Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories

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 us as Markus shares his journey from professional...

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 levels, and her involvement in unique opportunities l...

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 Katie Ledecky, and gain insights into her approac...

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, including the confidence surge she experienced after re...

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 ultimately chose to represent the Cavaliers. Discover...

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 hiatus due to shoulder surgery and battling autoim...

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, clocking in at 21.44 and beating the pre-race favori...

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 surged past pre-race favorites Shaine Casas and...

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 exciting realm of upcoming NCAA championships, the b...

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 Kieran's unexpected passion for cooking outside the po...

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 and nearly leading Canada to a relay bronze medal...

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 the crazy things Herbie has witnessed in training fr...

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 working on to elevate her short course yards swimming...

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 in season that would have secured a NCAA champio...

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-American and Pan-American qualifier, and Christia...

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 balance of coaching an elite professional athlete...

🏊‍♂️ 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 path towards the 2024 Paris Olympics, represent...

🏊‍♂️ 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 career, from the unexpected Olympic triumph in 2012 b...

🏊‍♀️ 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. 🦋 Join us as Kelly opens up about her roots in Carm...

Dive into the fascinating world of Russian butterfly sensation, Andrei Minakov! 🦋 As an NCAA champion and current Stanford University swimmer, Andrei shares his journey into the sport, offering insights into the unique world of swimming in Russia. Join us as he discusses his experiences, the challenges he's overcome, and his perspective on Russians competing at the highly anticipated 2024 Paris O...

Dive into the world of lightning-speed swims with Jack Alexy, currently hailed as the fastest American swim sprinter! In this exclusive video, witness the incredible feats and achievements that have crowned Jack as a powerhouse in the swimming world. 🥇 Unleashing Speed and Skill Join us as we explore Jack's unparalleled sprinting prowess, breaking down the techniques and strategies that make him...

Lydia Jacoby shocked the swimming world by winning the 100 breaststroke at the 2020 Olympics. This win cemented her as one of the most interesting American swimmers, but how well do you know Lydia Jacoby?  From humble beginnings in Alaska, where she was part of a folk band, Lydia now attends the University of Texas in Austin and continuing her success by winning the 100 breaststroke at NCAAs. She...

How Dare you doubt him! Dare Rose has arrived. Summer 2023 was a breakout year for Dare Rose. The New Jersey native and Cal Bear stud saw his window of opportunity at the US Trials and secured his first spot on the top team for USA. T hen he turned up to the World Championships and with the calm resolve of a seasoned veteran, put together a consistent set of podium worthy performances beyond his y...

We hear about the influence of data and science in sports every day. You can’t watch an NFL game without hearing “the analytics say this is the right decision.” So it should come as no surprise that the world’s best swimmers work with experts to find speed anywhere possible. Enter Nick Smith and the field of “movement science.” He’s worked with Cam McEvoy in his ascent to the top of the sprinting...

Olympic silver medalist and perennial Team USA member Rhyan White decided to shake things up going into 2024 by leaving Alabama and joining the Wolfpack Pro squad at NC State alongside NCAA champion and World Championship gold medalist Katherine Berkoff and rising NC State star Kennedy Noble. Together forming arguably the best backstroke group in the world, Rhyan White is betting that the rising T...