Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories

All athletic careers must come to an end, and frankly, it’s quite an achievement to become so good at swimming that your accomplishments can be summed up as a “career” from which you “retire.” A high school phenom turned Stanford standout and USA National Team member, Grant Shoults’ career had many highlights along with obstacles to overcome. A PAC-12 champion, Stanford record holder, and extra super senior (thanks to a medical redshirt + COVID year, he swam 6 years on The Farm), Grant recently made the difficult decision to walk away from competitive swimming as he enters medical school, but he walks away with his head held high, proud (as he should be), and he still makes time to get in and social kick. Although shoulder problems that often plague distance swimmers derailed his career at times, his retirement plan includes 3x chest days a week in the gym, so we may just see Grant back as a sprinter soon enough. Enjoy! @socialkickswim www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/

“You just gotta learn how to relax, dude.” Nic Fink may be the coolest cucumber on Team USA, but it wasn’t always that way. Success early in his career set a high bar, leading Nic to put expectations and pressure on himself to perform. After living through the 2016 Trials where he was a favorite to make the Olympic team only to finish 7th, Nic has had a career resurgence of late. He punched his ticket to the Tokyo Olympics where he made the final, then went to Short Course Worlds and won the 50 and the 200 (he now has the American record in all 3 short course meter breaststroke events), and recently earned a slot on the Worlds team in all 3 breaststroke distances with personal best times in the 50 and 100. Life outside the pool is clicking too. Nic relocated from his UGA base to Atlanta to attend grad school at Georgia Tech (he stills wears his red underwear though) and he’s navigating the life of a professional swimmer, juggling commitments, adapting training to his needs, and trying to fit it all in while performing at a high level. Seems to be working. Enjoy! @socialkickswim www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/

In this episode, we talk to Ilya Shymanovich, the breaststroke superstar who’s dominated in the short course pool, breaking the World Record multiple times, has close to 40 wins in his ISL career, is the 2021 Short Course World Champion, while also making the Olympic final. Ilya is from Belarus and athletes from Belarus and Russia have been banned from competing at this year’s World Championships and the European Championships, which would have been the “A” meets for Ilya, so his season plans are now in flux. We talked with Ilya about his stroke technique, which is somewhat controversial in that he’s among a group of breaststrokers who use an undulating hip motion paired with a very narrow and quick kick, which can look like a dolphin kick. We asked Ilya about the origins of this technique, the controversy around it, and also how he practices it to keep it within the rules. Enjoy! @socialkickswim www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/

She’s only 20, and Regan Smith is a Team USA veteran. A 3x Olympic medalist, 2019 World Champion (200 backstroke), and still holds the World Record in that event. Our chat with Regan comes on the heels of her great meet at the US World Championship Trials, where for the 2nd summer in a row she qualified for the US team in the 200 butterfly and 100 backstroke (also the 50 back) and, perhaps surprisingly, did not earn an individual swim in what many considered her signature event, the 200 backstroke. So which event was Regan most satisfied with at Trials? Her 200 back! Duh. Regan’s story is one of maturity and growth, as she had the brightest of spotlights shone on her in the lead up to the Tokyo Games, and has navigated the difficult transition from high school phenom to college swimmer (quite well given she won an NCAA title as a freshman!) Regan is such a delight. We hope you enjoy this chat as much as we did. Enjoy! @socialkickswim www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Fresh off his 5th year at Louisville and a recent round of MBA exams, butterfly star Nick Albiero joins us to chat about taper leading into USA World Championship Trials (his 3rd taper meet in as many months!). Despite Luke’s best efforts to convince Nick to compete for Brazil (where he has dual citizenship but “can’t speak Portuguese”), Nick is starting his pro swim career and looking to improve upon his 4th place finish in the 200 fly at the Olympic Trials and make the US team for Budapest. Nick is the 2021 NCAA 200 fly champion, and we talk about translating short course success to long course, race strategy, and ISL prospects. Of course, family has had a huge influence on Nick’s career, with a family full of swimmers and his father Arthur Albiero the longtime head coach of Louisville, he shares how lack of pressure from his parents gave he and his siblings the freedom to choose their own passion, which just so happen to lead him to swimming on his own terms. Enjoy! @socialkickswim www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​ • • • #swimming #swim #swimmer #cardinalswimming #socialkick #podcast #USASwimming

