The Weekly Freestyle

The Weekly Freestyle Podcast hits the “nervy 90s” with plenty to unpack, from behind-the-scenes chaos to big moments in the swimming world. There’s talk of listener involvement and a potential chance to join an upcoming relay, alongside recognition from the Royal Holloway Colors Ball where a Coach of the Year nomination, Freshman of the Year win, and a crest award capped off a strong night for the club.A huge focus is on Cam McEvoy’s 20.88 world record in the 50m freestyle, breaking down the explosive start, race execution, and the ultra low-volume, race-pace training approach shaking up sprint swimming. The discussion digs into whether this method is the future or if it only works off the back of years of high-volume training and elite physical attributes.The episode rounds out with key results from the Paris meet ahead of British Championships, plus exciting news of a potential Weekly Freestyle relay team entering competition. There’s even a call for a guest swimmer to join the squad, before wrapping up with race pace training chat and a fast, fun finish.

This week’s episode of The Weekly Freestyle dives into the creative mind of Lily Csonka, exploring how spontaneity shapes their content and why some of the best ideas come in the most unexpected moments. From filming on the fly to scrolling through TikTok for inspiration, Lily shares the reality of bringing ideas to life and the challenges of working in an environment where not everyone wants to be on camera. It is an honest look at creativity without structure, where not everything goes to plan but authenticity always wins.The conversation also uncovers the balance between shyness and self expression, as Lily opens up about finding content creation therapeutic despite moments of embarrassment. Treating filming like a job helps them push past self doubt, while the positive support from the community outweighs any negativity. Along the way, they share their favorite swimming venues across Europe, from the vibrant outdoor atmosphere of Canet-en-Roussillon to the iconic Duna Arena in Budapest, while even dropping a surprising hot take on the famous Foro Italico.From unforgettable moments poolside to behind the scenes stories with elite athletes, including encounters with David Popovici and the British relay squad featuring Duncan Scott, this episode blends humor, insight, and real life experiences in the swimming world. Lily also dives into their unique swim cap collection and shares some bold opinions on the sport, including why freestyle is their least favorite stroke.

Edinburgh bonus review show

In this episode, Alex Sutton sits down with Sam Lawman to dive into his unique journey through the world of life saving sport. Sam shares how he transitioned from standard pool swimming into a discipline that blends speed, endurance, and real world rescue skills, arguing that while it demands more technical ability, it also offers greater longevity in the water.The conversation explores Great Britain’s position on the global stage, highlighting the strong team culture shaped by the strategic format of World Championship competition. Sam also reflects on one of the defining moments of his career, the unforgettable relay victory at the 2022 World Championships.Beyond life saving, the episode takes a candid look at the current state of competitive pool swimming, including criticism of the restrictive Olympic qualification process for the 50 meter events. Sam also talks about building his presence outside the pool through his YouTube channel, Slaw Swims, and touches on his achievements in masters swimming.A must listen for swimmers, life saving athletes, and anyone interested in the evolution of aquatic sport.SLAW SWIMS: https://youtube.com/@slawswims?si=YrsKi2u5AChNUQ-Z

In this episode, Alex sits down with swimming content creator Lily Csonka, who joins the show while visiting her hometown of Győr, Hungary before returning to her new home just outside Barcelona. Lily shares the unexpected way she entered the swimming world through volunteering at the 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival in Győr. What began as a simple volunteer role quickly turned into a life-changing experience as she found herself surrounded by young athletes from across Europe and discovered a passion for the sport that would shape her career.Lily reflects on her path from volunteering at multiple international sporting events to trying traditional sports journalism through an internship at Hungarian television, an experience that ultimately pushed her to create her own platform instead. A frustrating volunteer role at the 2022 European Championships in Rome became the turning point, where she began sharing behind the scenes moments with swimmers on social media. The positive response from athletes and fans helped her realize there was space in the sport for more personal storytelling and authentic content.Now building a growing presence in swimming media, Lily focuses on highlighting athletes’ personalities and the human side of the sport, something she believes is missing from most traditional coverage. She discusses the importance of social media in helping swimming reach new audiences, the need for federations and clubs to embrace modern content, and her recent collaborations with European Aquatics. With hopes of attending more major meets including the Mare Nostrum Tour and upcoming European championships, Lily is helping bring a fresh and creative perspective to how swimming stories are told.To support the show visit our link Patreon link - https://patreon.com/TheWeeklyFreestyle?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

This week on The Weekly Freestyle 🎙️ Alex Sutton is joined by swimmer, coach and on deck pundit Luke Withers to break down the BUCS Long Course Championships at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre 🏊‍♂️ BUCS, run by British Universities and Colleges Sport, continues to strike the perfect balance between high performance and university pride, delivering three days of fast racing, stacked finals and all out relays 🔥We unpack the standout swims 🏆 Freya Colbert smashing a long standing 200 free record, Angharad Evans completing a dominant breaststroke triple, and Archie Goodburn lowering records while continuing to push his brain cancer research petition toward parliamentary debate Plus, we have an exclusive interview with Cam Brooker after his huge 200 back win and monster relay split 🎧We zoom out to the bigger picture too 👀 Stirling’s relay dominance, growing university squads and whether we are witnessing the rise of a new superpower in British university swimming 👑 With the Edinburgh International Swim Meet up next as a key trials prep meet, long course season is only just getting started 🚀 Tune in 🎙️To support the show visit our link Patreon link - https://patreon.com/TheWeeklyFreestyle?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

