Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories

What happens when a top-tier athlete hits a plateau after five years in the same environment? Isabelle Stadden joins the crew to discuss her "reset" move from Cal to the University of Virginia. After nearly walking away from the sport last summer, Isabelle is back and faster than ever, dropping a massive 2:05 200 Backstroke at Westmont. We dive deep into the differences between the Dave Durden and Todd DeSorbo training styles, the "trauma" of training with Ryan Murphy at altitude, and why she’s suddenly swimming with the endurance of her high school self. From specific caffeine protocols to the psychology of "Social Kick," this is a masterclass in elite athlete longevity.

What happens when you’re the first alternate for an Olympic final and get the call only 40 minutes before the blocks? Israeli star Anastasia Gorbenko joins the Social Kick crew to break down the "Paris Drama," her transition from the professional ISL ranks to the Louisville Cardinals, and the story behind the most famous flip turn in breaststroke history. Anastasia discusses the intensity of the "American way" of training, the emotional weight of representing Israel during a time of war, and how she maintains range from a 29.3 50 breaststroke to a world-class 400 IM. Whether you're here for the technical breakdown of relay starts or the "rapid-fire" segment on her favorite snacks (spoiler: it’s mango), this episode is a deep dive into the mind of one of the most versatile swimmers on the planet.

Daniel Wiffen and Nathan Wiffen join the Social Kick Podcast to discuss the training, mindset, and recovery behind elite 1500m freestyle swimming. Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen, one of the fastest distance swimmers in the world, shares the unusual recovery routine—including a famous 15-hour nap cycle—that helped power his rise in Olympic swimming. In Episode 288 of the Social Kick Podcast, Daniel Wiffen and Nathan Wiffen break down their journey from Loughborough’s high-volume training environment to the marginal gains philosophy at Cal Berkeley swimming. The Wiffen brothers explain how distance swimmers manage brutal training weeks, how race tactics like negative splitting in the 1500 freestyle shape championship performances, and how they approach the mental challenge of world-class distance racing. The conversation dives into elite distance swimming training, recovery science, and the psychology of Olympic preparation. Daniel Wiffen also discusses working with top coaches and how technical details like body position and efficiency can determine success in the 1500m freestyle. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer, coach, or fan of Olympic swimming, this episode with Daniel Wiffen and Nathan Wiffen offers an inside look at what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport. Topics: Daniel Wiffen, Nathan Wiffen, Olympic swimming, 1500m freestyle, distance swimming training, swim recovery, Cal Berkeley swimming, elite swimmer mindset.

Gabe Jett is more than just a 1:54 butterflyer; he is a film major, a quiche enthusiast, and a man who has looked the 200 fly yips in the eye and won. In this episode, Gabe joins the Social Kick crew to discuss his evolution from a collegiate standout at Cal to a seasoned professional. He gets remarkably honest about the mental plateau that followed his early success, the fear of the last 50 meters, and how building a life involving film and personal relationships actually made him a faster swimmer. We also dive into the technical details of his training odyssey in Australia, the specific dolphin kick progression that built his legendary underwaters, and why he is officially boycotting Netflix in favor of indie theaters. Whether you are struggling with your own plateau or looking for the secret to a faster 200 fly, Gabe’s perspective on swimming free is a masterclass in sports psychology.

Charlotte Crush isn’t just the top high school recruit in the nation — she’s one of the most promising young swimmers in the world. In Episode 286 of Social Kick, we sit down with the Team USA standout and Lakeside Hawks star to explore the mindset, training, and discipline driving her rapid rise. Coming from a family of NCAA champions and elite athletes, Charlotte knows expectations follow her everywhere. But rather than shy away from the pressure, she’s learned how to channel it — maintaining a professional approach to the sport while still navigating the realities of high school life. In this episode, Charlotte opens up about her commitment to the University of Tennessee, the influence of her swimming family, and the unconventional backyard pool sessions that helped sharpen her elite underwater skills. She breaks down the technical evolution of her backstroke, her shift toward greater aerobic strength, and the mentality that keeps her pushing forward even when a race feels “perfect.” The conversation is insightful, honest, and full of personality — offering a rare look inside the mind of an athlete many believe is shaping the next generation of American swimming. In this episode: 🏊 Life as the nation’s #1 recruit 🇺🇸 Representing Team USA at a young age 🔥 Managing expectations and self-pressure ⚡ The technical secrets behind elite underwaters 🍊 Why Tennessee felt like the right fit Whether you're a swimmer, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode gives you a front-row seat to a future star building a legacy entirely her own.