From practice, to prom, to the podium? Teenage super phenom Claire Curzan joins us to chat about her prep for the upcoming US World Championship Trials. Already an Olympic silver medalist and American record holder, Claire has been carving her name into the record books since she was a kid, and so far in 2022, the theme continues. Claire has dominated the Pro Swim Series with top times in the country in 3 different strokes, and will soon welcome all challengers to her “home” pool in Greensboro for a chance to represent the US in Budapest this summer. @socialkickswim www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​ • • • #swimming #swim #swimmer #socialkick #podcast #stanford #USASwimming

Auburn Head Coach, and former Auburn standout swimmer, Ryan Wochomurka joins us for a reflection on his first year leading the program. Ryan was a 21x All-American at Auburn in the early 2000s at the peak of Auburn’s dominance, and following his swim career he’s built an impressive coaching resume with success as an assistant at Louisville and as a head coach at Houston. Notably, Auburn has faded from prominence, and in this episode we talk openly about the challenge he faces to bring Auburn back and how he plans to do it. @socialkickswim www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​ • • • #swimming #swim #swimmer #coach #socialkick #podcast #ncaaswimming #auburnswimming #wardameagle #USASwimming

Storied swimming coach David Marsh joins us right after helping The University of California win the 2022 Swimming and Diving Championships. David talks about working closely with his old colleague and friend, Head Coach Dave Durden, what it took to be successful in the 6 weeks he spent there, and what value he thinks he added to their success. Bryan was part of David's legacy at Auburn when he won 12 Team Titles. They have a close relationship, capped off by Bryan being David's last Auburn Swimmer to be coached in a race- anchoring the 2007 400 Free relay in recording style! They talk a length at what it takes to build a team to glory, as David did with Auburn from 1990-2007. This is a must see for any coach in any sport, at any level. www.socialkickswim.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Elite swimmers from the top three teams at the 2022 Men's NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships join us for a fun, teasing break down of the exciting meet. Olympian and Multiple National Champion Drew Kibler of Texas, Olympian and National Champion Björn Seeliger of Cal and Multiple National Champion Adam Chaney of Florida give us and each other their highs, lows and nerves from the faster NCAA meet ever. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/socialkickswim/

Gold, silver and bronze, Maggie Mac Neil went to the Tokyo Olympics determined to succeed and impress us all. The Social Kick welcomes back the newly crowned Olympic Champion to talk all things Tokyo and more! Winning Team Canada’s only gold in the pool in the women’s 100m Butterfly, Maggie swam an impressive 55.59 for a new Americas Record. Now with the titles of Olympic and World Champion to her name, the 21-year-old was also part of the silver winning 4x100m Freestyle Relay and bronze medal winning 4x100m medley relay team. Having stood on top of the podium at the pinnacle of international swimming, we ask Maggie about Tokyo from an athletes perspective, the rush of winning and the buzz after and her recent decisions regarding University and the ISL. It’s not every day that Ryan Reynolds will reach out and congratulate you! With warm welcome back to The Social Kick, here’s the Olympic Champion, Maggie Mac Neil! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Energy Standard Head Coach James Gibson and their Captain, Olympic Gold Medalist Chad le Clos, join for a preview of the 2021 season of the International Swim League. The ever-changing league has shifted once again and as heads of state for Team ENS, we get reactions from James and Chad on the impact of the draft and how much it helped teams like Aqua Centurions and DC Trident, the rule changes for selecting the SKINS and also why Chad wasn’t able to successfully lobby to have points awarded every 50 in the 200 fly. The whirlwind continues after an exciting Tokyo Olympic Games - it’s ISL time! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

