inside with brett hawke by Brett Hawke
In this powerful, insightful conversation, Brett Hawke sits down with legendary Hall of Fame coach Don Swartz to revisit his groundbreaking 1983 ASCA talk on "The Quantum Leap," cycle training innovations from the 1970s, the mental side of peak performance, flow states, declaration of intent, and empowering swimmers to achieve beyond their imaginations. Don shares stories from coaching Rick DeMont to world records, founding the Creative Performance Institute, and his lifelong passion for the sport—even coaching seniors and Masters at North Bay Aquatics into his late 70s.
Andrii Govorov sits down to discuss the decision that has shocked the swimming world—his alignment with the Enhanced Games. The Ukrainian sprint icon shares his motivation for joining the movement, critiques the current Olympic system, opens up about personal struggles during wartime, and outlines his vision for a fairer, more transparent, and athlete-focused future in sports.
The 50 Fly, the 50 Back, and the 50 Breast have been added to the LA 2028 Olympic Games. SPRINT REVOLUTION: Become a part of the Sprint Revolution! Get access to our growing collection of workouts, seminars, and exclusive content. New items added every month. ✓ 24 New Workouts Each Month✓ Online Educational Seminar✓ Live Q & A with Brett Once a Monthhttps://sprintrevolution.net/SWIMNERD: Swimming's most innovative equipment. Pace clocks, timing systems, touchpads, and scoreboards.https://swimpractice.com/INTL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME: Keep our sport's history alive by joining the 1 in 1000 Club! https://www.ishof.org/one-in-a-thousand/
Sabrina Parr is not your average coach. With a relentless focus on discipline, mental toughness, and accountability, she’s challenging the way her athletes train and think about their own potential. She has a no-nonsense approach to coaching and she pushes athletes beyond their limits to discover what they’re truly capable of.
Emma Igelström never expected to find herself in Saudi Arabia, pioneering swimming programs in a country where female competition only began three years ago. But the former world champion breaststroker and the first woman to ever break 30 seconds in the 50 SCM Breaststroke, has always been drawn to challenges.
Marie Wattel, a French Olympian and world-class sprinter, opens up about the challenges she faced in the past year, including a devastating knee injury during her Olympic preparation. She discusses the mental and physical toll of chasing perfection, her decision to move to the States to train at Arizona State University (ASU) under Herbie Behm, and her fresh perspective on competition, swimming, and personal growth.
Dr. Harrell focuses on the common injuries swimmers face, particularly shoulder issues, and emphasizes the importance of proper strength training, mobility work, and understanding individual biomechanics to prevent and address these issues. She stresses the importance of maintaining a long and healthy swimming career by mastering basic principles like proper hydration, nutrition, and recovery strategies. Both Dr. Harrell and Brett highlight the significance of athletes understanding their bodies, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, and actively engaging in self-reflection to optimize their performance and well-being.
Jonty Skinner and Kirk Grant explore the potential of AI in enhancing swimming performance. They examine how AI could revolutionize various aspects of the sport, from training analysis and biomechanics to athlete mindset and recovery. The conversation highlights the need for comprehensive data collection and organization to effectively leverage AI's capabilities. Furthermore, they discuss the importance of integrating AI advancements into coaching strategies at all levels, from grassroots to elite, fostering a collaborative athlete-coach relationship. They wrap up talking about the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving technological landscape and the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules in college athletics.
Ash Delaney shares his journey from competing in the Beijing Olympics to shaping the careers of some of Australia's top swimmers today, including insights on his coaching philosophy, the evolution of sprint training, and his pivotal role in guiding athletes like Kyle Chalmers and Isaac Cooper.
Brandt Nigro, head coach of Army West Point swimming, shared insights into his journey, the transformative progress of the program, and the unique aspects of coaching at a service academy. He highlighted the recent historic win against Navy after 35 years, the emphasis on leadership development, and the individualized approach to training. The conversation also explored recruiting challenges, balancing academics and athletics, and the vibrant atmosphere of their competitions.