Jacob Mills is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young sprinters in world swimming — and for good reason. Standing 6'6" with elite power and rapidly improving efficiency, the British freestyle rising star joins Social Kick after a breakout season that has put the global sprint scene on notice. In this episode, Jacob breaks down the technical transformation that changed his career — cutting his stroke count dramatically, refining his “big man” freestyle, and learning how to balance raw strength with precision in the water. He shares how his rugby background built the discipline and toughness that now fuels his training, why he made the bold decision to stay in Manchester rather than pursue the NCAA route, and what it’s like preparing alongside some of Britain’s biggest names. We also dive into sprint strategy, back-half speed in the 100 free, altitude camps, the daily grind of British training culture, and his long-term vision for the LA 2028 Olympics. Insightful, technical, and packed with personality, this conversation offers a front-row seat to the mindset of a swimmer chasing world-class speed — and just getting started. 🎧 In this episode: 🔥 The stroke overhaul that unlocked major time drops 🇬🇧 Training with Britain’s elite 💪 The “big swimmer” approach to sprinting 🏅 Olympic ambition and the road to LA 2028

Ryan Erisman is having one of the most eye-opening freshman seasons in college swimming — and he proved it on the world stage. Fresh off a dominant performance at the 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin, the Cal freshman joins Social Kick to break down what it takes to beat Olympic medalists, manage insane race schedules, and thrive inside the legendary Cal system. Ryan talks about winning the 200 and 400 free, dropping massive time in the 1500, and racing everything from the 200 fly to the 100 free — often in the same session. We get into his rapid transition from high school standout to NCAA threat, training under Dave Durden, long-course vs short-course racing, and how he’s building momentum with Nationals and NCAAs ahead. If you want a look at what the next generation of U.S. distance and middle-distance freestyle looks like, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Freshman breakout 🔥 Pro Swim Austin wins 🏊 Beating Olympians 🐻 Life inside Cal swimming

Skyler Smith is swimming some of the best races of her career — right now. In this episode of Social Kick, the UNC senior and U.S. National Team pool member opens up about finding momentum, building confidence, and racing fast without waiting for the perfect taper. From dropping personal bests at the Pro Swim Series to navigating NCAA pressure and setbacks, Skyler shares what it actually takes to stay dangerous across a long season. This conversation goes deep into breaststroke — how it works for her body, why technique myths persist, and what matters most when racing at a high level. Skyler also reflects on confidence, consistency, and learning to trust the process after meets don’t go as planned. Along the way, we get plenty of personality: rapid-fire questions, training war stories, pop culture, and what’s next as she balances elite swimming with grad school and life beyond the pool. If you’re a swimmer, coach, or fan who wants to understand how elite athletes think, adapt, and keep progressing, this episode delivers.

What does it take to keep going when you’ve already given everything you have? In this episode of Social Kick, we sit down with Andy Donaldson — ultramarathon swimmer, world-record holder, fastest man to swim around Manhattan Island, and the first male swimmer to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single calendar year. Andy shares the realities behind the swims most people only see in photos: long hours in dark water, brutal conditions, sickness, fear, and the moments where progress feels impossible. He opens up about a swim that nearly ended in defeat — before turning into one of the most meaningful experiences of his life, finishing just four minutes outside a world record on the rocks of Scotland. This conversation goes beyond times and results. It’s about: Defining your “why” when things start to unravel Learning that you don’t have to do it alone The shift from chasing personal achievement to creating purpose Using swimming as a platform to inspire others and elevate communities From swimming around Manhattan to a groundbreaking relay around Bahrain, Andy reflects on how his motivation has evolved — and why impact now matters more than records. Sometimes the finish time isn’t the point. Sometimes the real win is what the journey reveals. 🎙 Social Kick Podcast