As the Paralympics and the Season 3 of the ISL get underway, grab a beer (or a brew) and join The Social Kick on an official roundup of the Olympics to relive all the highs and lows. This is what The Social Kick is all about! Favourite races, best all-round athletes and biggest surprises, we cover it all, breaking down some of the biggest moments from the most anticipated swimming event on the calendar. Plus, we discuss some of the flops and pops of the meet and whether we think morning finals and COVID-19 restrictions were notable influences on those competing. After a short break and more than a couple of big changes, The Social Kick are back and kicking into the new season with a jam-packed episode! Enjoy and don't forget to comment your favourite Tokyo 2020 moment in the pool below. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Whether you’re feeling inspired from the Olympics or want to start your own personal fitness journey, nutrition is key. Join us in welcoming personal nutritionist Erica Beine to the podcast as she gives us all the tips on what we think is right for our bodies and what actually is. A former college swimmer and D1 head coach, Erica stepped off deck to focus on her theory of personalized nutrition and hasn’t looked back since. Using genetic testing to understand what your individual body needs and reacts to; Erica’s business creates an accessible and personalized program to help you get the best results physically and mentally. Her focus on all-round wellness, by using scientific data and tailored plans, is a new and improved way in looking at and understanding what your body needs. Join us as we talk to Erica about her work and how she adapts for each individual, the negative effects of supplements and alcohol in athletes and just how bad goldfish crackers are for you!! Grab a water for this one, hydrate and learn about your body. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Before she makes the journey to Tokyo, The Social Kick is joined by Australian swimmer and Olympic Silver medallist, Tamsin Cook. Tamsin swam an impressive anchor leg at the age of 17 to bring Australia home in the 4x200m Freestyle Relay for a second-place finish. An individual 400m swimmer, Tamsin has qualified for Tokyo in a packed event with the likes of Katie Ledecky and Ariarne Titmus. After retiring after the Rio Olympics to focus on school and due to an injury, Tamsin has made a Rocky Balboa style comeback in swimming this year. Within 12 months of training, Tamsin has moved from never believing she would swim again to qualifying for her second Olympic Games at the age of 22. In a discussion about the progression of the women’s 400m Free and the importance of being self-aware and listening to your body, Tamsin talks us through her swimming journey. Get ready for Tokyo and listen to her story, enjoy! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Season 3 of the ISL is well underway and fresh from the drafting process, Team Iron’s Head Coach Luka Gabrilo joins us on The Social Kick. Currently Head Coach of the Israeli National Team, Luka will step down from this role after the Tokyo Olympics to concentrate on his new job with the ISL and Iron. His previous coaching experience includes working as Head Coach of the Swiss National team and with Team Elite and David Marsh in the US. In this episode, we discuss the recent ISL draft process and our overall thoughts on how it played out. An eye for statistics and numbers, Luka gives us insight into his tactics and responsibility as a head coach and goes through his newly packed roster for the season. A deeper look into the coaching and drafting process of the ISL and Luka himself, sit down, enjoy and get to know your coach! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

We’re back down under this week with first time Olympian and Australian swimmer Zac Incerti. Zac has recently qualified for the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays for Tokyo, two of the most highly anticipated events on this summer’s schedule. An advocate for men’s mental health, Zac talks about the hard times he has personally gone through. From injuries and depression to his recent, and rightly appealed, DQ at Australian trials. With the stigma surrounding men’s mental health still widely in place, we comment on how important it is to talk about what you’re feeling and how to overcome it. With a discussion of Australian trials, the advantages and the disadvantages of the ISL and doing what you love, this is not an episode to miss. Enjoy our chat with Zac! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Bursting onto the scene, Erica Sullivan makes her appearance on The Social Kick. Erica is a 20-year-old long distance pool and open water swimmer from Las Vegas. Newly selected to represent Team USA in the 1500m, Erica claimed her ticket in a brilliant trials swim, coming in second to Katie Ledecky and holding off Sandpipers teammate Katie Grimes. Selected for her first Olympic Games during Pride Month and with the games taking place in Tokyo, Erica opens up about her position of representation being both gay and of Japanese descent. Proud of who she is and unapologetically witty and charismatic, our conversation touches on the importance of representation, not just in swimming but all over the world. One of the fastest up and coming US distance swimmers, we talk to Erica about what it’s like training open water in Nevada, her difficulties and advice with mental health as an athlete and her love of film (watch out Oscars)! A joy to speak to and get to know, Erica Sullivan is undoubtably making waves both in and out of the water. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

The Social Kick is taking a trip down under before the start of Australian trials! Our guest this week is Australian swimmer Alex Graham. Competing for a spot in his first Olympic team at the upcoming trials, we talk to Alex about his past relationship with swimming and the intense international competition in the 200m freestyle. Commonwealth and World Champion in the 4x200m freestyle, Alex Graham is a fundamental part of the Australian national team both as an individual and relay swimmer. Yet his relationship with international and professional competition has changed over the years. In this episode, we discuss the mental and physical requirements of the 200 and 100 free, how to enjoy swimming in the moment and Alex’s personal journey in the sport. A team-based guy who’s all about enjoying the experience, enjoy our chat with Alex Graham! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

