freestyle media by Joe Malone

World records, epic performances, travel tails and pornstar martinis…

We’re joined by respected swimming journalist Liz Byrnes, who has spent more than two decades at the heart of the sport covering Olympic Games, World Championships and some of swimming’s biggest moments.

Join Charlie Harris and Helen Gorman for a preview of the 2026 British Masters Championships in Aberdeen.

In this episode, super sprinter and sports scientist Sam Lawman lays out exactly how to nail the final 30 minutes before you step onto the blocks. 

Back from a week training with Trojan SC in the Lanzarote sunshine, masters world record holders Helen Gorman and Jo Corben discuss everything from tough morning sets to celebrity selfies, sightseeing and cheese.

Nicola Charlesworth shares her remarkable journey as a deaf swimmer, her return to the pool after a 17-year break, and the record-breaking performances that have made her a name to look out for in masters swimming.

Trafford Metro’s Chris Malpass chats about life in the early stages of recovery from knee surgery. Confined to the sofa rather than the pool, he shares the realities of rehab, adapting training, and the mental resilience needed to stay motivated when everything stops.

Join Olympic medallist and coach Brian Brinkley for a trip back to one of the most turbulent eras in sport.

Helen Gorman catches up with masters swimmer John Wood following his standout performances at the Aquatics GB Championships in London, where racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the country’s elite pushed him to a lifetime best in the 100m butterfly at age 40.

Mike Peyrebrune, coach and sports scientist at Loughborough University, joins us to share expert insight into altitude training and warm weather camps. Drawing on his experience working with Olympic swimmers, Mike explains how elite athletes use these environments to fine-tune performance - and what that really looks like in practice.

We sit down with 2025 British Masters Decathlon champions Michelle Ware and Mike Hodgson to unpack one of swimming’s most intriguing competitions.

We discuss the radical training behind the fastest man in the world. Sonny Trigg shares what he learned from spending time in Brisbane with Cameron McEvoy.

Meet Siân Clement, an intrepid open water and ice swimmer dividing her time between South Wales and Orkney and rarely choosing the easy path.

Jamie Ingram joins us Helen Gorman to discuss his tapering strategy ahead of the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships this April. He’s one of Britain’s top butterfly swimmers and a Commonwealth Games medallist from 2022. 

This week we dive into the science of lactate, that familiar burning sensation you feel in the closing stages of a hard race, and explore why bicarbonate of soda – baking powder – is being used by elite athletes to slow down lactate acid production. We look at how athletes can train to improve lactate tolerance, considering diet, lifestyle and age as a factor. We consider why elite athletes across different sports have experimented with taking bicarb supplements and whether it can genuinely help swimmers hold their speed when fatigue kicks in. Joining us are Jack Gray and Josh Elston-Carr from sports nutrition brand, FLYCARB. 

Michael Read MBE is a legend of British swimming. He has spent more than six decades pushing the limits of endurance in the water. Selected for the 1960 Olympic team before an accident ended that dream, he went on to carve out an extraordinary career in marathon swimming — including 33 crossings of the English Channel, earning him the title of "King of the Channel.”

David Bryant is competing more than anyone we know right now - chasing records and rolling back the clock to his youth.

Mel Bardsley has never just “gone for a swim.” From representing her country in artistic swimming to winning BUCS university water polo championships and competing in National League Division 1, she’s spent a lifetime pushing limits in the water. 

In December, Dom Wooldridge broke the British Masters 100m butterfly record in the 30–34 age group - with an unexpected training partner: AI.

We catch up with masters swimmer Brad Price after he’s just wrapped up an epic January challenge: 100 pull-ups every single day - 3,100 in total - in support of a charity that helps retired military and police dogs live out their well-earned retirements. 

Rebecca Lennon and Sarah Fitzgerald-Smith join Helen Gorman on the Master Swimming Podcast for a powerful conversation about the realities of attempting to swim the English Channel - where preparation meets uncertainty, and outcomes are never guaranteed.

Is AI the ultimate assistant coach or a step too far?

Do you wish you could race in one of those shiny rubber full body suits from 2009? Do you think you could smash your personal best times and look like a superhero in the process? Or are you glad that those days are gone?

Backstroke ace, Lauren Quigley joins us at the start of a Commonwealth Games year to reflect on the medals she won at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and during an illustrious career at saw her crack the 60 second mark for 100m backstroke (long course).

John Wood joins Helen Gorman to reflect on the European Masters Short Course Championships held in Lublin, Poland. We discuss everything from John's impressive gold medal and lifetime best performance in the 100m butterfly to the size of pizza slices available at the pool cafe. 