British Olympian Eva Okaro joins Social Kick to talk about her breakout freshman season at the University of Texas, adapting to NCAA swimming, and why fun, confidence, and environment have fueled her early success. Eva shares what it’s really like moving from Team GB to Texas, adjusting to short course yards, handling tougher training, and surrounding herself with athletes who push each other daily. She also opens up about mindset shifts, embracing change, international competition, and what excites her about what’s ahead. This episode covers: Transitioning from UK swimming to the NCAA Breaking school records as a Texas freshman Short course yards vs meters Training mentality, team culture & confidence Life in Austin and balancing elite sport with college life A must-listen for swimmers, coaches, and anyone interested in high-performance environments. 🎧 Follow Social Kick for more conversations with elite athletes shaping the future of swimming.

Legendary coach Dave Durden joins Social Kick to talk culture, champions, and what really matters in elite swim training. As the head coach of the California Golden Bears, Dave has built one of the most successful programs in college swimming history, developing Olympic champions and sustained excellence. In this episode, he breaks down his coaching philosophy, why evaluating how athletes move in the water matters more than times, and how long-term planning shapes winning environments. We also dive into recruiting, building trust, and why Dave believes social kick might be one of the most important — and overlooked — parts of training. Whether you’re a swimmer, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and stories from one of swimming’s most respected leaders. Follow Social Kick and drop a comment with your favorite Dave Durden memory or your go-to social kick set.

Dude, what a year.” In this year-end episode of The Social Kick Podcast, the full crew — Bryan Lundquist, Dr. John Mullen, and Luke Paddington — gets together to close out 2025 by debating the most unforgettable moments in swimming. We break down the races that defined the year, from Leon Marchand skipping the 1:53s entirely in the 200 IM to Katie Ledecky breaking the 15-minute barrier at a home invitational. We also dig into the moments that sparked debate and disbelief, including the Florida relay disqualification at NCAAs, the removal of B-Finals from the NCAA format, and a “pool measurement” conspiracy surrounding world records. The conversation moves from jaw-dropping performances to the hardest training sets of the year — including a Sven Schwarz distance workout that stopped Bryan in his tracks — before wrapping with bold predictions and personal goals heading into 2026. Topics include: Race of the Year debates The women’s 800 free and Ledecky’s historic swim NCAA controversies and format changes The hardest sets of 2025 Big interviews, breakout moments, and WTF stories Bold predictions and goals for 2026 It’s equal parts analysis, opinion, humor, and reflection — a true end-of-year conversation for swimmers, coaches, and fans who lived every moment of the 2025 season.

John Shortt is emerging as one of the most exciting young backstrokers in the world. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, the Irish standout and World Junior Champion joins us to talk through his rapid rise on the international stage, including his performances at World Juniors and the European Short Course Championships. Known for his closing speed and elite turns, John breaks down the technical details that separate his backstroke and how years of training in a 20-meter pool shaped his underwater skills. We discuss his development pathway, confidence-building training sets, and how he balances racing multiple backstroke distances while staying technically sound under pressure. John also shares insight into life at Ireland’s National Training Centre in Limerick, why he chose to stay home rather than pursue U.S. college options, and what’s driving Ireland’s growing momentum in international swimming. The conversation mixes detailed swimming insight with lighter moments, giving a clear picture of both the athlete and the person behind the results. A must-listen for swimmers, coaches, and fans interested in elite backstroke, athlete development, and the next generation of international talent.

Will Modglin just delivered one of the fastest backstroke performances in NCAA history. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, we sit down with the new American record holder in the 100-yard backstroke after his 43.26 swim at the Texas Hall of Fame Invite. He also clocked the fastest 50-yard backstroke ever with a 20.00 lead-off split, coming within a touch of breaking one of swimming’s most iconic barriers. A junior at the University of Texas and a U.S. National Team member, Will breaks down the mindset behind those record swims, the training culture at Texas under Bob Bowman, and how racing in one of the deepest backstroke groups in the NCAA has shaped his confidence. We also dive into his unusual versatility, including how he went 50.9 in the 100 breaststroke with minimal breaststroke-specific training, how he approaches event selection, and where IM and long-course goals fit into his future. The conversation wraps with audience questions and a rapid-fire round covering training, competition, and swim culture as Will looks ahead to what’s next in a breakout career.