Brett Hawke and performance expert Steve Magness dive into the challenges of dealing with overbearing parents in youth sports. They explore how parental pressure can lead to burnout, performance anxiety, and a loss of joy for young athletes - and share strategies to create a healthier environment for long-term success. Steve and Brett discuss: Why over-involvement harms young athletes' development. How to shift the focus from short-term wins to long-term growth. Practical advice for coaches to manage parent expectations. The key to letting kids take ownership of their sports journey.
Performance and endurance expert Steve Magness reveals the mental secrets that unlock elite athletic performance.
We’ve got a short little pod for you nerds this week, as we enjoy watching world records drop like flies over there in Budapest. Team America is off to a hot start with 10 total medals - 6 being gold - and a slew of WR’s.
Dan Daly is back on the pod sharing his insights and learnings. From his philosophy on training to the innovative tools he's using in his programs. Brett and Dan discuss how freestyle technique is on a spectrum, strength and conditioning for swimmers, and specialization in age group swimming.
Brett, Sonny, and Nate talk about swimming.
Linnea Mack and Mark Nikolaev chat about the future of competitive swimming and the game-changing Premier League Swimming (PLS). 🚀
Marius Kusch and Elliot Ptasnik dive into the unconventional methods that have taken Marius from considering retirement to achieving personal bests at the recent World Cups. They discuss Marius's return to competitive swimming, his decision to focus on sprint events, and how Elliot's coaching approach emphasizes quality over quantity. They break down how efficiency, power, and mental calmness are key factors in Marius's recent success.
This week we welcome Sean Kao, founder of Aquatic Sports Performance, shared his journey from a young swimmer to an experienced strength coach. Specializing in training swimmers and water polo athletes, Sean opened up about his philosophy of strength training and how it fits into the world of aquatics.
Brett has the pleasure of catching up with Joao Mescolote, a returning guest who's now fully immersed in coaching with Wolfpack Elite at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Coach Andrew Sheaff is the author of A Constraints-Led Approach to Swim Coaching. Brett and Andrew talk about the importance of skill development, the balance between drills and skills, and the idea of using constraints to naturally guide swimmers towards better performance.
Live from his car in Cairo, 3x Olympic Egyptian swimmer Marwan El Kamash joins the pod to discuss his journey, his experiences as a competitive swimmer, and his aspirations for Egyptian swimming.
Brett sits down with PASA Head Coach Tony Batis to dive deep into the intricacies of swim coaching. Tony shares his insights on kick development, speed-focused drilling, and what the future holds for USA Swimming.
In this episode, Brett chats with Benn Harradine, a three-time Olympic discus thrower and coach, about the evolution of sports training, the role of rest and recovery, and how modern training methods can optimize performance. From swimming in Sweden to systemic overtraining, Benn provides invaluable insights for athletes and coaches alike. Highlights: - The Swedish approach to coaching and swimming - The importance of sleep and cortisol in training - Applying high-low-medium principles in modern sports - Insights into systemic overtraining
Coach Tom Rushton discusses his coaching journey, the athletes he's worked with, and his approach to coaching. He shares details about his training philosophy, including using color-coded training zones, and working with elite swimmers such as Siobhan Haughey (Hong Kong) and Kregor Zirk (Estonia).Brett interviews Tom about various aspects of his career, including his experiences coaching at major competitions like the Olympics and his thoughts on race strategy and athlete development.
Brett sits down with Patrick Williams, a swim coach from Boaz, Alabama, to discuss his experiences in coaching, the significance of community, and his personal journey through grief after losing his son, Peyton. Patrick shares profound insights on the power of coaching, the importance of building relationships, and the joy of seeing young athletes thrive, both in and out of the water. They discuss how personal tragedies can shape one’s approach to life and coaching.
In this episode of Swim Talk with Bob Button & Dana Abbot, Nate Tschohl, the founder of Swimnerd and a pioneer in swimming technology, joins the show to discuss his journey from a college swimmer at Old Dominion University to launching a successful Kickstarter campaign that led to the creation of Swimnerd. Nate shares insights into the development of Swimnerd's innovative products, including the highly anticipated release of Swimnerd Timing. He also talks about his unique role coaching Navy SEAL candidates in combat swimming techniques and his passion for water safety and drowning prevention in the U.S. Throughout the episode, Nate provides a deep dive into the evolution of swimming technology, the challenges of content creation in the digital age, and his commitment to making swimming more accessible and safer for everyone.