400IM World and Commonwealth Bronze medallist Lewis Clareburt joins The Social Kick this week. Deep in his preparations for Tokyo, the Kiwi swimmer takes some time to tell us about the sport of swimming in New Zealand and his surprise 4.09.87 pb at trials. As one of New Zealand’s leading professional swimmers, Lewis shares his stories of overcoming adversity in the pool. From the public trying to jump into his training sessions to swimming in a 33m pool most days, Lewis proves that if you put your mind to something, you can succeed. Motivated to lead the way for younger swimmers in New Zealand, Lewis decided to stay in his home country and continue to pursue his Olympic dreams surrounded by his family and friends. Discussing his usual training routines and his love of Surf Life Saving, Lewis Clareburt is all about learning from those around him and pushing himself to be the best. Enjoy our chat with Lewis! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Recorded before her recent 50m Backstroke European Champion title, Dutch swimmer Kira Toussaint joins The Social Kick. The short course 50m Backstroke world record holder jumps into her race strategy and mindset with us, commenting on the ISL and how her world record came to be. As well as explaining the creation of and reason behind her underwater kick and top arm pull out. Often called a ‘fake sprinter’ by her training group, Kira talks about her 200m races and the external motivation that goes with them. Top tip: don’t bet against Kira Toussaint! With a stacked 100m backstroke field and a lack of 50m races at the Olympics, Kira is intent on showing her talent this summer and beyond by using her full brain capacity and focusing on what’s important. She trains to race, and she races to win, enjoy our Social Kick with Kira Toussaint! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

British record holder and 2020 Olympian Molly Renshaw joins us for this week’s show. The Loughborough National Centre swimmer recently broke the 200m Breaststroke British record at GB Trails in a time of 2.20.89. Qualifying for her second Olympic Games, Molly talks of her troubled relationship with Olympic trials and the moments that shaped her into the swimmer she is today. We break down her impressive trials swims whilst looking ahead to her goals for the 2021 European Championships and the impact of the ISL on British swimming. It’s all about mental preparation and technique with Molly as she gives an insight into how she replaces her negative thoughts and goes for gold. Enjoy and ‘be brave’ with Molly Renshaw. Watch Molly in the current European Swimming Championships, taking place from the 17th – 23rd May in Budapest. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Continuing our round of British athletes, Matt Richards joins us this week. Recently qualified for Team GB, the 18-year-old put on the performance of his life at British trials. From 2019 European Junior Champion, Richards will swim in his first senior team in the upcoming Long Course European Championships before taking to the Olympic stage in July. Richards has individually qualified for the 100m Freestyle at Tokyo 2020 and will most likely be seen in some of the most highly anticipated relays of the Olympics. Training at the Bath National Centre, Richards talks to us about his impressive trials swims, including that ‘stupidly quick’ 200m Freestyle final and his seemingly hard working, yet fun training group. With a refreshing and mature mentality for such a young swimmer, Matt reflects on the ISL and the people that have shaped his swimming knowledge over the last few years. He’s determined, he’s fast and he’s definitely not one to be undermined. Enjoy our chat with Matt Richards. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Newly qualified for his first ever Olympics, British swimmer Joe Litchfield joins The Social Kick. The Loughborough trained athlete has been recently selected to represent Team GB at Tokyo 2020. Alongside his older brother Max, the Litchfield’s will be just the third set of siblings to compete for Great Britain in an Olympic Swimming meet. After his impressive swims at British Trials, which resulted in all new personal bests for the 22-year-old, Joe is set it make his debut representing Great Britain in the 200IM. And with European Championships later this month, his sights are set on securing more consideration times for the summer. A British insight into the world of swimming, Joe analyses his races at trials, his involvement with the ISL and the future of the sport. More than ever, the British are coming for the Olympic dream. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

The Social Kick are finally back together again, discussing the recent announcements of the ISL Draft and new Auburn Head Coach. The 2021 ISL season is gearing up to be the most interesting yet. With a new and upcoming draft selection process, there is a chance for greater equality within the teams and greater competition all round. It might look confusing at first, but we’ve tackled the format head-on, commenting on the overall process and potential rookie picks. We also discuss the recent appointment of alumni Ryan Wochomurka as the new Auburn swimming and diving coach. Bryan reminisces about his time at Auburn and Ryan’s potential to shape the team into something great for the years to come. Grab a beer, comment your top ISL pick and join us in our fireside chat. thesocialkick.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Austrian ISL star and NCAA Champion Felix Auboeck has continued his dominance in middle-distance freestyle. At the recent 2021 Swim Open Stockholm meet, Felix qualified for his second Olympics in the 200m, 400m and 800m Freestyle events. Not to mention breaking two Austrian records in the process. Austria’s swimming star, Felix has trained with the best. Studying at Michigan in 2016-2020, his NCAA history proves he isn’t one to overlook. In 2019, his outstanding comeback after a surprising 200 and 500 led Felix to the long-awaited title of NCAA Champion in 1650-yard freestyle. Moving to train at Loughborough University in 2020, Felix has thrived in a new training regime. A combination of threshold and race pace sets which have pushed both his mental and physical strength. Listen as we discuss his ‘what-if’ preparation for Tokyo, the newly added women’s 1500m and men’s 800m to the Olympic program and most importantly: what it takes to be a world-class distance swimmer. Enjoy our distance clinic with Felix! thesocialkick.com SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