Sven Schwarz is one of the fastest-rising distance swimmers in the world, training up to 100K per week and relying almost entirely on feel to guide his pace. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, Sven breaks down the work, the mindset, and the new level of men’s distance swimming. We talk about training volume, threshold pace, recovery habits, coach communication, race prep, and why he skipped the 2025 European Championships. If you’re into distance swimming or elite training insights, this conversation delivers. Subscribe for more interviews with the world’s top swimmers.

Virginia Head Coach Todd DeSorbo joins The Social Kick to talk about the future of college swimming and the debut of a made-for-TV double elimination dual meet featuring UVA, Tennessee, and Michigan. He shares how new formats, rivalries, and personality can elevate the sport, his philosophy on building winning teams, and what it takes to innovate without losing the joy of racing. A fast, insightful conversation with one of the most influential coaches in the NCAA.

Matt Kredich isn’t just a successful swim coach — he’s a culture builder, a thinker, and a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the pool deck. As the Director of Swimming & Diving at the University of Tennessee, he has developed Olympians, NCAA champions, and stars like Jordan Crooks, Mona McSharry, and Gui Caribe. But what truly makes Tennessee stand out is not just the speed — it’s the chemistry, belief, and connection that everyone can see. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, Matt shares how culture becomes a competitive advantage, why empathy and accountability can coexist in high-performance environments, and how personal loss reshaped his perspective on coaching and purpose. We talk about sprint mechanics, drag reduction, athlete mindset, and how to help swimmers make breakthroughs technically and emotionally. This is a conversation about coaching, leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to help people become the best version of themselves — in and out of the water. Listen now to hear: How culture drives performance in elite swim programs What makes Jordan Crooks and Tennessee’s sprinters different Using empathy, structure, and purpose in coaching How personal loss shaped Matt’s approach to leadership The technical and human elements behind world-class swimming Whether you're a swimmer, coach, parent, or just love great conversations about growth, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what makes people better.

Just the guys this week! Luke, Bryan, and John are back in classic Social Kick mode — no guests, no script, just pure swim talk. The crew catches up on everything happening across the swim world: new records in China and Russia, Summer McIntosh’s big move to Arena, college season chaos, and even a few triathlon and high school highlights. It’s the kind of episode that feels like hanging out with your swim buddies after practice — full of takes, laughs, and real conversation about the sport we love. In this episode: Yu Zidi breaks a 13-year Asian Record 🇨🇳 Egor Kornev’s 44.99 lights up Russian SC Nationals Summer McIntosh signs with Arena — what’s that deal worth? Cal vs. Stanford, NC State’s “Raleigh Rumble,” and the Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge Ironman 70.3 Worlds and swimmers leading the way High school phenom Luka’s blazing times and Bolles’ new relay record 🎧 Dive in for the latest swim news, wild speculation, and plenty of good vibes — it’s all part of The Social Kick Podcast.

Ukraine’s next great sprinter joins The Social Kick! 🇺🇦 Nikita Sheremet is the World Junior Champion and Record Holder in the 50 freestyle (21.75) — tying Michael Andrew’s World Junior Record last summer. Now racing for the University of Louisville, he’s already made waves in the NCAA with a 19.28 freshman record and big goals for the European Championships. In this episode, Nikita shares his remarkable journey from Ukraine to Poland to escape the war, his move to the U.S., and how he built world-class sprint speed at such a young age. We break down sprint training, mindset, dryland work, and a few fun rapid-fire questions from fans. If you love fast swimming, big goals, and the next wave of sprint talent — you’ll love this one. 🎙️ Highlights: Training for a 21-second 50 freestyle Building power & explosiveness as a young sprinter From Ukraine to Louisville: a swimmer’s journey Rapid fire Q&A: pull-ups, Fortnite, favorite food & more Goals for 2025 Europeans and NCAAs 💬 Connect & Subscribe: Follow The Social Kick on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify. Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to support the show!