Ato Boldon is a former Trinidadian sprinter who became one of the most successful track and field athletes in the world, especially known for his achievements in the 100m and 200m events. He is a four-time Olympic medalist and a world champion in sprinting. Ato competed in four Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004), winning bronze medals in the 100m and 200m in 1996, as well as silver and bronze medals in the 2000 Olympics.
200 Freestyle Olympic champion Mollie O'Callaghan sits down with Brett Hawke to discuss her incredible swimming journey, training under renowned coach Dean Boxall, and how she overcame the challenges leading up to the Olympics. Mollie shares personal stories about her growth in the sport, her unique training techniques, and how her family played a crucial role in her success. Enjoy this inspiring deep dive into the mindset of one of the fastest swimmers in the world, Mollie O!!
Olympic champion Torri Huske joins Brett Hawke to discuss her incredible performances in Paris, her journey to becoming one of the top swimmers in the world, and the mental and physical preparations that go into competing at the highest level. Torri shares insights into her training regimen, her experiences at the Olympics, and her time at Stanford.
In this episode, Australian swimmer Meg Harris shares her journey from the Tokyo Olympics to the Paris Games, discussing her surprising success, the challenges of training under various coaches, and her relentless pursuit of improvement. Meg opens up about her mental approach to racing, the evolution of her swimming technique, and the importance of finding happiness both in and out of the pool.
Irish Olympic champion Dan Wiffen sits down with Brett Hawke to discuss his journey to gold, his unwavering confidence, and the intense training that led to his success. Dan opens up about race strategies, the mental toughness required for distance swimming, and how he plans to continue smashing records.
University of Alabama swimmer Drayden Bell shares his experiences, from choosing Alabama as his college to developing into one of the top sprinters in the country. He discusses his commitment to promoting diversity in swimming and his aspirations for the future, including a potential Olympic run in 2028. Drayden also reveals his plans for a new podcast and business aimed at inspiring the next generation of swimmers.
Brett Hawke sits down with Olympic gold medalist Cam McEvoy and his coach Tim Lane to explore the groundbreaking journey that led to Cam's victory in the 50 Free at the Paris Olympics. Discover how their unique partnership, innovative training methods, and emphasis on mental and physical well-being redefined what it takes to achieve excellence.
Alex Shackell shares her incredible journey from competing at the Paris Olympics to returning to high school for her senior year. Discover how she handled the pressure of her first Olympic Games, her surprising reaction to earning two medals, and the challenges she faced balancing her Olympic aspirations with everyday teenage life. Alex also dives into her training routines, the influence of her Olympian parents, and her plans for the future, including college and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Nathan Adrian’s interview with Brett Hawke offers a fascinating glimpse into the technical and mental aspects of Pan Zhanle’s record-breaking 100 Free.
“This is unbelievable. I didn’t think I would swim the 100 free, honestly. After the freestyle relay on the first day, I told my coach, ‘No, I don’t think 100 free’s for me. I want to do the 50 and rest until the 50.’ And he was like, ‘No way, you need to go out there and see what you can do, no matter the outcome.’” - Sarah Sjostrom “I think my reaction said everything. I didn't really know where I was exactly when I finished. It took a few seconds before I saw that I won. I just felt like I had a really good race and was 100 percent focused on all the details I’ve been working on.” - Sarah Sjostrom
Pan Zhanle obliterated the entire men's 100 free field by over a full second! 22.28 24.12 46.40
Sonny recaps Day 2 Prelims of swimming at the Paris Olympics.
Experience the unbelievable Men's 400 Freestyle Final from the Paris 2024 Olympics! Lukas Martens of Germany shocked the world with a dominant performance, while Elijah Winnington from Australia got his redemption from Tokyo, and Kim Woomin from South Korea put up a fierce fight. Relive every thrilling moment of this epic race. Subscribe for more Olympic highlights and exclusive content!