The Social Kick are honored to have Dick Pound on the show this week! The first ever President of the World-Anti Doping Agency and two-time Vice President of the International Committee, Dick Pound is a giant in the world of sport. A chartered accountant and lawyer, Dick’s roots are in swimming. Representing Canada at 1960 Rome Olympics and 1962 Perth British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Dick held the Commonwealth record for the 110yards Freestyle. Dick is the longest serving member of the IOC, playing a pivotal part in revolutionizing the Olympic movement in a multi-billion-dollar franchise by negotiating TV and sponsorship deals. His drive and passion in the fight against drugs in sport has led to his involvement in world-wide news stories and controversies. Particularly, his work on the Ben Johnson drug scandal at the 1988 Seoul Games and motivation for change within drug-testing in sport. Be captivated by his knowledge and motivation for change as we discuss his impactful career, Olympic involvement and remarkable cases. Enjoy our chat with Dick Pound! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Marie Wattel roars onto the podcast this week after her recent success at the 2021 FNN Golden Tour in Marseille. Marie won the 100m Freestyle and 100m Butterfly to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Competing for France, she trains at Loughborough University in England, a move she made in 2016 after deciding she needed a change in her training following her performance at the Rio Olympics. We chat about her decision to move to England, French trials and how she adapted to training in France over lockdown. Marie also gives an insight into her next steps after graduation and the differences between her training in France and England (including no more 200m Flys)! As she matures as an athlete, watch how Marie Wattel improves her training styles and tackles spaghetti arm freestyle. One thing is for sure, Marie Wattel finds solutions. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Fresh off the block from Men’s NCAAs, breaststroker Reece Whitley joins us on The Social Kick. Reece holds the second fastest ever time in the 200 Breaststroke SCY and has soared onto the international swimming scene over the last few years. Looking ahead to the summer, we discuss his recent performance at NCAAs alongside his Cal teammates (even if he never sees them train), and the impressive roster working towards the 200m Breaststroke final at Olympic Trails. Not just a great athlete but a great teammate, Reece talks about his pride in being a leader for the new recruits joining the Bears and gives us his best, on-the-spot, ISL draft pitch for this season. In the wake of Eddie Reece’s retirement announcement, Reece credits Cal’s dominance in the pool over the last years to the coaching excellence of David Durden and how a good coach holds a lasting magnetism over a team. A hardworking athlete and arguably the best reaction face in swimming, Reece Whitley is definitely one to watch. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Shaine Casas is not just looking to win big at NCAAs this week, he's looking to break records. The 2019 U.S. National Champion in 100m Backstroke joins us on the first day of Men's NCAAs to talk about his mentality and goals. Swimming for Texas A&M, Casas is the 4th fastest swimmer in the 200 Backstroke SCY and only a second away from Ryan Murphy's fastest swim ever. An enthusiastic young athlete, Casas radiates energy and wisdom, bringing it on deck to every practice and meet. Tune in to hear about his Olympic dreams, 'person before swimmer' attitude and impressive shoe collection. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

2019 World Champ in 100m Butterfly, Canadian star Maggie MacNeil joins the show on the eve of NCAAs. The Michigan swimmer exploded onto the international scene after beating reigning champion Sarah Sjöström at the Gwangju games. Provisionally nominated for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, join us as Maggie recalls her unforgettable Worlds win, how her underwater dolphin kick is so powerful and her goals for the upcoming 2021 NCAAs. A fiercely competitive athlete and a thoroughly enjoyable guest. Tune in to find out what Maggie is like in practice and how she views herself as a human first, swimmer second. Breaking records and conquering practices. Hope you enjoy! SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

