Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 46 - Sprint Revolution???

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 Sprint training and comments made this week about swimming Australia's TID 2km time trial. Does it still have a place? What does Shannon think?

We discuss the importance of still developing swimmers capacities as they are developing, and when it is appropriate to look at doing sprint based training only for athletes

Also this week it was reported of NSW Swimming's plan to develop the Sutherland Leisure Centre into another Performance Hub for the State. What does this mean? Is it a good plan? Shannon talks to us about his experiences with performance hubs from all over the world, and how he thinks it can best work.

 

A lot to get through, and sure to get people talking. Don't miss this weeks episode

AND The Winner Of The eoLab Swim Better Competition Is

AND the winner is.... Pimpama Swimming Club up in QLD 

 

Massive congrats to Pimpama Swim Club, and huge thank you to all of our listeners who participated in this massive competition.

For everyone who missed out, head over to https://www.eolab.com/ right now and check out their amazing products that are helping revolutionise the way we are able to analyse stroke efficiency and technique.

Massive thanks to Jaimie Fuller and the eoLab team for coming on the podcast and helping make Pimpama Swim Club's dreams come true with this fantastic prize giveaway

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 45 - World Cup 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.

 

SHANNON IS BACK from his well deserved break, and this week we are diving straight into all the action that's been going on at the 2023 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup.

From Kaylee McKeown's amazing world records, Cody Simpsons impressive 51 in the 100 Fly, Siobhan Haughey's great performances and many more. Shannon also gives us his take on Bronte Campbells performances over in Europe.

All that and so much more, it's great to be back and hope you all enjoy

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 44 - REWIND Episode with Brant Best

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.

Shannon IS ON HOLIDAYS. So this week while Shannon is enjoying a well earned break, so you don't miss out on any great insights or content, we look back at a chat Shannon had with QAS Coach Brant Best in November 2021, as the boys talk all about 2011 Shanghai World Champs, as well as sprint Freestyle. Hope you enjoy.

 

This week Shannon welcomes special guest in World Championship winning and Olympic Coach, now QAS Coach development officer and one of the sharpest swimming minds in our business Brant Best.

Brant joins Shannon to discuss the 2011 Shanghai World Champs and all the highlights and learning experiences from the major meet, including illness within the camp, preparation for the meet and of course James Magnussens incredible win in the men's 100 Freestyle.

Shannon and Brant go through Brant's early influences in coaching as well and what lessons he still keeps with him on pool deck today.

Some great stories and learning moments for all coaches out there in this one

Off The Blocks REWIND Episode with Michael Bohl (Individual Medley)

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang,  Due to this week being super busy I thought it was a great chance to look back on a great chat i had with Aussie Legend Coach Michael Bohl on Individual Medley. This episode came out in July 2021, but so much of what Michael chats to us about in this podcast is so relevant today.

This week we chat all things Individual Medley with Australian and Queensland coaching legend Michael Bohl.

In this podcast Bohly talks to us about all things medley, from training it, racing it and planning for it. He gives great insight into building a medley swimmer from an age group level and what it takes to produce a strong medley swimmer at an elite level.

Grab a pen and paper and get ready for a brilliant chat with a man widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest ever swimming coaches Michael Bohl.

Off The Blocks REWIND Episode with Men’s 4x100 Free Relay Sydney Olympics

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang,  Due to this week being super busy I thought it was a great chance to celebrate the 23 year anniversary of the greatest swimming race in Australian Swimming History, the Men's 4x100 Freestyle relay from 2000 Sydney Olympics. This was recorded on 16th September 2020

 

This week we chat with Aussie Olympic Legends and 4 men who were a part of Australian history in the greatest race this country has ever seen in the Sydney 2000 Olympics 4x100 Freestyle Gold medal winning relay team.

In this podcast we catch up with Michael Klim, Chris Fydler, Ash Callus and of course Ian Thorpe to discuss their amazing moment 20 years on. The boys take us through their memories of the games, the support they felt from the Aussie public and of course that famous race against team USA.