Don't miss the epic showdown between Ariarne Titmus and Summer McIntosh in the Women's 400 Freestyle Final at the Paris 2024 Olympics! With Katie Ledecky also in the mix, this race was a thrilling battle of the 3 fastest 400 Freestylers ever in history. Watch every moment as Arni Titmus defends her title in an unforgettable race. Subscribe for more Olympic swimming action!
Brett, Megs, Kurt, Sonny, and Nate watch swimming at the Paris Olympics.
Michigan Head Coach Matt Bowe was in LA so he stopped by to chat it up with Brett.
Brett, Megs, Kurt, Sonny, and Nate talk about Swimming at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Coach Jeff Dugdale shares his experiences, challenges, and the philosophies that have propelled the Queens University swim team to national prominence.
In swimming, understanding the forces acting on a swimmer is crucial for optimizing performance. This involves managing drag, leveraging resistance, and maximizing propulsion.
A collegiate squash player at Harvard, Will Ahmed created WHOOP at 20 years old. He's now 12 years in, revolutionizing recovery and high performance monitoring.
Roald Van der Vliet and Sander Schreven are from the Inno Sport Lab in Eindhoven, where cutting-edge technology and scientific analysis are used to enhance swimming performance. They discuss the lab's advanced measurement systems, which provide precise feedback on starts and turns, and highlight the individualized approach that has led to significant improvements by combining technology, data, and practical coaching can revolutionize competitive swimming.
Michael Collins has been the Nova Masters Head Coach for nearly 25 years!
Lenny Krayzelburg, four-time Olympic gold medalist, won three gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, and the 4x100m medley relay, and one gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the 4x100m medley relay.
Brett & Sonny recap Day 8 of USA Swimming's Olympic Trials.
Last night, Shaine Casas touched second in the Men's 200 IM, punching his ticket to the Paris Olympics. The only person to beat him was his teammate, Carson Foster. Both went 1:55.
Brett & Sonny recap Day 7 of US Olympic Trials.
Sonny & Nate recap night 6 of US Olympic Trials.
Recap of Night 5 of US Olympic Trials with Sonny and Brett.
Jack Alexy or Caeleb Dressel? Kate Douglass or Torri Huske? WHO YOU GOT TONIGHT??
What a performance by Regan Smith to break the Women's 100 Backstroke World Record and take it back from Australia's Kaylee McKeown.
JACK ALEXY IS THE TRUTH!
Finals: Women 400 IM Final Men 200 Free Final Women's 100 Backstroke Semi Finals Men's 100 Backstroke Finals Women's 100 Breaststroke Finals Women's 200 Free Finals
Prelims: Women's 400 IM Women's 100 Backstroke REGAN SMITH Men's 800 Freestyle Finals: Women 400 IM Final Men 200 Free Final Women's 100 Backstroke Semi Finals Men's 100 Backstroke Finals Women's 100 Breaststroke Finals Women's 200 Free Finals
Tim Hinchey stops by to talk about the greatest swim meet ever, USA Olympic Trials in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Brett, Sonny, and Kurt talk about swimming, including Titmus' 200 Free World Record over her bff Mollie O.
Kensey McMahon opens up about the devastating impact of her four-year ban from swimming after testing positive for Vadadustat, a dialysis drug not FDA approved or available in America. Brett delves into the unexpected events leading to her ban, the challenges she faced in trying to clear her name, and her hopes for policy changes to prevent similar situations for other athletes.
Brett talks with Pat Forde, Sports Illustrated sports journalist, and McGee Moody, former Head Coach of William & Mary and the University of South Carolina. Together, they delve into the profound changes sweeping through NCAA athletics, focusing on how these shifts impact athletes and coaches, as well as the entire sport of swimming. With insights from their extensive careers, they aim to bring clarity to a time of unprecedented transition.
In this emotionally powerful interview, Brett sits down with Matt Kredich, the Head Coach of the University of Tennessee swim team.
Brett Hawke speaks with Riley Gaines about her journey from collegiate swimmer to advocate for women's sports. Riley shares her experiences at the U.S. Olympic Trials, the pivotal race against Lia Thomas, and how her faith has guided her through unexpected challenges. She also discusses her recent book, "Swimming Against the Current," and her ongoing efforts to protect women's sports and ensure fairness.
