also discuss his training at Chelsea and Westminster Swimming Club, his plans to race at Masters events before next April’s British Championships in London, and what it’s like preparing in the same high-performance environment as Olympic champion Adam Peaty. It’s a conversation about legacy, sacrifice, family, and proving that it’s never too late to chase an impossible dream. If you’d like to support Adam’s fundraising for SportsAid, please consider donating via his JustGiving page and learn more about the project via his website, In My Father’s Lane. https://justgiving.com/page/in-my-fathers-lane https://inmyfatherslane.com
Masters swimmer Nicola (Nicci) Beynon shares her journey of balancing sport, career and family life while living with multiple sclerosis. Nicci talks about resilience, adapting to challenges and the role swimming continues to play in her health, wellbeing and happiness. She explains why saying “yes” to seemingly crazy challenges is so important to her mental health and how she hopes her experiences encourage others to be open minded the limits they may place on themselves. We also dive into the lighter side of the sport, discussing the wonderfully chaotic world of swim parents, managing pre-race nerves, and Nicci’s memories of training seven times a week at Cardiff’s old Empire Pool, complete with its scurrying beetles. Honest, funny and uplifting, this is a conversation about finding joy in sport, embracing challenges and continuing to move forward, whatever life throws your way. Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for video content.
World records, epic performances, travel tails and pornstar martinis… Olly Espinasse (Basingstoke Bluefins) and Molly James (Trafford Metro) join Helen Gorman to break down the biggest moments from the 2026 British Masters Championships in Aberdeen. From outstanding swims to unforgettable stories on and off poolside, this championship recap captures everything that made Aberdeen 2026 one to remember. Whether you were there or not, there’s plenty to enjoy. Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
We’re joined by respected swimming journalist Liz Byrnes, who has spent more than two decades at the heart of the sport covering Olympic Games, World Championships and some of swimming’s biggest moments. From the super-suit era and Duncan Scott’s stand against Sun Yang to athlete mental health, the rise of swimming longevity and the changing nature of elite competition, Liz shares her perspective on how the sport has evolved - and where it’s heading next. Having travelled the world covering swimming for national and international media, Liz also discusses the pressure of championship reporting, the shift from print to digital media, and what makes a swimming story break through to the mainstream. We dive into masters swimming, discussing how clubs and athletes can attract media coverage, why participation sport matters, and the inspiring stories that deserve a bigger audience. Packed with insight, behind-the-scenes stories, humour and predictions for the future of swimming, this is insightful for swimmers, coaches and fans of the sport alike. Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
Join Charlie Harris and Helen Gorman for a preview of the 2026 British Masters Championships in Aberdeen. As the host of Scottish Swimming’s Aqua Pod and a member of their media and marketing team, Charlie brings a unique insider perspective on the championships, the venue and the Scottish masters swimming scene. From athletes and stories to watch, to practical tips for navigating the weekend, Charlie shares his knowledge from attending numerous national events in Aberdeen. Find out which swimmers could make headlines, what to expect from the competition, and how to make the most of your trip. Plus, the all-important questions: where can you find Aberdeen’s best coffee, the ultimate haggis sandwich, and the perfect pre or post race pizza? Whether you’re racing, supporting, volunteering or following from afar, this episode has everything you need to get ready for British Masters 2026. Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.
In this episode, super sprinter and sports scientist Sam Lawman lays out exactly how to nail the final 30 minutes before you step onto the blocks. From smart priming techniques to mental cues and race-ready routines, Sam shares practical, science-backed strategies to help swimmers feel sharp, focused, and ready to fire when it matters most. Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for video content (priming video available soon!) If you’d like to try bicarb, visit https://www.flycarb.com and use the code FREESTYLE10 (limited to the first 50 customers only).
Back from a week training with Trojan SC in the Lanzarote sunshine, masters world record holders Helen Gorman and Jo Corben discuss everything from tough morning sets to celebrity selfies, sightseeing and cheese. The pair discuss why Lanzarote has become the unofficial spring gathering point for masters swimmers, the atmosphere of training alongside international squads, and whether there were any swimmers left in the UK - apart from Kirsty Johnson, who stayed home and broke a world record. They also chat about planning the camp on a budget, structuring training for maximum benefit, balancing hard work with recovery, and why using annual leave for a swim camp can be one of the best investments you make in your swimming. Along the way there are highlights, lowlights, funny moments, favourite sets, tired legs and plenty of honest reflections on what they both took away from the week - physically, mentally and socially. Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for Lanzarote video clips that will make you jealous you weren’t there too (maybe)…
Nicola Charlesworth shares her remarkable journey as a deaf swimmer, her return to the pool after a 17-year break, and the record-breaking performances that have made her a name to look out for in masters swimming. Her path back to success has been anything but straightforward - from representing Great Britain as an elite junior swimmer with Olympic ambitions, to navigating progressive hearing loss and recovering after being hit by a bus. Nicola shares the unexpected challenges she faces as a deaf athlete, balancing training with a demanding career and young family, and the powerful role swimming plays in her mental wellbeing. We also explore what drives her to keep pushing boundaries in the pool. Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for lots of great video clips from our weekly podcasts.
Trafford Metro’s Chris Malpass chats about life in the early stages of recovery from knee surgery. Confined to the sofa rather than the pool, he shares the realities of rehab, adapting training, and the mental resilience needed to stay motivated when everything stops. Helen Gorman digs into the bigger picture; what it really means for masters swimmers to keep pushing limits in their 40s and beyond and uncovers that this is far from Chris’s first setback. Listen in for honest reflections and a few philosophical detours covering snooker, camper vans and crocodiles. Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for lots of great video clips from our weekly podcasts.
