Advertise on podcast: The Weekly Freestyle

This week we are joined by Piers, Tom and Ronnie who have plenty of experience and opinions on the world of swimming. Today’s episode hosted by Luke Withers is one for the swimming purist. With plenty more hot takes to follow!

This week we go behind the scenes and on deck as we hear about the recent British team's attempt to take the channel world record. George Taplin world record holder, international athlete and all round nice guy makes his second appearance on the podcast. Away from the channel attempt we hear about George's incredible swims up in the Lake District and his take and knowledge on attempting to plan a challenge like this. Enjoy! Donate here: https://www.rlss.org.uk/donate/back-the-swim-break-the-record-save-lives Patreon here: https://patreon.com/TheWeeklyFreestyle?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

This week TWF has the pleasure of welcoming CEO of the Swimming Teachers' Association, Dave Candler onto the podcast. Dave has spent his career in the world of aquatics and has most recently just reached a decade in his current role at the helm of the STA. Throughout the episode we get into Dave's journey within in the world of aquatics and how things have changed while he's been in the role. We discuss how great being a swimming teacher is and the power of swimming.

In this episode of The Weekly Freestyle, Alex is joined by Luke Withers to chat about the new swimming season, the Arena League, and some of the big events coming up in the swimming world. They also discuss the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics, the upcoming World Championships in Budapest, and the challenges of swimming in Brisbane’s crocodile-filled river! The pair also look ahead to an exciting British Channel swim relay, including the team’s preparations, the 10-day window, and the possibility of setting a new British record. A relaxed chat about swimming, competition, teamwork and what’s coming next.

This week Alex and Luke catch up on the recent swimming news headlines. We discuss the different types of swimming social media. And Ryan Lochte is making a comeback is he thinking of being in LA 28?? Enjoy 😃

On this week's episode we wrap our review of the amazing European Champs. This week's episode focuses on the best performances in the pool across Europe. We see Sara Curtis transform backstroke - will others follow suit? Could Leon break the world record in his tenth best event?!

This week we discuss the European Championships (PART 1) From our top European performances, our relays and we have the pleasure to Luke Guy joining the podcast too.

This week Luke is joined by Tom Dean as they discuss the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The pair discuss the home nations performances and Tom’s swims too. How do Tom’s medal rank when compared to others that he’s won in his career? Luke highlights some other great performances across the pool too

This week Alex and Luke discuss Euro juniors.

Charlie Harris joins Alex to look back at a weekend of fast swimming in Edinburgh at the Scottish National Open Championships and the standout performances making waves across the sport. They discuss impressive swims from Katie Shanahan, Angharad Evans, Duncan Scott and more, before turning their attention to the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome, where world records continued to tumble and the international standard reached new heights. With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching, Charlie also shares an insight into Team Scotland’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games, from training camps and relay racing to the balance between building excitement and keeping athletes focused ahead of the biggest meet of the year. As Team Scotland’s swimming and judo media officer, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare for a home Games. The episode also marks an exciting new chapter for the Aqua pod, with the launch of the new video podcast series leading into Glasgow 2026. Charlie reveals what’s planned over the coming weeks, featuring conversations with past and present Scottish swimming stars as we celebrate the legacy of Glasgow 2014 and build towards another unforgettable summer.

Join host Alex and Luke Withers for a jam-packed episode that kicks off with some lighter moments, including the UK's recent heatwave, a disastrous Father's Day meal, and Alex’s latest open-water swimming experiment. Beyond the personal updates, the hosts pivot to the essential topic of water safety education during hot weather, reflecting on valuable lessons from the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) and discussing the benefits of international training camps for professional swimmers. The conversation shifts to the competitive pool, where the duo breaks down the latest world records and emerging international talent, including highlights from the 200 breaststroke. They also dive into a creative, hypothetical Weekly Freestyle swimming World Cup, brainstorming star-studded lineups featuring the best swimmers from nations like Sweden, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands. Wrapping up, Alex and Luke critique the commercialisation of modern sports, dissecting everything from questionable hydration breaks to the complexities of stadium sponsorship regulations. They also share their predictions for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, looking at potential breakout stars and redemption stories, before closing with a bit of optimism regarding the England football team's performance.

This week on the Weekly Freestyle Podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on Drowning Prevention Week and why water safety is a message everyone needs to hear. Alex and former RAF Regiment soldier Mike Goody discuss the Water Safety Code, the dangers of cold water shock, peer pressure around open water, and why taking a moment to “stop and think” can save lives. They also explore why swimming should remain a priority in schools and how education is key to preventing avoidable tragedies. Alongside these vital conversations, Mike shares his extraordinary personal journey. After losing his leg and sustaining life-changing injuries in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan, he spent years rebuilding both physically and mentally. Swimming became a cornerstone of his rehabilitation, helping him overcome PTSD and addiction while giving him a renewed sense of purpose. The conversation also looks back at Mike’s role as captain of Team GB’s swimming team at the inaugural Invictus Games, his decade-long partnership with the Swimming Teachers’ Association, and his continued mission to inspire the next generation through disability awareness, resilience, and water safety education. An inspiring episode with life-saving lessons throughout.

This week join both Luke's as they catch up over the recent AP Race meet. A show usually for our Patreon listeners enjoy this on the main feed for this week! For more like this join our community below! https://patreon.com/TheWeeklyFreestyle?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Bonus Clip from our full Patreon Freestyle Show ⭐ Jess joins Luke as they discuss their swimming ICKS!!! listen to the full episode and support TWF here! https://www.patreon.com/posts/160255835?utm_campaign=postshare_creator

After 15 years away from competitive swimming, Liam Bourke is preparing to return to racing at the Reading Masters Championships. In this episode of The Weekly Freestyle Podcast, Liam discusses what motivated him to get back on the blocks, the challenges of returning to sprint racing, and why he wants to lead by example for the swimmers he coaches. He also shares his goals for the coming season and his ambition to continue progressing towards future Masters Nationals competition. The conversation also explores how swimming has opened up opportunities far beyond the pool. Liam reflects on recent trips to Cape Town and Kenya, the growth of his passion for open water swimming, and his long-term vision of combining swimming, travel, coaching, and content creation. He discusses the experiences that have shaped him, the global audience he is building through Swim with Liam, and how travel has become a major source of inspiration for both his coaching and content. Alex and Liam also dive into the changing landscape of swimming media, the rise of influencers within the sport, and the opportunities that come from working with brands and organisations looking to grow participation in swimming. From his recent partnership with Nala to his plans for expanding across YouTube and other platforms, Liam shares his vision for the future and how he hopes to continue making swimming more accessible, engaging, and visible to swimmers around the world. We can't wait to invite him back on and follow his progress. Enjoy the episode! Follow Liam and access all of his channels here: https://www.instagram.com/swimwithliam?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Join our Freestyle community here: https://patreon.com/TheWeeklyFreestyle?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink