E24 - Gary Laybourne. Trackside with a running coach, exploring the similarities and differences in coaching methods

More from The Coaches Lane All episodes →

1. 

   S29 · E3 · 27 Mar 2026 · 57 min

   E29 - Milorad Čavić. Olympic Podium to Coaching and Parenthood - A life in swimming!

   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…

2. 

   S3 · E28 · 20 Mar 2026 · 55 min

   E28 - John Szaranek. From Scotland to Ireland and beyond. Two careers, one fascinating journey.

   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…

3. 

   S3 · E27 · 9 Mar 2026 · 52 min

   E27 - Pernille Blume. Finding enjoyment on the journey to becoming Olympic Champion... and what comes next?

   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…

4. 

   S3 · E26 · 13 Feb 2026 · 54 min

   E26 - Andi Manley. Reflecting on the journey from a swimmer, to parent to coaching an Olympic Gold

   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…

5. 

   S3 · E25 · 6 Feb 2026 · 41 min

   E25 - Lauren Cox. Every step of the journey matters. A coaching conversation with a European Champion

   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…

6. 

   S3 · E23 · 16 Jan 2026 · 48 min

   E23 - Eric Anderson. Coaching around the world and the lessons learned along the way

   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…

7. 

   S3 · E22 · 20 Dec 2025 · 50 min

   E22 - Jake Gibbons. The legacy of Bolles and using your socials to share your authentic self.

   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…

8. 

   S3 · E21 · 12 Dec 2025 · 54 min

   E21 - Victoria Jones. Underwater kicking and exploring biomechanics lessons from World Class swimmers

   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…

9. 

   S2 · E18 · 27 Nov 2025 · 53 min

   E20 - Alex Dawson. Finding a new path in Canada, building

   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…

10. 

    S2 · E19 · 14 Nov 2025 · 56 min

    E19 - Mike Taylor. Leading Team Steel and the journey through the sport

    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…