We chat with a swimming hero, from her home in Holland. Enith Brigitha was the first black swimmer to win an Olympic medal with 2 bronzes in the 100 & 200 free at the 1976 Montreal games, and while such a monumental feat as breaking the podium color barrier deserves the utmost praise, tragically, her 100 free bronze should have been gold. Enith burst onto the world scene as a young 17yr old at the 1972 Munich Olympics, finaling in 3 individual events and 2 relays. She’d come back a year later in 73 to win an individual silver medal at the first ever world championships. She was clearly headed for Montreal to do something big. But just as Enith was ready to peak, the East Germans were making plans of their own, by creating one of the darkest periods in sports history as their systematic doping programme allowed the DDR to dominate world athletics for many years to come, and famously was on full display at the 76 Games where East German women won all but 2 swimming events. Enith was beaten only by 2 East Germans, both of whom an investigation would eventually prove were aided by performance enhancing drugs. 45years later, the IOC still has not disqualified their tainted results, which means Enith still doesn’t have her gold medal. It was a true honor for us to share this conversation with such a trailblazer, deserving of far more credit than she has received.

Over 300,000 people a year die from drowning globally, mostly in developing countries. 3500 Americans a year die from drowning, mostly from low to middle income and black and brown communities. Contributors factors: access to pools and other bodies of water, fear of water, cost of learn to swim programs. Our guest in this episode, is on a mission to change those stats, and by the way, leave it to a paralympian without full function of his limbs to show the world that anyone CAN swim. Jamal Hill is an American Paralympic swimmer currently competing in the S10 classification (for those of you who aren’t familiar with para classification, we talk about it). He’s a many-time US national champion and currently focused on qualifying for Tokyo. Jamal runs a non-profit called SwimUpHill that teaches a learn-to-swim curriculum called the BOWL / BENCH / BUCKET method that doesn’t require a pool or body of water. Their goal: teach a million people to swim. People if you’re not out there getting it done, listen to the words of this dude and go get after it. He’s awesome. Here’s our conversation with Jamal Hill. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Tudo Bem to Brazilian swimming royalty, with 4-time Olympic medalist, World, and NCAA champion Gustavo Borges and his son, University of Michigan sprinter Gus Borges. For those who may not have followed swimming in the early 90s, Gustavo Borges was one of the best swimmers in the world. In his first Olympics he came 2nd to Popov in 92 in the 100free, and backed it up 4yrs later in Atlanta with a bronze in the same race. How big of a deal was he? Two more Olympic appearances later he carried the flag for Brazil in the closing ceremonies in Athens. He was the man. So, what’s it like to be his son and decide you also want to be a swimmer? This conversation should be mandatory listening for all swim parents. It’s a masterclass in how to support your kids to find their passion and if you’re the kid, how to follow in your high-achieving parent’s footsteps without the weight of the world bearing down on you. These guys have been coached by some of the legends of the sport. In 1990 Gustavo moved from BR to the USA to train at the famous Bolles School in Jacksonville Florida under Gregg Troy, then onto Michigan to swim for Jon Urbanchek. When his son Gus eventually became a recruit himself, he was given only one restriction – can’t go to Ohio State. Gus followed in dad’s footsteps to become a Wolverine and swim for Mike Bottom. Needless to say, they’ve picked up quite a few useful lessons along the way, and this conversation, is all about them. Hope you enjoy it. Here’s father and son, Gustavo and Gus Borges. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbmxjdMDo4UHcB9bEUWsQg LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-kick-podcast/id1478682639 FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialkickpodcast/​

Do you ever watch a really fast swimmer and think “wow, how do they do that?” In this episode, we get to talk to one of them. Coleman Stewart. He’s one of the best underwater kickers in the world, proven as an NCAA champion in the 100 backstroke, and from recently stacking up backstroke wins this past season in the International Swim League. It’s no wonder Jason Lezak texted him the night the NCAA Championships got cancelled due to COVID recruiting him to the Cali Condors - he’s a stud in the short course pool and of course became a huge asset for the eventual ISL champions. The Olympics however are long course, so we discuss his strategy for getting on the team, but not before nerding out on what makes Coleman so lightning fast underwater, and also hearing what’s in the special sauce that brought his college team NC State back to national prominence. He’s such a down to earth guy. Felt like we were really talking to the person, not the swimmer. Super fun conversation. Hope you enjoy it.

Triple World Champion Marco Koch tore up Season 2 of the ISL. He is a favorite to win the 200 Breast Olympic Gold Medal based on his recent form. Or is he? This is a packed event, but also an event waiting for that break through. What is Marco doing to be that star in Tokyo?