Rival Inter County team managers from Surrey (Laura Kerrigan) and Hampshire (James MacTavish) take on the 'Inter County Christmas Cup', a new podcast game show devised without any rules or a scoring system. Helen Gorman asks the questions and Joe Malone is called in work out who wins. 

Hear from Jane Asher following her induction into the Swim England Hall of Fame. 

This week, we meet Glen Christiansen, a Swedish Olympian and Masters World Record holder. We discuss Glen's journey from elite swimmer to coach, his heart breaking experience at the 1980 Olympics, why he attended the first ever World Masters Championships in Tokyo, and his recovery from a serious accident that resulted in him needing to relearn how to walk, talk and eat. 

Imagine doing just five months of training and breaking 50 seconds for the 100m freestyle? That’s exactly what Arran Francis did and he’s now one of the most exciting new faces on the masters swimming scene. Helen Gorman tracked him down to find out more.

This week, we meet Reg Lloyd, who shares his journey from elite swimming to managing type 1 diabetes and finding unexpected joy in masters swimming.

Host Helen Gorman chats to Fleur and Spencer Turner, a well-known and very high achieving couple in the British Masters swimming community. They discuss their experiences at the US Masters Championships in Federal Way this summer, their achievements (including world record breaking relays), and the dynamics of being a competitive family. 

After coaching Trafford to the Top Club award for the fourth year in a row, Bob Bolton joins Helen Gorman to review the National Masters Championships in Sheffield. Discussion covers record breaking swims, notable performers and unique insight into training and racing.

George Taplin joins the Masters Swimming Podcast to discuss his record-breaking end-to-end swim in Lake Windermere. George has a unique perspective on ecology and cleaning up our waterways given his full-time employment in the water industry. 

Sonny Trigg, the one and only SwimSuitGuy, joins Helen Gorman to preview the 2025 National Masters Short Course Championships in Sheffield.

In this episode of the Masters Swimming Podcast, mother and daughter duo, Heidi and Vivien Bell-West, share their experiences along with their family legacy connected to Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel. Preferring to sprint rather than swim long distances, Heidi has won global medals and set new national records this year in the 55-59 category. 

In this episode of the Master Swimming Podcast, host Helen Gorman speaks with Chris Harris, a sports scientist from Precision Fuel and Hydration, about the importance of hydration for swimmers. 

What happens when your shoulder suddenly goes ping, and the only way back to the pool is through surgery? For many swimmers, years of relentless arm rotations can take their toll, leading to chronic overuse injuries.

In this episode of The Masters Swimming Podcast, Helen Gorman speaks to Jeff Commings, a Masters World Champion and former USA National Team swimmer. They cover everything from being thrown into the water as a four-year-old to getting a full scholarship at the University of Texas and breaking masters world records.

In this episode of the Master Swimming Podcast, Helen Gorman interviews Professor Greg Whyte, a world-renowned sports physiologist and master swimmer. They discuss the progression in swimming and human performance in general, the importance of sports science, and how aging can be managed through proper training and nutrition.

In this episode of the Masters Swimming Podcast, host Helen Gorman speaks to professional triathlete, Andy Horsfall-Turner about his journey from being a distance swimmer to a professional triathlete. Andy is a Level 3 swimming and triathlon coach with experience of coaching junior, senior and masters swimmers as well as triathletes.

We invite three more swimmers into the studio to tell their stories from the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore. 

In this celebratory 150th episode of the Master Swimming Podcast, hosts Helen Gorman and Joe Malone reflect on three years of the show, and the recent World Masters Championships in Singapore. 

We speak to Nathan Oxford about shoulder health and injury prevention in masters swimmers. 

Helen Gorman chats to Lara Ferguson, a Scottish three-time Paralympic swimmer and current Masters swimmer in the 45-49 age group. They discuss Lara's journey from her early days in competitive swimming to her international experiences, including winning two Paralympic medals at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. 

Helen Gorman interviews Arthur Lowe, a remarkable swimmer who has been breaking British records in the 90-94 age group. Arthur, who is joined by his wife, Marion, shares his journey in swimming, from early days of being sent by his mother into Birmingham to have a bath to his current training and record breaking. He emphasises the importance of technique and enjoyment in the sport.

Sports psychologist and British record breaker, Helen Davis joins us to chat about managing nerves and performance anxiety in competitive swimming. We discuss visualization techniques, the difference between threat and challenge mindsets, and how to set realistic performance goals. 

In this episode of the Masters Swimming podcast, you'll find out everything you need to know about travelling to and competing at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore.

