Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

Off The Blocks with Greg Arkhurst

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk with Canadian National Team Coach and Elite Coach with CAMO Nation Greg Arkhurst

In this podcast we talk to two time Olympian Greg Arkhurst about his journey from being an athlete and competing in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics, through to being an elite level coach in Canada and putting athletes on the national team.

Greg talks to us about his experience at the 2023 Fukuoka World Champs and what some of the highlights for him personally were, as well as some of the great performances he witnessed from other countries also, including the Aussies.

We talk speed training, both physically and mentally. And we also dive into the the art of coaching from a psychological perspective and ways coaches can help their athletes to the next level.

Absolute great chat, with a great guy and terrific coach, don't miss it

OTB Headlines with Bobby Hurley Episode 3 - Aussie Juniors Smashing It at World Champs

Welcome to our OTB Headlines podcast where i am joined every week by Former World Champion and World Record holder, Australian swimming legend and Superstar commentator Bobby Hurley to discuss and go through all things topical and newsworthy in the world of swimming.

This week we talk about Junior Worlds right now in Israel where the Junior Aussie Dolphins are smashing it at the moment. From Flynn Southam, Olivia Wunch, Jaclyn Barclay, Bella Grant, Jamie Perkins and all of the amazing relay performances, Bobby and i got through some of the outstanding swims so far in the pool and some of the amazing coaching achievements also.

We talk all about the alleged scuffle in training between Adam Peaty and Luke Greenbank, and i ask Bobby if he has seen any altercations in training during his time in the pool.

And World Aquatics decision to allow some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral athletes. What that means? Will it have implications? We will wait and see

 

Don't miss this weeks cracker 

Off The Blocks with Sam Short

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk with Aussie Dolphin and STAR of the 2023 Fukuoka World Swimming Championships Sam Short

In this podcast Sam talks to us about his amazing World Champs including his incredible win to become WORLD CHAMPION in the Men's 400 Free on night 1, setting the tone for what was to come for the Dolphins team.

We go through his massive week including the very close second in the 800m Freestyle, and the tough but rewarding third in the 1500m swim. We go into the depth of Male distance swimming right now in the world.

Sam talks to us about his coach Damien Jones and what makes their partnership work so well, as well as having an eye on Paris 2024 and what he'd like to improve over the next 10months in the lead up.

 

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 41 - Edinburgh

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I discuss his time coaching in Edinburgh. We go through his decision to head over, his first impressions and what it was like working closely with Chris Jones and Matt Trodden.

Shannon talks to us about the athletes he worked closely with including Kathryn Greenslade, Elizabeth Simmonds and Tain Bruce, and some of the highlights he had with his team while working over in Scotland.

We also touch on, Junior Worlds results right now in Israel, NSW Senior State Short Course results and look ahead to next weeks Australian Short Course Champs in Sydney.

A lot in this episode, don't miss it

Off The Blocks with Bronte Campbell

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk with Aussie Swimming Legend Bronte Campbell

In this chat Bronte and I talk about her road to Paris 2024, and how training is different now these days for her than most of her career. Training under Shannon Rollason down at the AIS, and how much she is enjoying the challenge right now of getting herself back to the best she can be.

We talk about life outside of the pool, finding the balance between elite training and outside interests and passions, as well as how exciting next years Olympic trials are going to be with the wealth of talent in Australian Women's sprinting right now.

Bronte also talks to us about her NEW Swim Gear range PB with Bronte https://www.pbwithbronte.com/ how she was inspired to create this range and her aspirations for it.

Keep a look out on Instagram for a SPECIAL PRIZE GIVEAWAY as well

OTB Headlines with Bobby Hurley Ep 2 - Junior Worlds PREVIEW

Welcome to our OTB Headlines podcast where i am joined every week by Former World Champion and World Record holder, Australian swimming legend and Superstar commentator Bobby Hurley to discuss and go through all things topical and newsworthy in the world of swimming.

This week we talk about the upcoming Junior World Swimming Championships in Israel. We go through the Aussie team list and discuss some of the amazing talent to watch out for over the next week, starting on Monday 4th September.

We also discuss World Aquatics possible sanction of Swimming Australia, how this has come about and what the likely outcome will be.

Bobby and I go through World Aquatics NEW Pacific Islands Performance HUB coming to the Bond University program and being headed up by Head Coach Chris Mooney.

As well as an update on the Comm Games in 2026, is it on? where is? VIC government gave back how much money?

It's all here, don't miss it

Off The Blocks with Kai Taylor

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk with newest member of the Australian Dolphins Swim Team Kai Taylor.

In this podcast we chat with Kai about his amazing Olympic trials result from lane 8 in the Men's 200 Free to qualify for his first World Champs event. We discuss how the day had it's ups and downs from heats to the final, and how excited mum and Swimming Australia legend Hayley Lewis celebrated the victory from the stands.

