Just the guys this week! Luke, Bryan, and John are back in classic Social Kick mode — no guests, no script, just pure swim talk. The crew catches up on everything happening across the swim world: new records in China and Russia, Summer McIntosh’s big move to Arena, college season chaos, and even a few triathlon and high school highlights. It’s the kind of episode that feels like hanging out with your swim buddies after practice — full of takes, laughs, and real conversation about the sport we love. In this episode: Yu Zidi breaks a 13-year Asian Record 🇨🇳 Egor Kornev’s 44.99 lights up Russian SC Nationals Summer McIntosh signs with Arena — what’s that deal worth? Cal vs. Stanford, NC State’s “Raleigh Rumble,” and the Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge Ironman 70.3 Worlds and swimmers leading the way High school phenom Luka’s blazing times and Bolles’ new relay record 🎧 Dive in for the latest swim news, wild speculation, and plenty of good vibes — it’s all part of The Social Kick Podcast.

Ukraine’s next great sprinter joins The Social Kick! 🇺🇦Nikita Sheremet is the World Junior Champion and Record Holder in the 50 freestyle (21.75) — tying Michael Andrew’s World Junior Record last summer. Now racing for the University of Louisville, he’s already made waves in the NCAA with a 19.28 freshman record and big goals for the European Championships. In this episode, Nikita shares his remarkable journey from Ukraine to Poland to escape the war, his move to the U.S., and how he built world-class sprint speed at such a young age. We break down sprint training, mindset, dryland work, and a few fun rapid-fire questions from fans. If you love fast swimming, big goals, and the next wave of sprint talent — you’ll love this one. 🎙️ Highlights: Training for a 21-second 50 freestyle Building power & explosiveness as a young sprinter From Ukraine to Louisville: a swimmer’s journey Rapid fire Q&A: pull-ups, Fortnite, favorite food & more Goals for 2025 Europeans and NCAAs 💬 Connect & Subscribe:Follow The Social Kick on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify.Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to support the show!

Former Cal swimmer Greg Harper is now one of the best swimmers in triathlon — leading out the swim at the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships and chasing the Kona swim course record next year. In Episode 271 of The Social Kick Podcast, Greg joins us to talk about his journey from NCAA swimming to pro triathlon, what triathletes often get wrong about swim training, and how fatherhood has changed his approach to training and racing. We dive into: The biggest lessons from racing at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona What swimmers need to know to make a successful jump into triathlon Greg’s unfiltered thoughts on triathlon culture, prize money, and sponsorships Whether it’s ever OK to wear a watch in swim workouts Hot takes on the Enhanced Games, the T100 Series, and the future of the sport Known for his honesty and humor as a co-host on The Triathlon Hour, Greg brings the same energy here — mixing insight, candor, and a swimmer’s perspective on the multi-sport world. Whether you’re a triathlete, swimmer, or just love a good endurance sports story, this episode’s for you. 🎙️ The Social Kick Podcast — where swimming meets the rest of the world.

The 2025 Swimming World Cup wrapped up with one of the fastest nights in history — five world records in a single session! 🏊‍♂️   In this episode, former world champion and commentator Bobby Hurley joins The Social Kick crew to break down the epic Toronto finale and the standout moments from three incredible weeks of racing.   We dive into the biggest performances, the prize money race, surprises and disappointments, and how the World Cup continues to evolve into one of the sport’s premier showcases.   Get Bobby’s insider take from his own experience on the World Cup circuit and hear our full breakdown of what made 2025 one of the most exciting years ever for short course swimming.

Australian Olympian Tommy Neill joins The Social Kick to talk about his journey from back-to-back Olympic bronze medals to a much-needed reset. After stepping away to recover from injury and refocus on life, Tommy’s back training with a sharper mindset and fresh motivation. We dive into his comeback, the grind of elite swimming in Australia, and what’s next for this two-time Olympic medalist.

Before joining the powerhouse Virginia Cavaliers, Bryn Greenwaldt was already making NCAA history — becoming the first woman in Division II to break 22 seconds in the 50 freestyle while also competing as an All-American high jumper. Now beginning her fifth year and first season in Division I swimming, Bryn brings a unique two-sport background, combining explosive athleticism with the mindset of a seasoned competitor. In this episode, she talks about her journey from Augustana University to UVA, how track and field training shaped her sprint power and underwaters, and what she’s learning inside one of the nation’s most dominant swim programs. It’s an authentic, fun, and inspiring conversation about transitions, training culture, and finding balance in the grind — with one of the most intriguing new faces in college swimming. 🎙️ Listen to more conversations with the world’s best swimmers on The Social Kick Podcast.