We finish with a fun game to see which of the 4 boys knows their history of the year 2000 and the games the best. 

Career highlight moment for me, don't miss this.

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 43 - REWIND Episode with Mat Trodden

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.

Shannon IS ON HOLIDAYS. So this week while Shannon is enjoying a well earned break, so you don't miss out on any great insights or content, we look back at a chat Shannon had with Scottish Team coach and friend Mat Trodden back in November 2021, enjoy.

Today Shannon sits down to chat with long time friend, former colleague in Edenborough and Scottish Team Coach Mat Trodden.

In this podcast Shannon and Mat discuss the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Team GB success, as well as reliving some great stories from Shannon's time coaching in Edenborough. The boys talk programming, learning experiences, and always staying versatile as a coach and continue challenging what we think we know. Mat talks from a wealth of experience on Scottish and Great Britain teams at European, Comm Games and World Champs.

We talk breaststrokers from Great Britain and why the men's team have had so much success for a long time. And we give our GOAT of male breaststroke world wide. 

Another fantastic episode one Australia's new number 1 swimming podcast, so many stories from two of the best coaches in the business with a lot of insights and experience behind them along with a lot of laughs and fun.

 

 

The Shannon Rollason Podcast Episode 42 - Australian Short Course 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 look back at last weeks 2023 Australian Short Course Swimming Championships in Sydney and go through not just his teams performances but some of the great racing across the board. Shannon talks to us about Bronte Campbells two great swims in the 50 and 100 Free, with Gold medals and Season Best times.

We have a look at his teams results including the Cruiz Swim Club coming 3rd in the point score, which prompts me to ask about the art of winning a point score and getting your club ontop.

We also discuss the missed opportunities of not racing at these champs, and how Cody Simpson really benefited from having a good hit out and getting to stand ontop of the podium.

Finally we touch on James Guy changing training programs and moving to Millfield to train with Matt Richards, is changing programs a year our from an Olympics a good idea? And how to best navigate the move so it pays off for everyone in the end.

All that and a whole lot more, don't miss it

Off The Blocks with EOLab ft Jaimie Fuller and Sander Ganzevles

Welcome back to Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast as we kick off Season 6 with a bang, as this week we talk with Founder of EOLab Jaimie Fuller and Newcastle Performance Hub Head Coach Sander Ganzevles

This week we take a unique look inside one of the best swimming products in the business right now, the EOLab SwimBetter. Founder Jaimie Fuller joins us to discuss how the idea for the amazing new device came about, and how it is helping swimmers from all over the world improved their technique and efficiency. Jaimie gives us a detailed run through of how the SwimBetter works and how data from your swim is easily and quickly transferred directly to your phone or ipad.

Sander gives us the coaches view on the SwimBetter product, how he uses it with his squad up in Newcastle and the benefits ALL coaches can get by using it with their athletes.

https://www.eolab.com/ are giving away one SwimBetter set valued at $1500, to one lucky listener. All you have to do is, like our instagram post, follow both eosportslab and offtheblocksswimmingpodcast on instagram, and comment and tell us why you need EOLab SwimBetter to revolutionise your training

Off The Blocks with Shayna Jack

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 Star Shayna Jack

In this podcast Shayna talks to us about her difficult time at Australian Trials in Melbourne and how she was disappointed with her results and performances, and how she turned that around in staging camp leading into Fukuoka.

Shayna takes us through the incredible week that was, including her part in the 4x100 World Record breaking Freestyle girls Gold medal winning relay on night one. As well as her other incredible relay performances averaging 51.7 through the week.

We discuss her amazing Silver medal in the 50m Freestyle, and how much that moment meant for her personally and sharing it with her coach Dean Boxall.

Shayne talks to us about how proud she is of her coach Dean's performance over in Fukuoka, and how much integral he is to her success as an athlete

All that and a whole lot more, you WON'T want to miss this episode

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