#196: European Masters Preview with Craig Ward & Vicki Payne

Craig Ward and Vicki Payne join Helen Gorman to preview the pool swimming events at the European Masters Championships in Slovakia. From race goals to relays, travel and the excitement of competing against Europe’s best, they share how they’re preparing to race outdoors at the stunning X-Bionic Sphere in Šamorín.Along the way, they discuss what first-time international competitors can expect, the unique atmosphere of Masters racing abroad, and whether the local food and Slovak beer will be part of the recovery plan!Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.

Paul Leonard shares the extraordinary story of becoming only the 44th person ever to complete the Oceans Seven challenge. From surviving a shark bite during his Molokai Channel attempt to returning a year later to finish the swim, Paul reveals the resilience, preparation and mental strength required to conquer the world’s toughest marathon swims. He also shares his training strategies, the highs and lows of the journey, and what it takes to succeed in one of endurance sport’s greatest challenges.Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.

Woking Swimming Club’s Henry Goodlud joins the podcast to share his experience of developing Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), a potentially serious condition that forced him out of the water just weeks before the British Masters Championships in Aberdeen.Henry explains what SIPE is, how it developed during a 24-hour relay challenge, the symptoms swimmers shouldn’t ignore, and what can be done to reduce the risks.We also dive into the science behind Woking’s remarkable relay success, as Henry reveals the mathematical selection model that helped the club break two masters world relay records in Aberdeen.And in a surprise twist, Henry turns interviewer, putting podcast host Helen Gorman in the hot seat with a few unexpected questions of his own.Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.

Adam Wilkie is taking on one of the boldest challenges in swimming. Nearly 50 years after his father, Olympic champion David Wilkie, won gold and set a world record in the 200m breaststroke at the 1976 Olympics, Adam is attempting to match that iconic winning time of 2:15.11. The odds are against him. Adam walked away from competitive swimming at just 17 and is now rebuilding from scratch at the age of 33. He’s even left his job to commit fully to the challenge, while aiming to raise £215,000 for SportsAid to help the next generation of athletes. In this episode, Adam shares what it was like growing up as the son of one of Britain’s greatest swimmers, why he quit the sport as a teenager, and what inspired him to return years later to chase an extraordinary goal. We also discuss his training at Chelsea and Westminster Swimming Club, his plans to race at Masters events before next April’s British Championships in London, and what it’s like preparing in the same high-performance environment as Olympic champion Adam Peaty. It’s a conversation about legacy, sacrifice, family, and proving that it’s never too late to chase an impossible dream. If you’d like to support Adam’s fundraising for SportsAid, please consider donating via his JustGiving page and learn more about the project via his website, In My Father’s Lane. https://justgiving.com/page/in-my-fathers-lane https://inmyfatherslane.com

Masters swimmer Nicola (Nicci) Beynon shares her journey of balancing sport, career and family life while living with multiple sclerosis.Nicci talks about resilience, adapting to challenges and the role swimming continues to play in her health, wellbeing and happiness. She explains why saying “yes” to seemingly crazy challenges is so important to her mental health and how she hopes her experiences encourage others to be open minded the limits they may place on themselves.We also dive into the lighter side of the sport, discussing the wonderfully chaotic world of swim parents, managing pre-race nerves, and Nicci’s memories of training seven times a week at Cardiff’s old Empire Pool, complete with its scurrying beetles.Honest, funny and uplifting, this is a conversation about finding joy in sport, embracing challenges and continuing to move forward, whatever life throws your way.Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for video content.

World records, epic performances, travel tails and pornstar martinis…Olly Espinasse (Basingstoke Bluefins) and Molly James (Trafford Metro) join Helen Gorman to break down the biggest moments from the 2026 British Masters Championships in Aberdeen.From outstanding swims to unforgettable stories on and off poolside, this championship recap captures everything that made Aberdeen 2026 one to remember. Whether you were there or not, there’s plenty to enjoy.Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.

We’re joined by respected swimming journalist Liz Byrnes, who has spent more than two decades at the heart of the sport covering Olympic Games, World Championships and some of swimming’s biggest moments.From the super-suit era and Duncan Scott’s stand against Sun Yang to athlete mental health, the rise of swimming longevity and the changing nature of elite competition, Liz shares her perspective on how the sport has evolved - and where it’s heading next.Having travelled the world covering swimming for national and international media, Liz also discusses the pressure of championship reporting, the shift from print to digital media, and what makes a swimming story break through to the mainstream.We dive into masters swimming, discussing how clubs and athletes can attract media coverage, why participation sport matters, and the inspiring stories that deserve a bigger audience.Packed with insight, behind-the-scenes stories, humour and predictions for the future of swimming, this is insightful for swimmers, coaches and fans of the sport alike.Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.

Join Charlie Harris and Helen Gorman for a preview of the 2026 British Masters Championships in Aberdeen.As the host of Scottish Swimming’s Aqua Pod and a member of their media and marketing team, Charlie brings a unique insider perspective on the championships, the venue and the Scottish masters swimming scene.From athletes and stories to watch, to practical tips for navigating the weekend, Charlie shares his knowledge from attending numerous national events in Aberdeen. Find out which swimmers could make headlines, what to expect from the competition, and how to make the most of your trip.Plus, the all-important questions: where can you find Aberdeen’s best coffee, the ultimate haggis sandwich, and the perfect pre or post race pizza?Whether you’re racing, supporting, volunteering or following from afar, this episode has everything you need to get ready for British Masters 2026.Enjoy additional content via our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review.

In this episode, super sprinter and sports scientist Sam Lawman lays out exactly how to nail the final 30 minutes before you step onto the blocks. From smart priming techniques to mental cues and race-ready routines, Sam shares practical, science-backed strategies to help swimmers feel sharp, focused, and ready to fire when it matters most. Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for video content (priming video available soon!) If you’d like to try bicarb, visit https://www.flycarb.com and use the code FREESTYLE10 (limited to the first 50 customers only).

Back from a week training with Trojan SC in the Lanzarote sunshine, masters world record holders Helen Gorman and Jo Corben discuss everything from tough morning sets to celebrity selfies, sightseeing and cheese.The pair discuss why Lanzarote has become the unofficial spring gathering point for masters swimmers, the atmosphere of training alongside international squads, and whether there were  any swimmers left in the UK - apart from Kirsty Johnson, who stayed home and broke a world record.They also chat about planning the camp on a budget, structuring training for maximum benefit, balancing hard work with recovery, and why using annual leave for a swim camp can be one of the best investments you make in your swimming.Along the way there are highlights, lowlights, funny moments, favourite sets, tired legs and plenty of honest reflections on what they both took away from the week - physically, mentally and socially.Visit our Instagram channel @freestyle_media_swimming for Lanzarote video clips that will make you jealous you weren’t there too (maybe)…