Join Olympic medallist and coach Brian Brinkley for a trip back to one of the most turbulent eras in sport. From the shadow of the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics to the podium highs of 1976 Summer Olympics, Brian shares what it was like inside the Olympic Village when history and controversy unfolded. We dive into the rise of East German dominance, the realities behind doping, and what it meant to race in the era of David Wilkie, when British swimming was making waves on the world stage. Expect opinions, storytelling, a surprising gesture from Bernard Matthews, and a love for the sport that still burns strong. This is swimming history as you’ve never heard it before.
Helen Gorman catches up with masters swimmer John Wood following his standout performances at the Aquatics GB Championships in London, where racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the country’s elite pushed him to a lifetime best in the 100m butterfly at age 40. We also shine a light on other masters swimmers racing at the very top level, including Rebecca Guy, who powered her way into two finals, and Martin Bennell, who made history as the oldest ever competitor at the championships at 49. From warming up alongside Olympic champions to navigating the intensity of a high-performance environment, John gives an insight into the week - what he learned, and why more masters swimmers should consider stepping onto this stage. Plus, we explore how to qualify, the pathway to the Olympic Games trials in 2028, and John reveals his unusual side hustle.
Mike Peyrebrune, coach and sports scientist at Loughborough University, joins us to share expert insight into altitude training and warm weather camps. Drawing on his experience working with Olympic swimmers, Mike explains how elite athletes use these environments to fine-tune performance - and what that really looks like in practice. We explore the science behind altitude training, from the physiological adaptations to the realities of living and training in a low-oxygen environment. What benefits are swimmers actually chasing? How are altitude camps structured across a season? And where do the marginal gains really come from? Crucially, we bring the conversation back to club and masters swimmers. Is altitude training realistic, or even worthwhile outside the elite system? We discuss the trade-offs, the limitations, and the alternatives, including heat training and warm weather camps.
We sit down with 2025 British Masters Decathlon champions Michelle Ware and Mike Hodgson to unpack one of swimming’s most intriguing competitions. They break down what the Decathlon actually is, how it works, and how any masters swimmer can get involved - whether you’re chasing points or just looking for a new challenge. We also dive into how it can keep you motivated across the season and push you beyond your usual comfort zone. Along the way, we tackle the mysterious age-adjustment formula (yes, we try to make sense of it…) and explore why Jane Asher continues to set the standard as one of the toughest competitors to beat. The best part? You’re probably already in it. Every British masters swimmer is automatically included - so this might just be the nudge you need to broaden your events and give it a go.
We discuss the radical training behind the fastest man in the world. Sonny Trigg shares what he learned from spending time in Brisbane with Cameron McEvoy. Fresh from witnessing the build-up to McEvoy’s world record-breaking 50m freestyle (20.88), Sonny gives a unique behind-the-scenes look at a programme that’s turning traditional swim training on its head. We explore the relentless focus on marginal gains, the team and environment that support it, and the mindset shift that allowed McEvoy to completely reinvent how he trains - with remarkable results. We also look what other swimmers can take from this approach (and there’s more than you might think, whether you’re a sprinter or not). This is a fascinating, thought-provoking look at what it took to become the fastest in the world - and what elements of that journey might apply to you. Huge thanks to Sonny, aka TheSwimSuitGuy, for joining Helen Gorman on the podcast.
Meet Siân Clement, an intrepid open water and ice swimmer dividing her time between South Wales and Orkney and rarely choosing the easy path. In this episode, we learn about her remarkable journey from swimming alongside penguins in Antarctica to taking on the iconic Manhattan Island Marathon Swim and becoming the first woman to complete the Original Triple Crown of open water swimming: the English Channel, Bristol Channel, and the formidable North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. Siân shares insights into balancing life as a doctor with extreme endurance challenges, her recent experiences racing at the European Ice Swimming Championships, and her unexpected title as a world champion in bog snorkelling. It’s a conversation full of adventure, resilience, and humour, capturing not just the extremes of the sport, but the joy and connection found within the open water swimming community. Presented by Helen Gorman.
Jamie Ingram joins us Helen Gorman to discuss his tapering strategy ahead of the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships this April. He’s one of Britain’s top butterfly swimmers and a Commonwealth Games medallist from 2022. Jamie explains what goes into preparation for a major event, what changes in the final weeks before competition, and the signs swimmers look for to know they’re ready to perform. He breaks down his 100m butterfly, from kick counts, pacing and strategy to handling pressure as he targets another Team England selection. There are lots of takeaways for masters swimmers, highlighting what elements of elite training can be applied at any level. We also touch on Jamie’s own masters swimming experiences, the downsides of growing long facial hair before taper, and his race analytics and coaching business, https://www.jingramswimming.com
This week we dive into the science of lactate, that familiar burning sensation you feel in the closing stages of a hard race, and explore why bicarbonate of soda – baking powder – is being used by elite athletes to slow down lactate acid production. We look at how athletes can train to improve lactate tolerance, considering diet, lifestyle and age as a factor. We consider why elite athletes across different sports have experimented with taking bicarb supplements and whether it can genuinely help swimmers hold their speed when fatigue kicks in. Joining us are Jack Gray and Josh Elston-Carr from sports nutrition brand, FLYCARB. They bring scientific knowledge and performance experience to the conversation. We discuss how bicarb works as a buffering agent, why it’s been used across multiple different sports since the golden era of Coe vs Ovett on the track. We also look at the downsides and discuss whether supplementation has a placebo effect on performance. This episode breaks down physiology, training, and the practical applications in a way that’s (hopefully) easy to understand. If you’d like to try bicarb for yourself, visit https://www.flycarb.com and use the code FREESTYLE10.
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