Swimming has a diversity problem, so we spent some time getting Giles's perspective on how to bring the black and brown communities into swimming, addressing pool access and water safety, while also hearing about the historical swimmers of color that have inspired Giles and countless others to dream. Giles is proof that sports don’t have to define you – he works in real estate, but he’s found the harmony to get the best out of both aspects of his professional life. Of course, we get in deep on butterfly technique and training, and also some race strategies he’s working on like going no breath at the end of the 100 fly long-course. After a couple years of retirement, Giles is back swimming at the top of his game and doing it with a refreshingly peaceful and positive attitude that will surely leave an indelible mark on the young swimmers he’s inspiring. Hope you enjoy. Here’s our chat with Giles Smith.

The Queen B herself, our guest today is LA Current Superstar and French National Teamer Beryl Gastaldello. You know her as one of the most versatile swimmers on the planet. After bursting onto the world scene with her breakthrough 2019 season in the International Swim League, Beryl came back in 2020 to one up herself and put the world on notice with a dominant season culminating with a 4th place overall finish in the league MVP standings. Her seemingly rapid ascent to the upper echelon of swimming may have turned a lot of heads, but it was no surprise to her. She’s goofy and brings the laughs, but don’t be fooled by her lighthearted demeanor. When she speaks about her training and what she plans to achieve, it’s with such voracity and intentionality that when you hear her say it, you not only believe she thinks she can do it, she makes you believe she’ll do it. Now, we did run into some audio issues while recoding this one and tried our best to clean it up but there are a few rough moments we hope you’ll push through, as Beryl drops some incredible perspective. This is our chat with Beryl. Enjoy!

Pure speed with the masters of sprinting: Gary Hall Jr. and Ato Boldon. ‘The Godfather’ of swimming, Gary Hall Jr. is a ten-time Olympic medalist and former world record holder. Known for his performative techniques on deck, he considers what it takes to be a sprinter and his views on how to enjoy time as a professional athlete. Ato Boldon is a four-time Olympic medal winner and former Athletics World Champion turned NBC Analyst. Joining the forces of swimming and track for the first time, he chats about how to spot a great athlete and the importance of coaching specifically for sprinters. Speed that breaks barriers and the mindset behind the athletes that challenge our limits, Hall and Boldon bring story and experience to their knowledge of speed in an episode that will blow your mind.

2021 kicks off with youth and speed. We can’t wait to share how this young man is growing our sport, encouraging kids younger and kids of lower rankings to keep at it despite what is thrown at them. We talk about the struggle with Covid and maintaining confidence throughout, and about his race and how it contributes to swimming. Nathan Adrian, Cullen Jones- better be following David as he is about to take your 50 free baton and lead the sport.

Caroline Burckle reached the highest levels in swimming: NCAA champion, Olympic bronze medalist (2008 – 800free relay). But it’s what she’s building outside the pool that may outshine her swimming career. Together with fellow Olympian Rebecca Soni, Burckle runs Rise-Athletes, a mentorship platform where professional athletes work 1:1 with young athletes on mindset development and mental health skills. In this episode we discuss the Rise approach to guiding young athletes, as well as what its like to start and run your own business. We also get into some of Caroline’s experiences working with different coaches and the learning and adaptation process it takes to get coach and athlete on the same page to achieve the best outcome. We talk about her experience with body image and advice for coaches on how to manage interactions with their athletes in the most helpful way. Caroline is charismatic and insightful. She’s up front, and down to earth. A few minutes with Caroline and you know you’re with a high-achiever. You’re going to enjoy this one!

While James Gibson is currently known for his leadership of the Energy Standard professional swim team, he’s also a former World Champion (2003 – 50BR) and Olympic Finalist (2004 – 100BR). His training squad is not only one of the very few elite teams of professional swimmers in the world, they do something no other pro team does: they practice and compete together as one team. Sounds simple, but this model does not exist in swimming, and what Energy Standard created was the precursor for starting a professional swim league that we now know as the ISL (International Swimming League). This conversation was recorded the day James learned his team’s travel plans for 2021 might be in peril due to new travel restrictions related to the pandemic – adding another obstacle to the list he and his team have had to navigate in an unprecedented year. This was a good opportunity to share some laughs and get the inside perspective on how the ISL brass plans to continue improving the league, while also picking the brain of a guy who coaches a diverse collection of the fastest swimmers on the planet. We had a blast chatting with James, and hope you enjoy!

2x World Champion and Olympic Bronze medalist Kylie Masse joins us from her base in Toronto as she gets back into Olympic training following her second ISL season and first as team captain of the expansion squad, Toronto Titans. Is the 100 backstroke the deepest, most competitive event in women's swimming? What does it take to win back to back world titles, and prep for the Olympics with a target on your back? Are there actually people who think Canadian bacon is better than real bacon?! This conversation was a blast and hits on so many fun topics with one of the best swimmers in the world today. Enjoy!