We’re diving into the 2025 World Aquatics World Cup with Bobby Hurley — former world champion swimmer, World Cup star, and one of the sharpest voices in swimming commentary. From his unique insider perspective, Bobby breaks down everything that makes this year’s World Cup series so compelling: the new format, prize money, and its place in the global swimming calendar. We compare today’s three-stop tour with the eight-stop grind from Bobby’s era, and unpack standout performances from Carmel — including Gretchen Walsh’s stunning new world record. Plus, we go deep on the big debates:• Who are the best short-course swimmers to never win a major long-course title?• How would Michael Phelps have performed in today’s short-course World Cup format?• What does the World Cup really mean for a swimmer’s training and career? Whether you’re a lifelong swim fan or just discovering the sport, this episode delivers expert insight, bold opinions, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of swimming’s most exciting events.  

2023 World Champion 🏆 and Olympic medalist Sam Short joins The Social Kick Podcast for a deep dive into what drives one of the world’s best distance swimmers. Sam’s already redefining what it means to go the distance — from his brutal training sets that have become the stuff of legend, to the mental toughness it takes to dominate the 400 and 1500 on the world stage. In this episode, Sam talks about: The mindset that separates good from great in distance swimming What it’s like chasing Australian icons like Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe His favorite (and toughest) workouts Rivalries, rule changes, and the future of the sport Life outside the pool — food, tattoos, and film obsessions It’s an unfiltered look at a world champion’s world — equal parts grind, grit, and Aussie pride. 🎙️ Catch more conversations with the world’s best swimmers every week on The Social Kick Podcast.

At just 16 years old, Luka Mijatovic became the fastest 18 & under swimmer ever in the United States. After a breakthrough summer, he earned a spot on his first senior international team and represented Team USA at the World Championships. In this episode, Luka opens up about: The tough lessons learned after a team-wide illness left him drained at Worlds 🌍 His college recruiting journey, why he only took three official visits, and what excites him about training where he isn’t the fastest swimmer in the pool 🎓 The brutal training sets that tested his limits 💪 The Olympic gold medalist who texted him encouragement 🥇 His bold prediction for the future of the 400 freestyle 🔥 Luka’s story is one of resilience, hunger, and fearless ambition. Don’t miss this conversation with one of swimming’s brightest young stars. 🎧 Subscribe to Social Kick for more conversations with the world’s top swimmers, coaches, and innovators in the sport.

Rylee Erisman is back on Social Kick! Fresh off a historic summer at the World Junior Championships, Rylee won 8 medals (5 gold, 3 silver), including individual titles in the 50 and 100 freestyle. She capped the meet with an unforgettable triple in the final session—winning 2 events and medaling in all 3 races in less than an hour. In this episode, Rylee reflects on what she learned from her breakout summer, shares what it feels like to join the U.S. senior national team ahead of Pan Pacs, and talks through the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) process of college recruiting. From her training expectations to what she’s looking for in a program, Rylee gives us an inside look at the next chapter of her swimming journey.

McKenzie Siroky’s journey from hockey rinks to Team USA swimming is anything but typical. A breakout sprint breaststroker, McKenzie talks about her path to the World Championships, training and racing at Tennessee, and how lifting and explosive power fuel her speed. She shares stories from recruiting, gap year choices, and quirky behind-the-block rituals, while opening up about the challenges of racing on the world stage. Funny, insightful, and full of personality, this is McKenzie Siroky like you’ve never heard her before.

Brett Hawke is back—now as Head Coach of swimming for the Enhanced Games. He talks about the bold move to join the Games, the signing of Ben Proud, athlete health vs. shortcuts, and why sprint events and new formats could change the sport.

Olympic medalist and World Champion Ben Proud has stunned the swimming world by retiring from professional swimming to join the controversial Enhance Games. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, we break down what this means for the sport: Why Proud’s decision is so shocking The reaction from governing bodies like Aquatics GB Whether clean athletes can compete in Enhance Games What this move signals for athlete pay and the future of swimming Is this the start of a new chapter for athletes — or a risk to Proud’s legacy? Tune in as we unpack the biggest story in swimming right now.

Jack Alexy is back on Social Kick! Fresh off Worlds, the American record holder dives into the mindset shift that unlocked his 46s—and that wild 45.9 relay split. We break down how 200 free training boosted his 100, the backend-50 sets he loves, and why slowing his tempo led to his fastest swim of the year. Jack also shares thoughts on Team USA’s performances in Paris and Singapore, Pan Pacs selection, the Enhanced Games debate, his World Cup debut, and how a goofy smile in the ready room keeps racing fun.