In this episode of the Masters Swimming podcast, we speak to Gina Heyn about her achievements and record breaking in the 40-44 age group. 

East Leeds swimmer and experienced coach, Simon Ward joins us to explore performance traits that everyone can adopt without spending additional time or money.

In this episode, host Helen Gorman and guest Alex Thurston discuss equipment for power and speed training, and the importance of it for masters swimmers. They explore various types of equipment that can help enhance performance, including fins, paddles, parachutes, and socks. 

The British Masters Championships saw five individual and one relay world record shattered in a display of speed and stamina at the iconic London 2012 Olympic pool.

From representing Great Britain as a junior to making history as the Caribbean’s first openly gay international swimmer, Michael Gunning’s journey is one of resilience, pride, and transformation. After missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, Michael turned disappointment into purpose, taking on a leading role with Pride House for the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Games.

Helen Gorman is joined by Sonny Trigg aka ‘The Swimsuit Guy’ to preview the British Masters Championships. Set at London’s iconic Olympic venue, this sold-out showdown promises personal bests galore, and we suggest some of the must-watch events.

What's in your swim bag could be the key to unlocking smoother, faster strokes. In this episodes, experienced coach and swimmer, Dan Bullock reveals his top three pieces of training equipment that every swimmer should be using to boost efficiency and refine technique.

What happens when a multi world record-breaker meets the rising star who's surpassing some of her records? We sit down with backstroke star Jo Corben and 'young pretender' Kirsty Johnson to discuss their rivalry and mutual admiration.

World Masters Record Holder Rebecca Guy isn't just keeping up with the next generation, she's rising to new heights to match them. At the recent GB Aquatics Championships in Lindon, Rebecca took on a field of elite teenage swimming stars, including a world junior record holder, and powered her way to a silver medal with a lifetime best performance.

How much does it really cost to chase your swimming dreams? Liz Simpson crunches the numbers on Joe Malone’s annual spend and uncovers a surprising culprit driving up his costs - a serious goggle habit!

Helen Gorman chats to Simon Griffiths, or Mr Swimming as he should really be known. As founder of Outdoor Swimming Magazine, published author, seasoned Thames River regular, and masters swimmer with Teddington SC, Simon's life is all things aquatic. 

Sports massage therapist and City of Sheffield masters swimmer, Ken Flett and Dom Wooldridge discuss recovery with Helen Gorman.

As the countdown begins for entries to open for the British Masters Swimming Championships, Helen Gorman dives into conversation with Jonathan Saunders to preview what's in store at this year's premier long course showdown in London this June.

After coaching Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee, Paul Eaglestone decided to put his methods to paper and write a book. Today he chats to Helen Gorman.

Judy Brown and Laura Kerrigan join Helen Gorman to discuss breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and successful returns to the pool. 

Michelle Ware and Dominic Wooldridge join Helen Gorman for a discussion on racing disasters.

Award-winning coach Tony Corben and AP Race's Kevin Pickard discuss the rapid evolution of South Downs Trojan SC. In this conversation, we cover the recent visit of the AP Race team to Trojan, explore coaching philosophies, and step into the new Freestyle Media Confession Booth for some exclusive coaching insights.

Mum of four, Julie Howe, chats to Helen Gorman about pregnancy, motherhood and swimming 400 IM at the National Masters Championships just three months after giving birth to her fourth child. 

Helen Gorman meets up with Exeter-based fitness trainer Del Pitcher to explore whether CrossFit and Hyrox can enhance performance in masters swimming.

Coventry Masters swimmer Martyn Brunt dives into the eco-side of swimming with Helen Gorman, proving that every little choice counts - from holding onto the same kickboard for two decades to embracing the simple joy of a train ride to Sheffield.

Meet Sam Lawman, a powerhouse in the pool and a key player in East Leeds' world-record-breaking relay teams. 

Kat Greenslade reflects on an elite career that saw her win Commonwealth and European Championship medals. Her career was building perfectly towards the 2020 Olympic Trials until Covid and a freak injury hit.

Cate Jackson broke a British masters record exactly one year after major surgery to remove a brain tumour. She tells her story openly and eloquently. 

Three intrepid ice swimmers chat to Helen Gorman about their success at the Ice Swimming World Championships in Malveno, Italy. 

Olympic gold medalist (and masters world record holder), Anna Hopkin, reflects on her career and, having recently retired, discusses what comes next. She talks about the intense focus she had training in the US that helped her become one of the best sprinters in the world. Helen Gorman hosts.

Triple Olympian, Roland Lee, reflects on his Team GB, Army and Masters Swimming Career. 