Former Cal swimmer Greg Harper is now one of the best swimmers in triathlon — leading out the swim at the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships and chasing the Kona swim course record next year. In Episode 271 of The Social Kick Podcast, Greg joins us to talk about his journey from NCAA swimming to pro triathlon, what triathletes often get wrong about swim training, and how fatherhood has changed his approach to training and racing. We dive into: The biggest lessons from racing at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona What swimmers need to know to make a successful jump into triathlon Greg’s unfiltered thoughts on triathlon culture, prize money, and sponsorships Whether it’s ever OK to wear a watch in swim workouts Hot takes on the Enhanced Games, the T100 Series, and the future of the sport Known for his honesty and humor as a co-host on The Triathlon Hour, Greg brings the same energy here — mixing insight, candor, and a swimmer’s perspective on the multi-sport world. Whether you’re a triathlete, swimmer, or just love a good endurance sports story, this episode’s for you. 🎙️ The Social Kick Podcast — where swimming meets the rest of the world.

The 2025 Swimming World Cup wrapped up with one of the fastest nights in history — five world records in a single session! 🏊‍♂️ In this episode, former world champion and commentator Bobby Hurley joins The Social Kick crew to break down the epic Toronto finale and the standout moments from three incredible weeks of racing. We dive into the biggest performances, the prize money race, surprises and disappointments, and how the World Cup continues to evolve into one of the sport’s premier showcases. Get Bobby’s insider take from his own experience on the World Cup circuit and hear our full breakdown of what made 2025 one of the most exciting years ever for short course swimming.

Australian Olympian Tommy Neill joins The Social Kick to talk about his journey from back-to-back Olympic bronze medals to a much-needed reset. After stepping away to recover from injury and refocus on life, Tommy’s back training with a sharper mindset and fresh motivation. We dive into his comeback, the grind of elite swimming in Australia, and what’s next for this two-time Olympic medalist.

Before joining the powerhouse Virginia Cavaliers, Bryn Greenwaldt was already making NCAA history — becoming the first woman in Division II to break 22 seconds in the 50 freestyle while also competing as an All-American high jumper. Now beginning her fifth year and first season in Division I swimming, Bryn brings a unique two-sport background, combining explosive athleticism with the mindset of a seasoned competitor. In this episode, she talks about her journey from Augustana University to UVA, how track and field training shaped her sprint power and underwaters, and what she’s learning inside one of the nation’s most dominant swim programs. It’s an authentic, fun, and inspiring conversation about transitions, training culture, and finding balance in the grind — with one of the most intriguing new faces in college swimming. 🎙️ Listen to more conversations with the world’s best swimmers on The Social Kick Podcast.

We’re diving into the 2025 World Aquatics World Cup with Bobby Hurley — former world champion swimmer, World Cup star, and one of the sharpest voices in swimming commentary. From his unique insider perspective, Bobby breaks down everything that makes this year’s World Cup series so compelling: the new format, prize money, and its place in the global swimming calendar. We compare today’s three-stop tour with the eight-stop grind from Bobby’s era, and unpack standout performances from Carmel — including Gretchen Walsh’s stunning new world record. Plus, we go deep on the big debates: • Who are the best short-course swimmers to never win a major long-course title? • How would Michael Phelps have performed in today’s short-course World Cup format? • What does the World Cup really mean for a swimmer’s training and career? Whether you’re a lifelong swim fan or just discovering the sport, this episode delivers expert insight, bold opinions, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of swimming’s most exciting events.

2023 World Champion 🏆 and Olympic medalist Sam Short joins The Social Kick Podcast for a deep dive into what drives one of the world’s best distance swimmers. Sam’s already redefining what it means to go the distance — from his brutal training sets that have become the stuff of legend, to the mental toughness it takes to dominate the 400 and 1500 on the world stage. In this episode, Sam talks about: The mindset that separates good from great in distance swimming What it’s like chasing Australian icons like Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe His favorite (and toughest) workouts Rivalries, rule changes, and the future of the sport Life outside the pool — food, tattoos, and film obsessions It’s an unfiltered look at a world champion’s world — equal parts grind, grit, and Aussie pride. 🎙️ Catch more conversations with the world’s best swimmers every week on The Social Kick Podcast.