Nobody has broken 22 seconds more times than Bruno Fratus.
Two days after winning the NCAA Championship, Bob Bowman became the Head Coach of Texas Swimming. Luckily for Arizona State, they replaced him with Herbie Behm who then went on to hire Dave Salo.
Australian Brooke Hanson opens up about her incredible journey from missing two Olympic teams to achieving her dream of standing on the Olympic podium. She shares powerful stories of setbacks, struggles with self-doubt and reinventing herself physically and mentally. Most inspiring are Brooke's reflections on the importance of self-belief and focusing inward rather than outward comparisons. Her story is one of perseverance, spirit and never giving up that will motivate all athletes pursuing their Olympic dreams.
Renowned coach and physiologist Dr. Jan Olbrecht discusses modern approaches to sprint training in swimming. Dr. Olbrecht shares insights from his extensive research and experience working with elite athletes. He explores topics like individualizing training programs, aerobic capacity development, recovery strategies, and periodization models. Dr. Olbrecht also examines how biomechanics and technique continue to evolve. Coaches will gain valuable scientific perspectives and practical guidelines that can be applied to optimize their athletes' sprint performance. This interview provides actionable insights for implementing the latest research into swimming training programs. It's a must-watch for any swim coach seeking to understand contemporary methods for developing speed in the pool.
Brett, Sonny, Megs, Kurt, and Nate talk about the hot button items going on in the sport of swimming.
Sam Hoekstra is in the middle of a 100-day swimming challenge - where he swims a 50 freestyle at maximum effort every day. Sam discusses his progress over the challenge, going from times in the low 22 seconds to consistently in the low 20 second range. He credits improvements in his technique, strength, and mental focus. Brett interviews Sam about the challenge and what he has learned. They discuss the importance of sprint training, mental preparation, and recovery for swimming performance. They also analyze racing strategies and the mental aspects of sprint swimming competitions.
Daniel Moedas is the head physiotherapist for the Portuguese Swimming Federation. He works with athletes to prevent injuries, optimize performance, and expedite recovery from injuries.
New Zealand swimmer and coach Laura Quilter talks about redefining her approach to speed training. Laura achieved lifetime best times after reducing her training volume but focusing on high-intensity sessions 3 times per week. She emphasizes improving her technique through drills and exercises to develop power and body positioning in the water. They debate the traditional definition of "base training" and importance of incorporating speed and intensity work throughout training.
Nick Butler, from Eye Opening Media, discusses the ongoing controversy around 23 Chinese swimmers testing positive for a banned substance in 2021. While authorities claimed contamination caused the results, international bodies accepted this without thorough review, leading to accusations of a mishandled investigation and calls for further transparency.
Brett & Sonny go LIVE.
Kosuke Kitajima is considered one of the greatest breaststrokers of all time. He won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in both the 100 & 200 breaststrokes at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Swimming legend Jack Bauerle sits down for an in-depth interview about his storied 43-year career as coach of the University of Georgia swimming program. Coach Jack's swimmers won 7x NCAA team titles and 40 Olympic medals. He reflects on his influences, coaching philosophies, and the secrets to his incredible success in developing numerous national and Olympic champions. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about coaching (or in some cases, not coaching) iconic swimmers like Nic Fink, Courtney Shealy, and Kristy Kowal. Throughout the interview, Jack's passion for the sport and care for his athletes shines through.Brett and Jack also talk a little about Paris 2024, where USA Swimming currently sits, the rise of Chinese Swimming, and the importance of focusing on long course swimming.
World Champion Claire Curzan gives an inside look at her training process leading up to the Tokyo Olympics. Claire discusses how she developed her skills from a young age, the importance of kicking technique in her events, and her training under UVA Head Coach Todd DeSorbo. She also opens up about overcoming disappointments, balancing multiple strokes in her schedule, and maintaining focus amid the pressures of high-level competition. Claire provides insights into her mental preparation, long course vs. short course differences, goals for Olympic Trials, and the rivalry between Australia & America. Enjoy!
