A podcast by swim coaches, for swim coaches, helping you each and every day to become Better Than Yesterday.
Powered by the AP Race Coaches Community, this channel is dedicated to producing content for our community of swim coaches worldwide.
We are part of the AP Race organisation co-founded by
In this episode, Jol Finck shares his extensive journey in coaching, highlighting the cultural differences between Australian and British swimming systems, the importance of managing change effectively, and crucially how to take people with you. He emphasises the significance of building a positive coaching culture and adapting training methods to suit individual athlete backgrounds. We delve into various aspects of coaching, including navigating career changes, the importance of collaboration and culture in coaching, addressing training intensity, and the balance between work and personal…
This is our 2025-26 season round up episode. Ash and Kev reflect on the past year of coaching discussions, highlighting key insights from various guests. They explore themes of empathy, adaptability in coaching, the importance of consistent messaging for young athletes, and the role of leadership and communication in fostering a positive coaching environment. The conversation expands upon the need for coaches to connect with their athletes on a personal level and to be open to evolving their methods based on experience and feedback. There was so much packed into the more-than-20 episodes…
In this episode of The Coaches Lane, Paul Greaves shares his unique journey from a young trampoline coach in Sheffield to coaching an athlete to multiple Olympic Medals. He discusses the evolution of his coaching philosophy, emphasising the importance of creating a positive and individualised coaching environment. Highlights include the significance of education in coaching, the concept of chameleon coaching, and the challenges faced in modern coaching. He advocates for a balance between professionalism and enjoyment in sports, and the need for coaches to adapt to the individual needs of…
In this episode of The Coaches Lane, we explore the swimming journey through the lens of the swimming parent. Simon Richards shares his journey as a swimming dad, detailing the highs and lows of supporting his son, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Matt Richards, on his path to becoming an Olympic champion. Simon emphasises the importance of enjoyment, hard work, and listening to coaches in youth sports. He reflects on the relationships with various coaches throughout Matt's career and discusses the challenges of managing transitions between clubs and programmes. Additionally, Simon offers insights…
In this episode, we are joined by Katie Baxa, from Nations Capital Swim Club in the USA, one of the biggest and most prolific programmes in America. She shares with her inspiring journey from summer league swimming in the US to coaching at the highest levels internationally at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She discusses her coaching philosophy, the importance of athlete development, and insights into coaching across different cultures. It is a wonderful conversation and Katie is so honest and humble in her reflections. You can connect with Katie via her instagram:…
In this conversation, Andy shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the influences that shaped his coaching philosophy and approach. He discusses the importance of integrating safeguarding with coaching practices, the need for resourcefulness in coaching, and the value of learner-centred coaching. Andy also reflects on global coaching perspectives and the significance of peer coaching in athlete development, emphasising the need for a supportive and safe coaching environment. We explore the importance of guided discovery in coaching, emphasising the need for coaches to allow…
In this fascinating interview, Scottish Swimming's National Coach Ian Wright shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and insights into developing successful swimmers regardless of resource constraints. Discover practical tips for coaches at all levels to improve technique, build resilience, and foster a strong team culture. Ian shared with us his mentors, lessons and reflections from a career spanning many roles. You can connect with Ian on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-wright-607a9920/ He also has a fantastic blog to check out on Substack: https://heat1lane1.substack.com/…
In this in-depth interview, Kevin Brooks, Head Coach of Wycombe District Swimming Club, shares his coaching journey, his philosophy on building a sustainable club, and strategies for long-term athlete development. Discover how he transformed Wycombe from a small club into a national powerhouse and the key principles behind his success. You can connect with Kevin via his instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/kevbrookscoach/ Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our…
In this episode, Olympic swimmer and coach developer Alys Thomas shares her journey from early swimming days in Kingston to competing in four Commonwealth Games, transitioning into coaching, and her role in developing Wales' swimming talent. She discusses longevity in sport, athlete development, coaching strategies, and the importance of enjoyment and individual pathways. It is a fascinating insight into the rollercoaster of the athlete journey and how Alys has taken lessons from her own sporting journey to support the next generation of Welsh swimmers. You can connect with Alys via her…
In this in-depth interview we were joined by Ross Nicholas, the National Performance Director of Swim Wales. He discusses with us the importance of system-wide athlete development, innovative coaching principles, and the role of competitions like the Commonwealth Games in nurturing talent. This episode offers valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and sports administrators aiming to elevate their performance and support pathways. We explored a range of areas including key topics such as, System-wide athlete development in swimming Coaching principles for technical and physiological growth…
