Sonny Trigg, the one and only SwimSuitGuy, joins Helen Gorman to preview the 2025 National Masters Short Course Championships in Sheffield. From record contenders to legendary names and inspiring competitors, we explore the stories behind the swimmers who refuse to slow down. And even if you’re not planning to be poolside in Sheffield, there’s plenty of swim talk, insider gossip, and a splash of humour to keep you entertained from the first whistle to the final touch.

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. Vivien, a mum of nine children, relies on 80 years’ experience of participation and coaching, and regular gar...

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. They discuss how sweat rates differ in swimming compared to land sports, the role of electrolytes, and effective hydration strategies. Chris explains the impact of dehydration on performance, the causes of muscle cramps, and the effects of caffeine on hydration levels and athletic performance.&nb...

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, record-breaking masters swimmers Nicola Latty and Eddie Riach discuss their journeys through surgery, rehab, and the determination it takes to return to training and racing at a high level. From navigating expert medical advice to staying mentally resilient, they...

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. He has overcome personal challenges, including being a black, gay swimmer in college in the 1990s and more recently, cancer surgery – and he talks about his autobiography, 'Odd Man...

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. The conversation emphasises the significance of enjoyment in sports and the importance of maintaining muscle mass and strength as we age. Greg shares his Olympic Modern ...

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. Andy underlines that anyone taking part in sport as an adult needs to have a strong passion for what they are doing if they want to be successful, and that there...

We invite three more swimmers into the studio to tell their stories from the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore. Matthew Brooks, Jo Corben and Kath Tunnicliffe present different perspectives on their performances, travel adventures and the event in general. Hear about Matthew's insanely fast relay split as well as his championship record setting 50m freestyle in the 35-39 age group, and listen to Jo talk about how having team mates around helped elevate her performances t...

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. Guests John Chambers, Verity Dobbie and Dom Polling add their perspectives on success in Singapore - which was one of the best Championships to date with fantastic pools, incredible swimmers and an amazing host city.

We speak to Nathan Oxford about shoulder health and injury prevention in masters swimmers. He explains the importance of recovery, prehab, and strength training in preventing injuries, as well as key exercises to build shoulder resilience and improve performance in the pool. He emphasises the need for consistent prehab routines and the significance of assessing shoulder function to maintain health and performance in swimming - and offers some free resources to help identify areas for de...

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. Lara shares insights into the classification system for para-athletes, her transition to Masters swimming, and her current training regime. The conversation also touches on the f...

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. Arthur reflects on his Army career and participating in international events, while also offering valuable advic...

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. The conversation with host, Helen Gorman covers strategies for staying grounded after success as well as bouncing back from poor performances. With the World Aquatics Masters Championships looming, we g...

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. Guests Nadine Day and Martin Bennell offer insights into everything from where to get the best coffee to detailed information about the organisation of the Championships. In her position as Chair of the volunteer World Aquatics Masters Group, Nadine has great insight that will help you prepare for your trip, wh...

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. We discuss competing at the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships, her decision to change clubs and compete for Woking SC and her trip to New York to support a friend swimming around Manhattan Island. Thinking about the future, we consider the prospect of swimming ten relays at the National Short Course Championships and muse about the distant pros...

East Leeds swimmer and experienced coach, Simon Ward joins us to explore performance traits that everyone can adopt without spending additional time or money. Simon calls on his experience of having coached the Olympic Champion Brownlee Brothers in their early career, to consider the key traits of successful athletes, the importance of a positive attitude, body language, and being coachable. He shares insights on how masters athletes can enhance their longevity and performance through smart t...

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. Alex shares his personal experiences and achievements in swimming, which have included European Masters gold, a world record relay and an English Channel relay. He also shares insights into coaching and training te...

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. Among the standout stars were sprinters Helen Sadler and Barry Murphy, who etched their names into the record books in spectacular fashion. Helen delivered a dramatic finale to the meet, saving her fastest swim for the very last event, smashing a two-year-old world record in the 55–59 age group 50m freestyle. Meanwhile, Barry made...

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. In Drowning Prevention Week, we discuss the fact that 80% of Black children in England cannot swim, a statistic that not only endangers ...

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. Sonny also brings his trademark swimwear expertise to the podcast, revealing the latest innovations in performance suits… or indeed why there is a lack of invention this year. Plus, we spotlight some standout performances from both international elite...