At just 16 years old, Luka Mijatovic became the fastest 18 & under swimmer ever in the United States. After a breakthrough summer, he earned a spot on his first senior international team and represented Team USA at the World Championships. In this episode, Luka opens up about: The tough lessons learned after a team-wide illness left him drained at Worlds 🌍 His college recruiting journey, why he only took three official visits, and what excites him about training where he isn’t the fastest swimmer in the pool 🎓 The brutal training sets that tested his limits 💪 The Olympic gold medalist who texted him encouragement 🥇 His bold prediction for the future of the 400 freestyle 🔥 Luka’s story is one of resilience, hunger, and fearless ambition. Don’t miss this conversation with one of swimming’s brightest young stars. 🎧 Subscribe to Social Kick for more conversations with the world’s top swimmers, coaches, and innovators in the sport.

Rylee Erisman is back on Social Kick! Fresh off a historic summer at the World Junior Championships, Rylee won 8 medals (5 gold, 3 silver), including individual titles in the 50 and 100 freestyle. She capped the meet with an unforgettable triple in the final session—winning 2 events and medaling in all 3 races in less than an hour. In this episode, Rylee reflects on what she learned from her breakout summer, shares what it feels like to join the U.S. senior national team ahead of Pan Pacs, and talks through the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) process of college recruiting. From her training expectations to what she’s looking for in a program, Rylee gives us an inside look at the next chapter of her swimming journey.

McKenzie Siroky’s journey from hockey rinks to Team USA swimming is anything but typical. A breakout sprint breaststroker, McKenzie talks about her path to the World Championships, training and racing at Tennessee, and how lifting and explosive power fuel her speed. She shares stories from recruiting, gap year choices, and quirky behind-the-block rituals, while opening up about the challenges of racing on the world stage. Funny, insightful, and full of personality, this is McKenzie Siroky like you’ve never heard her before.

Brett Hawke is back—now as Head Coach of swimming for the Enhanced Games. He talks about the bold move to join the Games, the signing of Ben Proud, athlete health vs. shortcuts, and why sprint events and new formats could change the sport.

Olympic medalist and World Champion Ben Proud has stunned the swimming world by retiring from professional swimming to join the controversial Enhance Games. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, we break down what this means for the sport: Why Proud’s decision is so shocking The reaction from governing bodies like Aquatics GB Whether clean athletes can compete in Enhance Games What this move signals for athlete pay and the future of swimming Is this the start of a new chapter for athletes — or a risk to Proud’s legacy? Tune in as we unpack the biggest story in swimming right now.

Jack Alexy is back on Social Kick! Fresh off Worlds, the American record holder dives into the mindset shift that unlocked his 46s—and that wild 45.9 relay split. We break down how 200 free training boosted his 100, the backend-50 sets he loves, and why slowing his tempo led to his fastest swim of the year. Jack also shares thoughts on Team USA’s performances in Paris and Singapore, Pan Pacs selection, the Enhanced Games debate, his World Cup debut, and how a goofy smile in the ready room keeps racing fun.

Australian sprinter Jamie Jack joins Social Kick fresh off a breakout season! We talk sprint training at St. Peters with Dean Boxall, racing the 50 free, working alongside Cam McEvoy, and the mindset behind becoming one of the world’s next great sprinters.

Fresh off a breakout summer on Team USA, Tommy Janton joins Social Kick to talk about his wild ride through Worlds, winning a U.S. national title from lane one, and embracing the nickname “Crocodile Man.” We get into everything from goggle strap fashion faux pas to Shake Shack saves during team illness, plus why Tommy’s sticking with goggles-over-the-cap no matter what anyone says. He reflects on Notre Dame’s unique team journey, the pressure of representing the U.S. backstroke group, and what it takes to bring home a relay medal after a brutal week in Singapore. Oh, and yes—he’s got opinions on the hardest race in swimming, his dream sponsors, and the underrated dolphin kickers you should be watching.