Kai talks to us about his Fukuoka experience, first time with the team. The amazing Gold medal in the Mens 4x100 Freestyle relay on night 1, as well as his own individual performance in the 200 Freestyle.

We talk about coach Dean Boxalls influence on him as an athlete and as a person, as well as his future goals and having eyes on Paris 2024

Don't miss this great chat, with one of Australia's next big swimming stars

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 40 - Learning From Other Sports

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I discuss his visitors to the AIS this week Matt Ballin and Lee Briars from the Brisbane Broncos, what he learned from their time down in Canberra and how coaches can learn a lot from other sports and other industries around leadership and the art of coaching.

We also discuss the observations of Leigh Nugent from the World Champs in Fukuoka. Shannon gives us a sneak peak behind the curtain at a presentation he and some coaches heard from Leigh, around trends coming out of Japan.

and we cover this weekends NSW Senior State SC Champs, and how his athletes are tracking, including Bronte Campbell.

Off The Blocks with Matthew Thompson (Swimming Commentator, Channel 9)

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk with Channel 9 NRL and Swimming Commentator Matthew Thompson

After a hugely successful week commentating the 2023 Swimming World Champs along side Ian Thorpe and Giaan Rooney, we get Matt on to discuss his enjoyment of calling the swimming and the differences between Rugby League and Swimming when commentating.

Matt gives us his highlights during the week of racing in Fukuoka including Mollie O'Callaghan, Ariarne Titmus and Leon Marchand. Matt also talks to us about how much he has learned from sitting next to two of the great Australian legends in Thorpey and Giaan, as well as Off The Block's own stats guru David Clark.

We talk about the days of Ray Warren on the mic calling his favourites home including Susie O'Neill and Grant Hackett, as well as how exciting swimming looks for the future here in Australia and trying to get it back on prime time again as it should be.

Matt did an outstanding job through the week calling the champs, he brought enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine excitement for the action he was watching in the pool, don't miss this weeks chat to hear from the man himself 

Off The Blocks with Ariarne Titmus

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk with Olympic and World Champion and World Record Holder, Ariarne Titmus.

In this podcast Ariarne talks to us about her incredible World Champs in Fukuoka. We go through her blistering world record, and the race of the century. We discuss race tactics and swimming with more intent.

Ariarne talks to us about the amazing battle with training team mate and NEW world record holder Mollie O'Callaghan in the 200m Freestyle, and of course the tough 800m Freestyle to finish the week finishing with a Bronze.

We discuss her SuperCoach Dean Boxall and the phenomenal work he did in Fukuoka with 10 athletes on the team, and how their partnership has evolved and grown over time.

What the future looks like, how excited she is to be a part of an inspiring Australian Team right now and so much more.... Don't miss this great chat with one of Australia's best ever

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 39 - Interview with Rohan Taylor

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I are joined by Australian Head Coach Rohan Taylor, as we discuss the amazing team performance in Fukuoka. Rohan give us his thoughts on the Dolphins results including the incredible Aussie woman who continue to dominate the 4x100 Freestyle relay.

We talk about the use of technology in swimming, and Kaylee McKeown's DQ.

Rohan gives us his take on the AUS v USA rivalry and Cate Campbell and Kaylee McKeown's comments over the past week in the media.

And how the Australian Swim Teams road to Paris 2024 looks very different for all athletes on the team.

 

It's a big podcast, don't miss it

OTB Headlines with Bobby Hurley Ep 1 - New Podcast

Welcome to our OTB Headlines podcast where i am joined every week by Former World Champion and World Record holder, Australian swimming legend and Superstar commentator Bobby Hurley to discuss and go through all things topical and newsworthy in the world of swimming.

This week we talk about the Aussie v USA rivalry, off the back of Cate Campbells comments on tv. Whether those comments were warranted/fair, Kaylee Mckeown's response and whether or not pocking the bear is a wise decision.

We go through Cam McEvoy's success in Fukuoka and his training program, what others can learn from his process and how it looks heading to Paris 2024.

The Australian Youth Comm Games team get their flowers as we look back at how successful their meet was in Trinadad and Tobago, and how championship events like this are essential for the growth and development of our junior athletes in Australia.

All that and a whole lot more, don't miss our new WEEKLY Chat

Off The Blocks with Kaylee McKeown

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk to 3 time Backstroke World Champion and Female swimmer of the meet Kaylee McKeown.

Favourite of the podcast, Kaylee joins us again to talk about her amazing success in Fukuoka at the 2023 Swimming World Championships.

We go through all the success of her 50/100 and 200m Backstroke golds, as well as her relay success with her fellow Dolphins team members.

We also discuss her disappointment in the 200 IM with her DQ, and her healthy rivalry with the US team in particular Regan Smith.

Change in program, and coaching styles and continuing to push her limits even when she has achieved it all.