DC Trident coach and Olympic multi-medalist Kaitlin Sandeno joins us for a virtual hangout. How much would she give up to get Dressel on her team? "Everyone." Kaitlin gives us the inside scoop on how the idea of a league was kicked around in swimming circles before finally coming to fruition, how she got involved as a GM, and what life is like at the helm of a professional swimming team. Kaitlin self proclaims she would have been a stellar pickup for an ISL team in her hey-day as one of the most versatile distance swimmers ever. We don't disagree, and we hope you have as much fun listening as we did with this conversation.

Longtime UCLA Women’s Head Coach and DC Trident Head Coach Cyndi Gallagher joins the guys fresh on the heels of ISL Season 2 to give her take on the impact of the rules changes and how the timing of the ISL league releasing these changes impacted teams (it was AFTER rosters were finalized!). We get into all sorts of ISL topics: recruiting and a potential draft, lineup strategy, free agency losses & key missing pieces, being on an island for 6weeks and much more. We also wind back the clock on UCLA swimming to talk Ron Ballatore, Brian Goodell, and the 1994 infamous cut of the men’s program. Finally and importantly we discuss the lack of women coaches at the NCAA and ISL level, and what it takes to change it.

The Social Kick guys are joined by swim nerds from around the globe to discuss the Grand Final of ISL Season 2 and reflect on the the league overall after two full seasons in the books. No punches are pulled. We prefer laughs aplenty and opinions raw. You don’t want to miss this one!

This is a guy you want to sit next to on the pool deck to listen to him talk. Olympic bronze medalist as a swimmer who went on to develop multiple Olympic gold medalists as a coach. He's worked with or swam for some of the biggest names in swimming history, and when it's all said and done, his may outshine them all. Sergio has a story about everything, and we were lucky to share a conversation with him to hear a few.

Fresh off his stellar 2nd season with the DC Trident, Zach Apple joins us and gives his take on season 2, the bubble, how much money he made, feelings about knocking our 45-second 100 freestyles, playing poker with Chad le Clos, and how to make the ISL more exciting for the average sports fan. 'Zapple' then brings us through his incredible rise as he only started swimming consistently while in high school, then rockets through the NCAA, Team USA, and is now one of the preeminent sprinters vying for Olympic gold. Enjoy!

After 2 matches and 4 great days of racing in Budapest, we get together to discuss a few things that stood out. Jackpots. Who faded the worst. Standout swims. Disappointing swims. Best Performance. Lose the 400s? Lose a relay? Diversity. Money. Finally, we look at Latin American swimming with two guests on Instagram Live. One is Lane Four Podcast and the other a former Mexican swimmer.

Legendary coach and former World Class swimmer Byron MacDonald joins the show. We talk about his swimming, his long reign as University of Toronto coach, give a lovely recap of the History of Canadian swimming and then we jump into the ISL and Toronto Titans as he serves as the Head Coach? We run through the roster and look forward to the month of training, racing and circumstances the athletes will face. He is a former swimmer who competed for Canada in the 1972 Summer Olympics. He placed sixth in the final of the men's 100-metre butterfly Byron coached University of Toronto swim teams to 24 USports National Championships — Fifteen women's, and nine men's including most recently, a women's and men's team competition sweep of the 2015-2016 national titles. Two of MacDonald's swimmers have won Olympic Medals — most recently Kylie Masse at the 2016 Olympic Games in the 100 metre backstroke. He also works as a television commentator analyzing major competitions in swimming. He is a two-time recipient of the Gemini Award for sports play-by-play broadcasting in recognition of his swimming analysis on CBC.

Hall of Fame swimmer and 3-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines joins the show! We talk about how COVID is affecting student-athletes who have trained their entire lives to play a sport only to now be sidelined and/or lose out on scholarships? We address the financial, professional and mental health repercussions, as well as the long-term effects on sports in general. We also get into the delayed 2020 (now 2021) Olympics and what they might look like next year, with reference to him being unable to compete in the 1980 Moscow Olympics because of the U.S. boycott. Additionally, Rowdy is head of community engagement for USA Swimming, and talks about the Aquatics Coalition they've launched to advocate for pools to remain open during the pandemic, arguing they are safe to use, and a necessary resource for swimming lessons and rehabilitation, particularly in low-income areas.