Our guest for this episode is an Olympic medalist, World Champion and World Record Holder... but he is so much more than that! Milo shares with us his inspiring journey from being a 4x Olympic swimmer to transitioning into a coach, emphasising the importance of belief, creativity, and continuous learning in sports and life. Discover insights on resilience, coaching philosophy, and the power of sharing knowledge to elevate the sport. We discuss his view as a parent himself on how we support young people through their journey, and there are some profound insights Milo shares with us on this…
Join us as we explore John Szaranek's journey through swimming to coaching at the National Centre in Ireland. We dive into how his coaching philosophy was influenced by 30 years in the police service, and insights into developing elite swimmers in Ireland and beyond. Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers…
In this insightful interview, Danish Olympic Champion, Pernille Blume shares her journey from becoming an Olympic swimmer and then the transition into a multifaceted career. Pertinent for club coaches, was certainly how she emphasised the importance of joy, exploration, and emotional intelligence in sports and life. You can connect with Pernille via her instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/pernilleblume/ Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in…
In this conversation, we speak to Andi Manley, the Director of Swimming at Loughborough University. The coach to Dan Wiffen's Olympic Gold Medal-winning campaign in 2024, Andi shares insights from his extensive coaching journey including powerful insights from that moment in Paris. He discusses the transition from being a swimmer to a coach, the importance of understanding each athlete as an individual, and the influence of various coaches on his development. Andi reflects on the success of athletes like Dan Wiffen, his coaching philosophy, and the unique environment at Loughborough that…
In this conversation, Lauren Cox shares her journey as a swimmer, detailing her experiences from a small club to becoming a European Champion. She discusses the importance of resilience, the adaptations in her training, and the lessons learned from various coaches. Lauren emphasises the significance of mental toughness, visualisation techniques, and the role of resistance training in her development. She reflects on the transitions between programs and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with coaches. Ultimately, Lauren defines success as personal fulfilment rather than just…
In this conversation, Gary Laybourne shares his unique perspective on coaching, drawing from his experiences in athletics and his journey from a troubled youth to a successful coach. He emphasises the importance of fun and inclusion in coaching young athletes, the need for coaches to balance historical wisdom with modern practices, and the significance of engaging parents in the coaching process. Gary also discusses his day job, which focuses on empowering marginalised youth through sports, and reflects on his personal journey and the lessons learned along the way. You can connect with Gary…
In this conversation, Eric Anderson shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting key experiences and influences that shaped his coaching philosophy. He discusses the importance of adaptability in coaching, especially in different cultural contexts like Malaysia. Eric emphasizes the need for a supportive environment to retain young athletes and the significance of continuous learning for coaches. He also delves into technical aspects of swimming, particularly breaststroke, and offers insights on how to help athletes break through performance plateaus. Ultimately, Eric advocates for a…
In this episode, Jake Gibbons shares his journey from being a competitive swimmer to a successful coach at the Bolles School, junior home to Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy amongst many others. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, his coaching philosophy shaped by various influences, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with athletes. Jake highlights the legacy of the Bolles School in swimming, the significance of team culture, and the role of social media in modern coaching. He also reflects on the differences between the US and international…
In this episode, Victoria Jones, shares her insights on the biomechanics of underwater kicking, with Kevin and Ash asking so many questions to really get into what the research Victoria has worked on shows. Victoria is a Biomechanist and Performance Analyst with Aquatics GB, and has been with the organisation for 8 years now, commencing with her PhD in the key biomechanical indicators of underwater dolphin kick She discusses the importance of individual techniques, mobility, and coordination in developing effective swimming skills. She also emphasises the need for a holistic approach to…
In this episode, we are joined by Alex Dawson, a seasoned swimming coach with a rich history in both the UK and Canada. Alex shares his journey from a competitive swimmer to a coach, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of patience, the need for continuous development, and the significance of understanding one's 'why' in coaching. The conversation delves into the differences between the coaching systems in the UK and Canada, the importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes, and the strategies he employs to build a…
In this episode, Mike Taylor, the Director of Swimming at the City of Sheffield, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a successful coach. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the culture of Sheffield, and the challenges faced by the club, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike emphasises the need for sustainability in coaching, the significance of partnerships for performance enhancement, and the importance of understanding athlete development, particularly for female swimmers. He also highlights the continuous learning process for coaches and the need to adapt coaching…