It is always a pleasure to have Kaylee on for a chat, and this episode is no different. Don't Miss It

Off The Blocks with Sander Ganzevles

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk to NSW Swimming's, Newcastle Performance Hub Head Coach Sander Ganzevles.

In this podcast we get to know all about Sander's journey from being an elite swimmer himself and growing up in the Netherlands, to how he transitioned into coaching. We go through Sander's coaching pathway so far, learning in the Netherlands and being influenced by Jacco Verhaeren and Jan Olbrecht. Moving to Germany to continue his coaching and working with elite athletes, and then to making the decision to move to Cairns, Australia.

We also talk Technology in swimming and get Sander's tips on what kind of technology he uses and why? As well as get some of his favourite speed and Aerobic Sets.

We talk work/life balance, coaching in Newcastle, working with his wife, lessons he has learnt along the way and a whole lot more.

Every time i get the opportunity to speak with this man I'm always impressed and i know you will be too, Don't Miss This

Off The Blocks with David Clark - Miracles, Milestones and Mollie O

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk to Channel 9's Swimming Stats Guru David Clark about all things 2023 Fukuoka World Champs.

David is a fan favourite on The Shannon Rollason Podcast and this week he joins me following his successful coverage with fellow broadcasters Matthew Thompson, and Aussie Swimming Legends Ian Thorpe and Giaan Rooney in the commentary booth. David is the man behind all of the incredible statistics you hear the commentators mention through out the coverage, and this week he brings knowledge of swimming history to Off The Blocks.

David and I discuss all of the amazing milestones and records that tumbled during the week of the world champs, including Leon Marchand's historic 400 IM, Mollie O'Callaghan's massive championships, the Australian Woman dominating the pool, and Dean Boxall's incredible coaching performance.

We also take you through Katie Ledecky's milestones, Qin Haiyang's domination of Men's Breaststroke, Sarah Sjostrom and Ruta Meilutyte's blistering World Records, Cam McEvoy, Giaans Macadamia farm and so much more.

 

If you're a swimming fan and historian you are going to love this weeks chat, who is Chesney Watson you may ask? you'll have to listen and find out haha

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 38 - 2023 World Champs REVIEW

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I go through what was a phenomenal performance from the Aussie swim team at the 2023 Fukuoka World Swimming Champs last week.

We go through the amazing world records, Shannon's lane 1 conspiracies, Cam McEvoys blistering Australian record of 21.06, The swimming bunker, as well as the surprising performances from some of the worlds young stars that didn't fire.

We also cover the US team results, Dean Boxall's amazing coaching performance, and what the World Champs results mean for Paris 2024.

 

All that and a whole lot more

Off The Blocks LIVE From 2023 World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka

Join us as we go LIVE on pool deck at the 2023 World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, with World Aquatics commentator and Off The Blocks favourite Bobby Hurley.

Bobby gives us his thoughts immediately following night 3 of finals which saw some phenomenal racing. An upset in the men's 200 free with Romanian star David Popovici missing the medals as England go 1-2 with Matt Richards and Tom Dean.

Katie Ledecky dominates her 5th 1500m World championship

And Kaylee McKeown get redemption in the 100m Backstroke winning Gold for Australia in a Championships Record

We also look back on the amazing night that was Night 1, where we saw the emergence of an Aussie Star in Sam Short winning a closely fought 400m Freestyle beating out Haffnoui. 

Ariarne Titmus dominates what was meant to be the race of the century and became a race of Ariarne and the world record as she reclaimed the world record and her status ontop of the mountain in the 400m.

Leon Marchand's historic 400m IM, claiming the oldest standing world record of Michael Phelps and doing it with MP watching on pool deck.

and of course the Men's and Women's 4x100 Freestyle relays winning Gold, and the girls doing it in another World record time.

 

Don't miss this great recap, with the man on deck in Fukuoka killing it on commentary, Bobby Hurley

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 37 - Breaststroke Kick Controversy

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week we discuss the controversy coming out of the US trials around the massive amount of DQ's in Breaststroke events. Why are they being DQ'd? Can they be avoided? How should we be using technology in swimming? Will this carry over to World Champs in just a few days?

We also discuss the disappointment of Melbourne pulling out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Chelsea Gubecka's phenomenal effort to win Silver in Japan in the 10km open water event and qualify herself for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

World Champs in Fukuoka, potential new strokes in swimming, athletes dislike for distance kick and a whole lot more.

Don't miss this weeks ep 

Off The Blocks with Bobby Hurley - 2023 Fukuoka World Champs PREVIEW

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, previewing the 2023 Fukuoka World Swimming Championships with none other than former World Champion and World Record Holder Bobby Hurley.

Bobby Hurley and I preview the upcoming world champs and the mouth-watering superstar match ups that are coming our way starting Sunday 23rd July in Japan. Bobby will also be commentating the championships for World Aquatics and their live broadcast in Fukuoka.