James Magnussen was offered $1 million by the new Enhanced Games to break the World Record in the 50 Freestyle.
Coach Bob Bowman is headed to Austin, Texas to take over for the retired, Eddie Reese. From one GOAT to another.
Markus Marthaler is a former Swiss national champion swimmer turned triathlete and coach. Online, he provides technique videos for all four strokes, helping people learn to swim faster. Closing in on 40, Markus is now trying to become the first human to ever swim from Tobago to Trinidad!
One of the world's greatest breaststrokers of all-time, 6x Olympic medalist, Brendan Hansen! Brett asks Brendan about his swimming career, including his experiences at the Olympics, reflections on his achievements, and the evolution of competitive swimming. They delve into Brendan's thoughts on contemporary swimmers, like Adam Peaty, and the strategic advancements in breaststroke technique. They also discuss Brendan's views on coaching, the influence of coaches like Eddie Reese, and the camaraderie and competitive environment within Team USA at the Olympics. They also touch upon the potential future of swimming events in the Olympics, notably the inclusion of the 50's of stroke. Brendan shares insights about his role at USA Swimming and emphasizes the significance of coach-athlete relationships and the personal growth stemming from sports. They end with contemplations on Brendan's legacy and future prospects in coaching, particularly the possibility of him taking a significant coaching role at the University of Texas.
Spanish Olympic swimmer Hugo Gonzalez reflects on winning gold at the 2024 World Championships and what it means for Spanish swimming. He discusses his training group at Cal under Coach Dave Durden and how it has helped him improve. Gonzalez shares his preparation for this summer, including altitude training and a long course schedule leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hugo also talks about the challenges of transitioning from college to pro swimming and qualifying more Spanish athletes for the Olympics team. Fans get an inside look at Gonzalez's mindset and preparation as he targets success in Paris. Our Sponsors:
Australian Charlie Hawke grew up in Newcastle, initially swimming butterfly and backstroke before transitioning more to freestyle events. He shares his success representing the University of Alabama and goals of making the Australian Olympic team. Brett offers advice on Charlie's training, recovery, and acclimation plans in the lead up to the Australian Olympic Trials and NCAA championships. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at Charlie's journey and strategies for balancing training peaks as he aims to compete at both upcoming high-level meets. The conversation also highlights lessons learned from Charlie's experiences that could help other swimmers in managing double peak preparation - the art of double tapering.
Likith Prema is the fastest breaststroke swimmer in India and is working to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
World Champion Aussie sprinter, Isaac Cooper, discusses his training philosophy, his experiences winning medals at the Doha World Championships, and his goal of becoming the fastest man in the world.
Hunter Armstrong covers many aspects of his swimming career and experiences representing Team USA. Most recently, at the World Championships in Doha, Hunter won 7 medals. He won the 100 Backstroke individually and went 47/145 on the freestyle relays.
Meet the 2024 50 Freestyle World Champion, Vlad Bukhov.
Following a quick bathroom break, here's part 2.
This week we are revisiting our #1 downloaded podcast of all-time, a two and a half hour marathon with the Head Coach of St. Peters Western Swimming Club, DEAN BOXALL!
Dan Wallace discusses his competitive swimming career, the rising talent of British swimmers, and his journey from retiring young to rediscovering swimming through challenges like ice swimming and coaching.
One of the world's best underwater dolphin kickers, Beata Nelson, explains her secrets to training underwater.
A few more kicking insights from the best in the swimming world.
Former World Record holder in the 100 Fly SCM, Kelsia Dahlia talks about training her kick.
Former 50 Backstroke World Champion, Zane Waddell, talks about underwater dolphin kicking.
This week, while World Champs are going on, we are doing a special week just on underwater dolphin kicking.
Marius Kusch, an Olympic butterfly swimmer for Germany, shares techniques for mastering the stroke through quality training focused on speed and proper form, avoiding slow drills that cause poor habits. He emphasizes relaxation during the recovery and engaging core muscles to generate power from a high elbow catch and efficient dolphin kick, believing more swimmers should adopt his mastery approach to reaching their potential in butterfly.