Fresh off his double World Championship titles in the 800 and 1500 freestyle, Tunisia’s Ahmed Jaouadi joins Social Kick! We talk about the meteoric rise that took him from an 8:02 800 to 7:36 in just one year, what it’s like going toe-to-toe with world record holder Bobby Finke, and why his turns still suck (his words, not ours). Ahmed shares his thoughts on racing strategy, aura farming, and his decision to join the Florida Gators to train with Bobby and Katie. Plus, we dig into training sets that sparked his Singapore breakout and why being world champion has only made him hungrier. Oh, and yes—he answers your DMs. Let’s go!

The TYR Summer Championships are here, and we have some hot takes. Bryan and John break down everything from the solo swims in the C finals to the most unexpected performances of the night. In this episode we discuss: The Solo Swims - When only one swimmer shows up to a final...is there a name for that? What's the longest solo swim you'd be willing to do? We get weird on this one. The Return of Caeleb - Is Caeleb Dressel's mojo back? A discussion on the 50 freestyle, what it takes to dominate the race and why strength training is a double-edged sword. Mustache Magic - Is there a correlation between facial hair and speed? We break down some of the most memorable mustaches in swimming and why a stache might be a swimmer's best weapon. The American Swimming Network - Does the USA swimming network have a problem? The gap between the production of high-level meets versus the low-level production of a meet like this one. Let us know what you think in the comments! What were some of the most surprising takeaways from night one? What do you think a "solo swim" should be named?

The 2025 World Championships are in the books, and we've got takes. Who delivered, who flopped, and what the heck happened to all those prelims relay lineups? John and Luke kick off the recap with taper talk and a few questionable Masters training choices before diving deep into the biggest storylines from Singapore: Summer McIntosh’s incredible meet and emotional rollercoaster, Léon Marchand’s stunning 1:52 200 IM, David Popovici’s last-50 death blows, and USA’s medley world record rebound. We break down our picks for: * Individual swim of the meet (Yes, it’s who you think… but we explain why) * Race of the meet (Spoiler: That 800 free was as epic as advertised) * Swimmer of the meet (and what happens if we don’t split by gender?) * Biggest surprise (Some swims sucked… others, just stunning) * Relay of the meet (Hint: Uncensored relay takes inside) * Newcomer spotlight (12-year-old medalist? Say what?) Plus: we rant about USA Swimming’s late 50-stroke bandwagon, float ideas for an unattached all-star relay, and wonder whether World Aquatics' anthem actually slaps. Let us know what we missed. What was your swim of the meet? Subscribe, comment, and follow us on Instagram @socialkickswim for more behind-the-scenes stuff we might not be brave enough to post publicly

Grant House joins Social Kick fresh off a season of huge personal bests at US Nationals! The multi-talented swimmer is well known for his leadership at ASU and, of course, his role as the lead plaintiff in the landmark NCAA antitrust lawsuit 'House v. NCAA' which bears his name. Grant unpacks the unfiltered truth about the lawsuit and its origins, how he has dealt with public backlash, and why he chose to stay in the fight for athlete rights. Plus, Grant offers his candid thoughts on swimming's "soft" image and the need for more rivalries. Grant also shares about his training and some go-to sets the world-class ASU training group does under coach Herbie Behm, what he saw from teammates like Patrick Sammon that led to breakthrough performances at Nationals, and how he's preparing for his post-swimming career through his work as a strength coach for pro athletes, including his tips on key dryland exercises for a strong finish!

Rising Team USA talent, Anna Moesch, joins Social Kick fresh off a breakthrough performance at US Nationals where she made her first senior national team with a 6th place finish in a 100 freestyle final stacked with her Virginia Cavalier teammates. Anna tells us about her unorthodox 100 free preparation that led to a massive personal best and what she's most excited about as she prepares to represent Team USA on the world stage. Anna also gives us the background on what she learned from her high-stakes swim-off at last year's Olympic Trials. Of course, this conversation covers Anna's incredible freshman year at UVA including her relay anchor legs for the four-time national champion program. We dive into her mindset transitioning from club to an elite college program, her adaptation to UVA's high-effort training philosophy, and how she deals with training alongside Olympic champions without "falling in their shadow."