In this episode, Mike shares his extensive journey in the coaching world, from his beginnings as a swimmer to becoming a leading figure in sports science and coaching. He discusses the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical coaching, the evolution of coaching principles, and the future of technology in sports. He also emphasises the cornerstones of junior coaching, the value of support staff, and reflects on the British coaching system's progress and challenges. He concludes with personal insights on motivation and the importance of lifelong learning in coaching. The…
In this episode, Brian Sweeney, Head Coach of Templeogue Swim Club, shares his extensive journey in coaching. We explore the importance of community integration, maximising limited resources, and developing grit in swimmers. He discusses the evolution of coach-athlete relationships, the significance of reflection in coaching practices, and the role of ISCA in supporting Irish swimming coaches. Brian defines success not just by medals but by helping athletes realise their potential and navigate challenges in their lives. Find out more and connect with Brian via the following link:…
In this conversation, Ash and Kevin are joined by Ross Douglas, Kingston Royals Head Coach in London. Having travelled the world and swam under some incredible coaches, then transitioning into coaching and again working around some fantastic coaches… Ross reflects on his journey and the lessons learned. We explore competition challenges, sources of learning, reflecting on the impact coaches have on swimmers lives beyond the pool The podcast Ross mentioned is called “Finding Mastery” with Michael Gervais — specifically the violinist episode was the one he referred to:…
In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Renshaw, who has worked across three clubs, spent two decades inside British Swimming/Aquatics GB in various roles, coached medallists across Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic levels. Kevin shares his extensive coaching journey, discussing theevolution of coaching in swimming, the importance of building a strong foundation for young swimmers, and the critical role parents play in athlete development. He emphasises the need for a coaching philosophy that prioritises the individual athlete, the significance of athletic development outside the…
In this conversation, David Fletcher shares his extensive journey from being a competitive swimmer to becoming a sports psychologist and academic. He discusses the importance of sports psychology in enhancing athlete performance, the gaps in education for coaches, and practical tips for those without access to resources. David emphasises the need for emotional intelligence in coaching and the role of parents in supporting young athletes. He reflects on personal growth, the significance of focusing on the process rather than outcomes, and offers resources for coaches to develop their…
In this conversation, Andrew Sheaff joins us from the USA to share his extensive experience in coaching swimming, emphasising the importance of skill development, the constraints-based coaching approach, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He discusses how to engage swimmers in a group setting, the significance of building a coaching culture, and the essential equipment for effective training. Andrew also highlights the value of mentorship and reflection in coaching, providing insights for both new and experienced coaches. You can connect further with Andrew via the links…
In this conversation we are joined by Keiron Piper, head of swimming at Millfield School. He shares his journey from a young swimmer through to his time in coaching. He discusses the influence of his law degree on his coaching philosophy, the importance of mentorship, and his approach to youth development. A key topic we explore is the significance of building connections with athletes and understanding their individual journeys. He also addresses the challenges of transitioning young athletes and the unique environment of coaching in a school setting. Throughout the discussion, Keiron…
Kathy Johnstone is a former GB swimmer, a 2x Commonwealth Games swimmer for Scotland and a seasoned strength and conditioning coach. She shares her journey from being a competitive swimmer to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, emphasising the importance of simplicity in training, the role of other sports in athlete development, and the challenges faced as a female coach in a male-dominated environment. Kathy also discusses effective engagement strategies for young athletes, the significance of movement patterns, and the necessity of balancing commitments to swimming and other…
This we are joined by Craig Robertson, PhD. He is a Sport Scientist specialising in physiology and performance analysis at Swim England. With over 15 years’ experience as a coach and SSSM practitioner, he has supported athletes across the entire Swim England pathway — from the county and regional programmes through to the Olympic Games. In addition to his role at Swim England, Craig lectures part-time at Leeds Beckett University on physiology and aquatics modules and contributes to the development of future coaches through the Institute of Swimming’s Senior Coach Programme. In this…
About The Coaches Lane
A podcast by swim coaches, for swim coaches, helping you each and every day to become Better Than Yesterday.
Powered by the AP Race Coaches Community, this channel is dedicated to producing content for our community of swim coaches worldwide.
We are part of the AP Race organisation co-founded by
The Coaches Lane is a English sport podcast from The Coaches Lane. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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