Freestyle Media

East Leeds swimmer and experienced coach, Simon Ward joins us to explore performance traits that everyone can adopt without spending additional time or money. Simon calls on his experience of having coached the Olympic Champion Brownlee Brothers in their early career, to consider the key traits of successful athletes, the importance of a positive attitude, body language, and being coachable. He sh...

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 reco...

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,...

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...

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...

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 aerodynami...

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...

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 wha...

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 blessin...

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...

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...

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, inc...

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...

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...

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!

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 Corb...

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 Juli...

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...

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...

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 offe...

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 i...

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. 

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!

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.

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.