The Weekly Freestyle is back with Olympic, World and Commonwealth medalist Freya Anderson, joining us for a candid update from her new training base in Stirling. She shares how she’s settling in after the move from Bath, adjusting to dark Scottish winter mornings, and getting stuck into competitive in house race sessions as part of the high performance environment. Freya reflects on a recent long course 100 free where her sprint speed is still building, but her technical work on dive starts, underwaters and turns is already paying off. In conversation with host Alex Sutton, we explore why skills still decide races at the highest level and how marginal gains off the walls can make a medal winning difference.At the heart of this episode is a powerful and deeply personal discussion about Freya’s long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis. After years of symptoms, misdiagnosis and being placed on different contraceptives while searching for answers, she finally received confirmation through MRI results and underwent laparoscopic surgery shortly after the European Short Course Championships. Freya speaks openly about the physical and emotional toll, stepping away from training for a month to recover, and the frustration of knowing something was wrong but struggling to be heard. She emphasises how common the condition is, why debilitating pain should never be normalised, and why she feels a responsibility to use her platform to raise awareness and encourage others to advocate for themselves.We also look ahead to a packed season including Edinburgh International, Paris, Trials, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships as Freya continues building back to full speed. Beyond performance, we celebrate her sharing the Aquatics GB Social Impact Award with Hector Pardoe and discuss her Fast and Female initiative, which is helping young girls build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging in sport. This is an episode about resilience, perspective and using your voice for something far bigger than results

We've been working on something behind the scenes, and this is your first taste.Here's a 10-minute snippet from our very first Patreon exclusive episode. The full version goes deeper, with uncut conversations and content you won't hear anywhere else.If you like what you hear, come join us on Patreon. Every penny goes straight back into the podcast, helping us get better kit, bigger guests, more episodes. It's your listener support that helps grow the show.For behind the scenes content and more, sign up for THE WEEKLY FREESTYLE PATREON HERE ... https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheWeeklyFreestyle

This week on Weekly Freestyle 🏊‍♂️, Alex Sutton is joined by Olympic champions Tom Dean and Freya Anderson, with top British coach Luke Withers dropping in for an episode packed with swimming insight, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs.The conversation kicks off with a debate on the most iconic pools in the world 🌍, from Rome’s stunning Setti pool to memories of Budapest and tough training blocks away from home.Luke then puts Tom and Freya under the microscope with a freestyle stroke breakdown 💥, comparing their styles and highlighting what makes each of them so effective in the water.Tom also praises Freya’s racing instincts 🏅, recalling her fearless competitive spirit, while Freya opens up about the challenges of staying motivated and finding that fight again, with everyone agreeing her best swimming is still ahead.There’s also practical advice for young swimmers, including tips on dealing with dry hair and skin after hours in chlorine 🧴, and a powerful discussion around the barriers young girls face in sport. Freya shares the mission behind Fast and Female 💪 and why supporting teenage athletes through puberty, confidence struggles, and school pressures is so important.Tom gives an update on the expanding Tom Dean Swim School 🌊, highlighting the growing need for learn to swim programmes and the huge impact teachers and mentors can have on the next generation.The episode wraps up with questions from club swimmers, post race meal favourites 🍔🍟, and the all important gorilla challenge debate 🦍😂.As always, it’s the perfect mix of swimming, wisdom, and Weekly Freestyle chaos.Patreon link - https://patreon.com/TheWeeklyFreestyle?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

This week, Alex Sutton is joined by Luke Guy for an episode that almost didn’t happen thanks to a small technical hiccup 😅. After regrouping, the boys dive straight into bonus territory, covering everything from Jim Guy’s unforgettable wedding and best man duties done properly 🍻 to shared accommodation dramas and freezing air con disputes ❄️.The conversation then shifts poolside, with Luke opening up about his return to masters swimming, the realities of training load, and why swimming is truly an all or nothing sport 🏊‍♂️. There’s also a deep dive into what’s coming in 2026, including Commonwealth Games storylines, international rivals, and some very spicy talk around a potential British 4x200 freestyle world record attempt 👀🔥.To finish, Alex puts Luke’s legendary swimming memory to the test with The Splits Quiz and unsurprisingly it delivers 🤯. Times, placings, relay orders, it’s all in there.Technical issues, top tier swim chat, and elite level nostalgia. Enjoy this one 🎧✨

