Ella Nelson & Aimee Canny of Virginia Talk Dominance, Recruits, and Olympic Dreams. Episode 172

University of Virginia's standout athlete Jack Aikins and their highly rated recruit Maximus Williamson join us as we unpack the thrilling 2024 NCAA Swimming Results We delve into their rigorous training routines, and explore the unique journeys that brought them to UVA. Maximus opens up about his recruiting experience and sheds light on why he ultimately chose to represent the Cavaliers. Discover how the guidance of renowned mathematician and mentor Ken Ono has propelled both Jack and Maximus towards new heights of excellence in the pool. Plus, get insights from Maximus, one of the world's top Junior swimmers, and learn why Jack made the bold decision to opt out of NCAA events in pursuit of his Olympic Trials dreams. 

Anastasia Pagonis shares her incredible journey from breaking world records to overcoming setbacks. At just 19 years old, Anastasia's accomplishments speak volumes— from clinching gold at the 2020 Paralympics to dominating at the 2022 Worlds, she's a force to be reckoned with. However, her path hasn't been without challenges, including a year-long hiatus due to shoulder surgery and battling autoimmune retinopathy. Yet, Anastasia's resilience and determination shine through as she discusses her triumphant return to the pool in January. Tune in to gain insight into the mindset of a true champion and discover the secrets behind her success. 🌟🎧 #SwimmingPodcast #RoadtoParis2024 #EliteSwimming #AthleteJourney #olympicdreams

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ukrainian Swimming World Champion Vladyslav Bukhov, as he shares his remarkable journey from his home and training base in war-torn Kyiv. A world Junior Champion and Tokyo Olympics semi-finalist, Vlad recently stunned the world with a close victory in the 50 free at the 2024 World Championships in Doha, clocking in at 21.44 and beating the pre-race favorite, Cam McEvoy. In this podcast episode, we delve into what this incredible victory means for Ukraine, Vlad's perspective on life in Kyiv amidst adversity, his rigorous training regimen, and his infamous start, incredible kick, and efficient stroke technique. Tune in to gain insight into the mind of a true champion and hear Vlad's inspiring story of resilience and triumph.

Canadian World Champion Finlay Knox! 🏊‍♂️ In this episode, we unravel Finlay's incredible journey to becoming a Pan Am and World Champion in the 200 Individual Medley, all while discussing the impact of his move to Vancouver and training under Scott Talbot. Discover the secrets behind Finlay's triumphant world championship win from lane 7, where he surged past pre-race favorites Shaine Casas and Carson Foster. Join the conversation as we explore the nuances of swimming a 200 IM and debunk the myth – do you really need to be a breaststroker to master the IM? Finlay opens up about his unconventional decision not to swim in college, shedding light on the merits of the Canadian USports system. Gain insights into his meticulous plan leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics and get a sneak peek into the world of "FIN," his personal brand, and the significance of creating one's own identity in our beloved sport. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a passionate fan, this podcast is a deep dive into the mind of a champion. Don't miss out on the inspiring stories, valuable insights, and the roadmap to success from one of the brightest stars in the swimming world. 🌟 Subscribe now and join us Inside the Lanes with Finlay Knox! #SwimmingPodcast #RoadToParis2024 #FinlayKnox #InsideTheLanes

We sit down with University of Virginia's elite swimmers, NCAA champions Ella Nelson and Aimee Canny. In this captivating episode, we explore the unparalleled success of the UVA women’s swimming and diving team, dissecting their strategies, training regimens, and the team dynamics that have propelled them to the top. Join us as we delve into the exciting realm of upcoming NCAA championships, the buzz surrounding the latest recruits for the UVA Men’s swimming team, and the Hoos' ambitious plans for the Olympic Trials. Whether you're a swimming enthusiast, a UVA fan, or simply intrigued by the world of competitive athletics, this episode promises to captivate and inspire. Don't miss out on this exclusive conversation with two remarkable athletes who are making waves both in the pool and on the global stage!

We sit down with American Olympic medalist, World Champion, and Double World Record Holder, Kieran Smith. Join us in this exclusive episode where we explore Kieran's rigorous training regimen, his insights on mastering the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle races, and the dynamic training environment at the University of Florida. Plus, discover Kieran's unexpected passion for cooking outside the pool. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a fan of the sport, this conversation promises to inspire and enlighten. Don't miss out on this captivating episode!