Santo Condorelli, a man of many countries and an Olympic finalist, joins Social Kick! We discuss Santo’s unique journey, from brutal high school sets to a stunning 21.6 in the 50 Free, earning him a spot on the US World Championship team. Santo shares his philosophical approach to training, why he embraces the "hardest" path, and how an unexpected mindset shift led to his recent personal best. We discuss the complexities of the athlete-coach relationship, the realities of being a veteran swimmer, and the vital role of individual expression in a sport often perceived as "soft." Santo also gives us his unfiltered take on rivalries, sponsorships, and the politics of international swimming, revealing a fiercely competitive spirit that drives him.

On this episode of Social Kick we’re joined by rising American sprinter Patrick Sammon, fresh off a breakout season that’s turned heads in the swimming world with his 47-low 100 freestyle at US Nationals that not only earned him earned him a spot on his first World Championship team, he also earned an individual swim and likely spot on US relays as well. Already a standout NCAA finalist and relay contributor for sprint powerhouse, ASU, this long course result is a huge step forward for Patrick and bodes well for coach Herbie Behm’s squad as well as the future of US sprinting. We also take some time to look back at Patrick’s upbringing, his learnings from last year’s Olympic Trials, and we try to gain some knowledge from one of the most accomplished and awarded students in college swimming.

Cal standout and rising Team USA breaststroker Abby Herscu joins Social Kick fresh off a breakout season that earned her a spot at the 2025 World University Games in Berlin. We dive into Abby’s journey from an age grouper to the NCAA Championship final and her huge personal best in the 200 breaststroke at U.S. Trials—dropping nearly 3.5 seconds to post one of the fastest U.S. times of the year. Abby shares what it’s like training at Cal, how that’s evolved with different coaches, and how creativity and trying new things led to her discovery of strengths that she has used to find continuous improvement. We also talk Olympic Trials takeaways, what drives her progression such as swimming free with no pressure, and what excites her most about competing for Team USA this summer.

He just went 58 in the 100 breaststroke! Campbell McKean, the breakout breaststroker who skipped the 59-second barrier entirely, joins us fresh off his electrifying performance at US Nationals. This ascending American star shares the inside story of winning both sprint breaststroke events and becoming the fastest 18-year-old ever in the 100 breaststroke. We discuss grueling training sets that forged his record-breaking speed, his strategic approach to 50 breaststroke races, and what it feels like to touch the wall knowing you've just upset legends. Campbell also pulls back the curtain on his journey from a swimming family to committing to the University of Texas under the renowned Bob Bowman. We cover everything from resistance training techniques and tech suit preferences to the unexpected realities of balancing elite training with senior year. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with one of swimming's most exciting young talents! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe for weekly podcasts and daily shorts! 0:00 - 4:14: Welcome and Early Questions 4:14 - 8:16: US Nationals Victory and Race Strategy 8:16 - 12:47: Training Regimen and Daily Schedule 12:47 - 18:50: Specific Breaststroke Training and Techniques 18:50 - 24:25: Worlds Preparation and Post-Nationals Life 24:25 - 29:08: Swimming Journey and Family Influence 29:08 - 34:00: College Commitment to Texas and Bob Bowman 34:00 - 39:50: Swim Tech and Continuous Improvement 39:50 - 46:38: Physical Attributes, Coaching Changes, and Future Goals 46:38 - 53:50: Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Faster everywhere she goes It took a few attempts and many years before Ashley Twichell eventually became an Olympian at age 32, the oldest first time Olympian on the US team in Tokyo, but that wasn’t what she set out to achieve anyway. In this episode, we check in with Ashley a few weeks after giving birth to her 2nd child, which took place during the Kentucky Derby! We cover everything from her journey from Duke to the legendary Mission Viejo workouts with distance guru coach Bill Rose, to winning the 5k World Title in 2017, to making the Tokyo Olympics, and then having her highest pool water finish with a 3rd place at the 2024 Trials. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe for weekly podcasts and daily shorts!