Alex Sutton is joined by co host Luke Withers for a wide ranging catch up as the racing season kicks off. They open with life updates from the pool, including the shock of swimming in an uncomfortably warm 30.8°C pool, where masters swimmers voiced their complaints and Alex reluctantly admits to being one of them. Luke shares stories from a busy start to the season as both a swimmer and coach, while Alex reflects on returning to regular training and the small identity crisis that comes with moving between different pool environments.The conversation then turns to open water swimming following the cancellation of the Sydney Harbour Splash after multiple shark attacks along the New South Wales coast. Alex and Luke explore how open water racing differs from pool swimming, why it is an inherently aggressive and unpredictable sport, and the unique skills required to manage mass starts, positioning, and sprint finishes. Luke shares his own experiences training in open water and discusses future ambitions, while both highlight why pool swimmers often underestimate the physical and mental demands of open water racing.To wrap up, Alex breaks down his first long course race, including a 400m and a sub 30 second 50m freestyle, with Luke providing technical insight into sprinting, pacing, and why long course and short course swimming should never be treated as interchangeable. The episode closes with a new quick fire segment, Three Questions with Withers, touching on the Enhanced Games, swimming meme culture, and whether scrolling through gala results is really the best way to find a girlfriend.Enjoy 😀

Alex Sutton is joined once again by Luke Guy, bringing an informed and honest perspective shaped by a lifetime in elite swimming and his work within the sport. Luke reflects on growing up alongside his brother James Guy, sharing how swimming was ingrained in family life from an early age and how a strong work ethic helped shape success at the highest level.The conversation dives into the current state of British Swimming and the sport’s visibility more broadly. Luke offers clear views on what’s working, what needs to evolve, and why swimming continues to struggle for mainstream attention. Discussing media coverage, accessibility for fans, and why modern formats that prioritise entertainment and storytelling are vital for the sport’s future.The episode also explores what world-class performance really looks like, revisiting iconic swims from British swimmers and international athletes. Alex and Luke finish by examining racing frequency and athlete readiness, questioning whether swimming would benefit from more regular competition and a system that keeps athletes race-ready all year round.

We’re back for 2026 with a Best Bits special!Alex returns solo to the world-famous Wednesday 6 a.m. slot with a handpicked compilation of standout moments from 2025. Reflecting on the conversations, chaos, and characters that made the year unforgettable, this episode features:Tom Dean on the Singapore World ChampionshipsA lively segment with Katie Shanahan and Freya AndersonThe now-infamous chicken suit clip with Spencer MatthewsTransfer and swimming expert Luke Withers, revisiting the beloved transfer talk episode still a favourite, especially for his Italian accentCatch all the highlights, laughs, and unforgettable moments from last year!JOIN OUR PATREON HERE:https://patreon.com/TheWeeklyFreestyle?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkSee you next Wednesday.

🎄✨ The Weekly Freestyle – Christmas Special 2025 ✨🎄Santa’s come early to The Weekly Freestyle 🎅🎙️ as Alex Sutton dons the Christmas hat and welcomes Luke Withers and a jet lagged Tom Dean back from Australia for a proper festive freestyle!There are Christmas crackers (pulled correctly), questionable jokes, riddles that may or may not make sense, and gifts straight from around the world including a European Union sweatshirt and golf balls from Royal Sydney ⛳🎁. Drinks are poured, electrolytes are debated, and the festive vibes are flowing.Tom breaks down a whirlwind travel schedule from Europe to Brisbane, chats racing medleys, new events, PBs, and even opens up about a controversial DQ (yes, that IM turn…). The team also dish out brilliant advice for masters swimmers juggling training with mince pies and mulled wine 🏊‍♂️🍷.Looking ahead, the 2026 swimming calendar gets a festive preview, before things descend into chaos with Christmas unpopular opinions (when should you eat Christmas dinner?!) and a fiercely contested 2025 Christmas Quiz complete with buzzers, swimming trivia, and a dramatic tiebreaker.To top it all off, Alex delivers a handcrafted Christmas poem, “A Freestyle Christmas 2025 Fine in Rhyme”, wrapping up an incredible year for the podcast 🎄❤️Crackers pulled. Hats worn. Freestyle festive chaos delivered.

In this episode of The Weekly Freestyle, I’m joined once again by Charlie Harris - Digital Communications Officer at Scottish Swimming and host of The Aqua Pod let's dive straight into one of the biggest talking points in swimming right now.Let’s get straight to it… are Team USA trying to sabotage Team GB ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics?We break down the controversial changes to the Olympic swimming schedule, including the moving of the 200M IM closer to the 4by2oom freestyle Relay final:Is this actually allowed?Who’s responsible for making these decisions?Can Team GB appeal?And is there anything Team GB (or other nations) could do in response?We also look at past examples, from Leon Marchand’s schedule in Paris as he won butterfly and breaststroke gold in one night.Plus, we lighten things up with a bonus segment: Pool of the Week, as Charlie shares his pick and we discuss what makes a great swimming venue.As always, thanks for listening and a big thank you to Charlie Harris from The Aqua Pod for joining me once again.