#99: Masters National Champs - What We Know So Far

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 prospect of competing at age 90.The conversation turns to sports politics, in particular, the controversial Enhanced Games, and the glorification of taking performance-enhancing drugs for big financial rewards. Gina holds multiple masters swimming records and competed for Great Britain as an elite swimmer. Her vast experience comes across in this conversation with host, Helen Gorman as multiple different areas of the sport are discussed.

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 training, preparation, and maintaining a strong work ethic. The conversation also touches on practical tips for dealing with jet lag and the significance of hydration and nutrition for athletes traveling to competitions such as the forthcoming World Aquatic Masters Championships in Singapore.

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 techniques based on his experiences of coaching at Nottingham University and Nottingham Leander Masters Swimming Club.This conversation emphasises the significance of mixing up training routines and the potential for swimmers of all ages to achieve lifetime bests. They also touch on future trends in swimming gear, including the further development of smart goggles.

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 a casual trip from Ireland for what he called a “chill weekend,” only to surpass his own world record in the 40–44 age group 50m breaststroke.Host Helen Gorman also brings you highlights from across the Championships, including a roundup of some other impressive performances and the coveted top club award.

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 lives but also leads to underrepresentation in elite and masters swimming.We explore why so few Black swimmers take part in masters swimming, and what it will take to change that, both in and out of the water.

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 and masters swimmers making waves on the road to worlds in Singapore.

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.Dan doesn't just teach technique, he lives and breathes it. So much so, he teamed up with a former Formula One aerodynamicist to design his own innovative paddle. From clever kit combos to cutting-edge upgrades, Dan shares inventive ways to supercharge your swim sessions. Whether you're chasing PBs or just want to swim smarter, this conversation with Helen Gorman will inspire you to rethink your gear... and your glide. Ready to swim smarter, not just harder? Listen in and take notes.

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.From their training regimes in and out of the pool to sharing backstroke drills, Jo and Kirsty discuss what it takes to reach the top.They both also run successful swim schools and discuss the highs and lows of teaching future generations of young swimmers. Helen Gorman asks the questions to find out how well these two backstroke aces really know each other.

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.Rebecca joins Helen Gorman to share what it was like to race against rising stars of the sport, how she achieved a personal best by training for just three hours a week in the pool, and why she believes her fastest swims may still lie ahead.She also discusses her work supporting athletes with performance nutrition, offering valuable insights and practical tips for fellow masters swimmers.

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!Would you pay anything for a personal best, or are rising expenses threatening to price swimmers out of the pool? As costs climb, is there a smarter way to save, or should we just count our blessings that we’re not paying for carbon bikes or golf green fees? Helen Gorman drives the debate to find out if Masters swimming is still worth the splash.