From the Women's 400 Freestyle with legends Katie Ledecky and Ariarne Titmus trying to take down young superstar and world record holder Summer McIntosh, to the Men's 100 Freestyle with our own Kyle Chalmers taking on Romanian superstar and world record holder David Popovici. What records can Leon Marchand break as he looks to stamp his authority on the world champs ahead of what will be a massive 2024 Paris home games for the French superstar.

We talk Kaylee Mckeown v Regan Smith in the Women's 100 and 200 Backstroke, as well as Cam McEvoy amazing comeback on the world stage heading in as the fastest 50m Freestyle qualifier.

This without a doubt is going to be an eventful, emotional, spectacular World Champs with all the young stars colliding with legends all on the road to 2024 Paris Olympics, who will come out on top DON'T MISS a minute of the action.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 36 - The History of Swimming World Championships Part 2

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week as we get closer to 2023 World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Shannon and I are joined by swimming statistician and historian David Clark once again, as we look back at the rich history of the World Swimming Championships.

In this part two episode, David, Shannon and I have a look back at Montreal 2005 and Australia's continued success there with Grant Hackett winning a 4th consecutive 1500m Free, through to 2022 in Budapest and we also do a quick look ahead to Fukuoka and what is to come in 1 weeks time.

From the success of 2007 in Melbourne to the controversy of 2009 in Rome where the super suits overshadowed the years racing. From James Magnussen winning the men's 100m Free in Shanghai 2011 to the emergence of a young Katie Ledecky in 2013 at Barcelona. As well as Bronte Campbells massive meet in 2015 Kazan through to more controversy in 2019 Gwangju with Mack Horton refusing to stand on the podium with Sun Yang following the men's 400m Free. This episode covers it all

 

If you are a lover of swimming and the history of the sport, this is the podcast for you, don't miss part two

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 35 - The History of Swimming World Championships Part 1

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week as we get closer to 2023 World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Shannon and I are joined by swimming statistician and historian David Clark once again, as we look back at the rich history of the World Swimming Championships.

In this part one episode, David, Shannon and I have a look back at how the World champs started way back in 1973 in Belgrade through to 2003 in Barcelona.

David gives us a great insight into some of the great stories and performances that have helped shape not just swimming here in Australia but indeed the world. 

From the East German controversies in the 70s and 80s, to milestones in Australian history with Stephen Holland who won our first ever World Champs Gold Medal in the 1500m Free.

We cover the less successful champs for Australia through the mid 80s through to the resurgence in mid 90s and early 00s with Thorpe, Hackett, O'Neil, Perkins, Riley.

If you are a lover of swimming and the history of the sport, this is the podcast for you, don't miss part one

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 34 - 2003 World Champs Barcelona

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I look back at 2003 Barcelona World Champs on the 20 year anniversary. This was Shannon's first Long Course World Champs on the Australian team, and he takes us through his memories of big event.

From his own results with Alice Mills, Jodie Henry and Mel Houghton, to some of the big races between Alexander Popov, Ian Thorpe and Pieter Van Den Hoogenband and the girls relays where Australia are beginning their charge towards the top.

In this great look back, Shannon gives us some insights into being on his first Worlds team and why the experience was like from a coaches perspective as well as some fun stories along the way

 

Don't miss this

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 33 - Aussie Trials REVIEW

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I look back on the Aussie trials for World Champs in a few weeks.

Shannon talks so us about how his team went down in Melbourne, as well as some big races from other athletes that caught his eye.

Cam McEvoy 50m Free, Kaylee McKeown dominates, Mollie O'Callaghan makes her mark and Sam Short arrives as the dominant middle and distance male in Australia

All that and a whole lot more

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 32 - Aussie Trials PREVIEW

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I preview this weeks 2023 Australian Swimming World Champs Trials down in Melbourne, as the best Aussie swimmers battle it out to be on the plane to Japan.

During this chat, Shannon casts his eye over the swimmers competing in Melbourne, and give us his top races to watch and why.

We also discover and discuss a few events through the program that really need to be strengthened in terms of depth as we look ahead to 2024 Olympics and beyond.

Great chat, don't miss it

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 31 - Transitioning Programs From Age to Open Part 2

Welcome to The Shannon Rollason Podcast, a swimming podcast like no other.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast is back in 2023 and on a new home here on the Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast network.

This week Shannon and I continue our discussion on transitioning your program from a top age group to a top open age program. Shannon takes us through his 4 year plan which started in 2000 and carried onto 2004 in Athens. he shares with us his goals that were set, what brought about this mindset and the risks he took in pursuit of his teams dreams.

This week has great insights for all those coaches looking to help progress their top age group talent through to making senior teams, from a man who has done it himself.

Great episode, don't miss it