Freestyle Media

Apr 14 2025 132 ep. 43 mins 13

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Weekly podcasts, all for the sport we love.

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#131: Finding Free Speed

Apr 14 2025 49 mins

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. As a former swimmer and masters swimmer himself, he brings the book to life with stories from a life spent watching some of the best swimmers and coaches in the world. Listen in to find out how you might gain some free speed in th

#130: Flourishing after breast cancer

Apr 07 2025 53 mins

Judy Brown and Laura Kerrigan join Helen Gorman to discuss breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and successful returns to the pool. Their experiences are very different, but they share a determination and positivity that has helped them flourish after cancer. Judy shares stories about her records and incredible recent success in the 60-64 age group, and Laura explains why she's setti

#129: Chlorine-Fuelled Catastrophes - dealing with swim meet disasters

Mar 31 2025 48 mins

Michelle Ware and Dominic Wooldridge join Helen Gorman for a discussion on racing disasters. This light-hearted look at past mistakes includes botched dives, malfunctioning equipment and backstroke navigation issues. These things happen to everyone - even masters world champions!

#128: The Rise of Trojan SC With Help From AP Race

Mar 24 2025 51 mins

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. Plus, hear one of the toughest sets that masters world record-break

#127: Balancing Motherhood, Science and a Swimming Comeback

Mar 17 2025 45 mins

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. Hear about Julie's past as a Commonwealth Games athlete in Melbourne in 2006, her decision to step away from competitive swimming at a young age, and her passion for science. Discover what moti

#126: Will CrossFit Make Me A Better Swimmer?

Mar 10 2025 45 mins

Helen Gorman meets up with Exeter-based fitness trainer Del Pitcher to explore whether CrossFit and Hyrox can enhance performance in masters swimming. They compare these to other forms of land-based workouts and discuss why swimmers often excel in the CrossFit Games and Hyrox events. Drawing from his background in military and police fitness, as well as his experience in swimming,

#125: From Trash to Treasure - How Data Centres and Landfills Could Revolutionise Sustainable Swimming

Mar 03 2025 53 mins

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. They explore sustainability, from pools warmed by data centres and landills to medals crafted by recycled electronics. Plus, could stickin

#124: Sprinting, International Lifesaving and the Science of Sport

Feb 24 2025 40 mins

Meet Sam Lawman, a powerhouse in the pool and a key player in East Leeds' world-record-breaking relay teams. Whether he's representing Great Britain in sport lifesaving or dominating underwater fin events, his speed and skills are exceptional. But Sam isn't just fast, he's got the brains to match it. With a Master's in Sport Science and a future in physiotherapy, he offers expert i

#123: Elite Swimming Highs and Lows, RED-S, Medicine and Masters

Feb 17 2025 43 mins

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. Now working as a doctor, Kat explains that Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) ended her elite career but that masters swimming with Trafford Metro SC drew her back to

#122: Brain Tumour to Record Breaking with Cate Jackson

Feb 10 2025 48 mins

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. Enjoy memories from swimming at Millfield School and reaching an individual final representing Guernsey at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia. Hosted by Helen Gorman.