This week we're joined by Amanda Heath, Martin Bennell and Bob Bolton to debate what they each believe is the toughest event in swimming - hosted by Helen Gorman.

Dawn Kissack is just 0.2 off the world record for 50m freestyle in the 60-64 age group. She talks us through her training and coaching philosophy as well as her backstory from growing up in Sheffield to living in Scotland.

It's the Christmas Special Podcast for 2024! Host Helen Gorman is joined by Olly Espinasse, Joan Edwards and Joe Malone.

This week former Loughborough Head Coach Ian Hulme talks about his new venture, Signiture Swim Coaching, providing online personalised swim programmes to any swimmer. Ian spent 12 years coaching elite swimmers at Loughborough University, and guided a number of athletes to this year's Paris Olympics.

Nick Parkes has made a full recovery from a cardiac arrest at the National Masters Open Water Championships in 2023.

This week, Dr Conor Osborough applies his Olympic and Paralympic biomechanics experience to masters swimmers hoping to achieve speed and longevity in the pool.

Doctor and masters record holder Dom Wooldridge joins the podcast this week to talk about his training routine amid a testing career and lifestyle.

Sports Psychologist Helen Davis joins the podcast once more to talk about motivation, hosted by Helen Gorman.

Pullbuoy first came to light in 2000 thanks to founder Steve Buckley, providing a fan's eye view of British Swimming. 24 years later, it's still going strong. Steve joins Helen Gorman this week on the podcast to chat about that, and review the Masters National Championships that took place at the end of October.

Glenn Smith joins the podcast this week to talk about his role in the rise of Olympic and Paralympic swimmers at Mansfield Swimming Club.

Host Helen Gorman is joined by Julie Hoyle and Joe Malone to preview all the action across the weekend in Sheffield.

Rob Shaw is a record holder masters swimmer. He's also a cancer surviver. Listen to his story, hosted by Helen Gorman.

Hattie Pearson is a Radio DJ on Hits Radio. She is also a triathlete. Find out what songs get her through her swims, which songs she hates to have stuck in her head, and how she found a love for triathlon. 

This week, host Helen Gorman is joined by City of Cardiff coach Graham Wardell. They discuss the none negotiables for swimmers if they want to achieve longevity in swimming, despite life often getting in the way. 

Host Helen Gorman - a world record breaststroker herself - is joined by a fellow breaststroke record holder Ian Swift of City of Sheffield Swimming Club for this week's episode.

Trafford Metro's Rebecca Lennon has had quite the journey in swimming. From a top-level 200m backstroker in her formative years, to a marathon swimmer in her adult life, she is currently training to swim the English Channel. 

Host Helen Gorman is joined by Maggie Kelly MBE, who competed at the 1976, 1980 and 1988 Olympics. Maggie discusses her swimming career on the elite stage and her transition into masters swimming.

Host Helen Gorman is joined by Jo and Tony Corben to chat all about the Olympics, Paralympics, European Masters Champs, among other things.

The Freestyle Media podcast is ending how it started, with Kath Tunnicliffe, Beth Hogg and Joe Malone talking all things swimming.

This week we're joined by Jonathan Saunders, masters swimmer and member of the Masters Working Group, to discuss what we know so far about the Swim England Masters Nationals Championships, following the release of the schedule for the weekend. 

This week, masters swimmer and triathlon coach John Wood joins the podcast once more to discuss when to accelerate and decelerate your training, and what to do when life gets busy but you don't want to let go of your hard work. 

Former Great Britain Olympian and silver medallist, Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, joins the podcast this week to talk about coaching actress Daisy Ridley who stars as Trudy Ederle in Disney's Young Woman and the Sea, set to be released on 31 May 2024.

Masters swimmer John Griffin is on course to complete his challenge in 2024 of swimming a million metres, while aiming to raise £1 million in the process for the Cornish Air Ambulance. 

This week, Chris Malpass of Trafford Metro joins to discuss what went into organising Trafford's first-ever masters meet - from creating a working group months in advance, to defining the schedule of events, and choosing the music to play on the day.

Do you have to get on the blocks on a certain side? Do you have to eat a certain meal the day before? Or do you have to go to the toilet in the same cubicle each time (cough cough, Julie)? 

This week on Freestyle Media, swimmers Helen Gorman, Dan Mills and Katie Moore, along with Trafford Metro coach Bob Bolton, take part in a discussion on training volume. Is there a perfect amount and, if so, what is it? 

Amanda Heath competes in the 65-69 age category and is a serial medal winner and world champion. Records are a source of motivation for Amanda which keeps the fire burning bright for her. She considers swimming competitions a chance to compete but also spend time with her 'swimming family'.