Canadian Swimming World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Brent Hayden, shares his incredible journey, from standing on the podium at the 2012 London Olympics to making a triumphant comeback after a 7-year hiatus. Hear firsthand about his remarkable achievement of becoming the oldest swimmer to break the 48-second barrier in the 100m freestyle and nearly leading Canada to a relay bronze medal in Tokyo! 🌊 Key Highlights: 🏅 Olympic Glory: Brent reflects on his illustrious career, highlighting his Olympic bronze medal from the 2012 London Olympics and the emotions surrounding that unforgettable moment. 🔄 The Comeback: Uncover the inspiring story of Brent's comeback, the challenges he faced after seven years away from competitive swimming, and the determination that fueled his return to the pool. 🇨🇦 Elite Canadian Swimmers: Gain insights into the landscape of Canadian swimming as Brent discusses the current state of elite swimmers and the rising talents that are making waves in the sport. 🏊‍♂️ Freestyle Technique: Dive deep into the technical aspects of freestyle swimming as Brent shares his expertise and experiences, offering valuable insights for swimmers and enthusiasts alike. 🤿 Entertaining Swimming: Brent provides his unique perspective on how to make swimming more entertaining, discussing innovations and ideas that could bring a new level of excitement to the sport. Whether you're a swimming aficionado, a sports enthusiast, or simply curious about the life of an Olympian, this podcast is your front-row seat to the incredible journey of Brent Hayden.

We sit down with Herbie Behm, Associate Head Coach at Arizona State. Alongside Bob Bowman, Herbie plays a pivotal role in shaping the burgeoning juggernaut that is ASU Swimming. Focusing primarily on the sprinters, Herbie brings a wealth of experience, having been a sprinter himself during his time at ASU. Of course, we get into some examples of the crazy things Herbie has witnessed in training from athletes like Leon Marchand, Hubert Kos, and others. Enjoy!

Dive into the world of American swimming sensation Erin Gemmell as she sits down with Social Kick to share her inspiring journey! In this exclusive podcast, Erin, an American Record holder, takes us through her experiences with collegiate recruiting and her exciting first year at the University of Texas. Erin candidly discusses the areas she's working on to elevate her short course yards swimming and provides valuable insights into the team training dynamics of the University of Texas Women’s swim team. Join us for an in-depth conversation that unveils the dedication, challenges, and triumphs that come with being a part of one of the most prestigious collegiate swimming programs. As the Big 12 Swimming Championships, NCAA Swimming Championships, and the US Olympic Trials loom ahead, Erin shares her goals for the season and offers a glimpse into her mindset when facing major competitions. Discover the resilience, focus, and determination that drive Erin as she pursues excellence in the pool. Get ready for an engaging and insightful show that explores the world of a rising star in American swimming. Tune in to witness the passion, commitment, and aspirations that define Erin Gemmell's journey.

Dive into the inspiring story of Zalan Sarkany, the Hungarian distance swimmer making waves under the legendary coaching of Bob Bowman at Arizona State University! 🌊🔥 In this exclusive podcast, Zalan shares his incredible journey of transformation, from qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the 1500m freestyle to dropping remarkable times in season that would have secured a NCAA championship. Discover the secrets behind Zalan's success as he delves into the improvements in his physique and mental health, highlighting the integral role of a holistic approach to training. With times in season dual meets that could have clinched NCAA championships last year, Zalan Sarkany emerges as a force to be reckoned with. The podcast explores the dynamics of training under the guidance of Coach Bob Bowman, the mastermind behind Michael Phelps' historic achievements. Zalan's aspirations extend beyond the collegiate level, as he aims to contribute to Arizona State University's quest for a national title at the 2024 NCAA championships and make a mark in the fiercely competitive 1500m freestyle final in Paris. Join us for an engaging conversation that unravels the dedication, passion, and strategic training that propels Zalan Sarkany towards Olympic glory. Get ready to witness the rise of an exciting swimmer as he chases excellence on both national and international stages.