Australian sprinter Jamie Jack joins Social Kick fresh off a breakout season! We talk sprint training at St. Peters with Dean Boxall, racing the 50 free, working alongside Cam McEvoy, and the mindset behind becoming one of the world’s next great sprinters.

Fresh off a breakout summer on Team USA, Tommy Janton joins Social Kick to talk about his wild ride through Worlds, winning a U.S. national title from lane one, and embracing the nickname “Crocodile Man.” We get into everything from goggle strap fashion faux pas to Shake Shack saves during team illness, plus why Tommy’s sticking with goggles-over-the-cap no matter what anyone says. He reflects on Notre Dame’s unique team journey, the pressure of representing the U.S. backstroke group, and what it takes to bring home a relay medal after a brutal week in Singapore. Oh, and yes—he’s got opinions on the hardest race in swimming, his dream sponsors, and the underrated dolphin kickers you should be watching.

Fresh off his double World Championship titles in the 800 and 1500 freestyle, Tunisia’s Ahmed Jaouadi joins Social Kick! We talk about the meteoric rise that took him from an 8:02 800 to 7:36 in just one year, what it’s like going toe-to-toe with world record holder Bobby Finke, and why his turns still suck (his words, not ours). Ahmed shares his thoughts on racing strategy, aura farming, and his decision to join the Florida Gators to train with Bobby and Katie. Plus, we dig into training sets that sparked his Singapore breakout and why being world champion has only made him hungrier. Oh, and yes—he answers your DMs. Let’s go!

The TYR Summer Championships are here, and we have some hot takes. Bryan and John break down everything from the solo swims in the C finals to the most unexpected performances of the night. In this episode we discuss: The Solo Swims - When only one swimmer shows up to a final...is there a name for that? What's the longest solo swim you'd be willing to do? We get weird on this one. The Return of Caeleb - Is Caeleb Dressel's mojo back? A discussion on the 50 freestyle, what it takes to dominate the race and why strength training is a double-edged sword. Mustache Magic - Is there a correlation between facial hair and speed? We break down some of the most memorable mustaches in swimming and why a stache might be a swimmer's best weapon. The American Swimming Network - Does the USA swimming network have a problem? The gap between the production of high-level meets versus the low-level production of a meet like this one. Let us know what you think in the comments! What were some of the most surprising takeaways from night one? What do you think a "solo swim" should be named?

The 2025 World Championships are in the books, and we've got takes. Who delivered, who flopped, and what the heck happened to all those prelims relay lineups? John and Luke kick off the recap with taper talk and a few questionable Masters training choices before diving deep into the biggest storylines from Singapore: Summer McIntosh’s incredible meet and emotional rollercoaster, Léon Marchand’s stunning 1:52 200 IM, David Popovici’s last-50 death blows, and USA’s medley world record rebound. We break down our picks for: * Individual swim of the meet (Yes, it’s who you think… but we explain why) * Race of the meet (Spoiler: That 800 free was as epic as advertised) * Swimmer of the meet (and what happens if we don’t split by gender?) * Biggest surprise (Some swims sucked… others, just stunning) * Relay of the meet (Hint: Uncensored relay takes inside) * Newcomer spotlight (12-year-old medalist? Say what?) Plus: we rant about USA Swimming’s late 50-stroke bandwagon, float ideas for an unattached all-star relay, and wonder whether World Aquatics' anthem actually slaps. Let us know what we missed. What was your swim of the meet? Subscribe, comment, and follow us on Instagram @socialkickswim for more behind-the-scenes stuff we might not be brave enough to post publicly

Grant House joins Social Kick fresh off a season of huge personal bests at US Nationals! The multi-talented swimmer is well known for his leadership at ASU and, of course, his role as the lead plaintiff in the landmark NCAA antitrust lawsuit 'House v. NCAA' which bears his name. Grant unpacks the unfiltered truth about the lawsuit and its origins, how he has dealt with public backlash, and why he chose to stay in the fight for athlete rights. Plus, Grant offers his candid thoughts on swimming's "soft" image and the need for more rivalries. Grant also shares about his training and some go-to sets the world-class ASU training group does under coach Herbie Behm, what he saw from teammates like Patrick Sammon that led to breakthrough performances at Nationals, and how he's preparing for his post-swimming career through his work as a strength coach for pro athletes, including his tips on key dryland exercises for a strong finish!