Off The Blocks Swimming 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 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 

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 the Rugby League State of Origin NSW v QLD and things we can learn and adapt to swimming as coaches. 

We discuss transitioning from a successful age group program into a successful open squad program and how you go about it, things to look at and knowing when your program isn't suitable for open athletes

We are also joined by a very special guest NSW Swimming Coaching Director Jon Shaw. Jon joins us to discuss the Blues loss, and gives us his thoughts on transitioning our NSW swimmers from top Age group swimmers to top Open level swimmers, and what the future looks like.

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 some listener questions as we do another round of Ask Shannon Anything.

In this podcast we discuss what other sport Shannon would coach if he could, what country he would like to coach in, whether he likes music on pool deck and his favourite kick set.

We also dive into Swimming Australia's Long Term Athlete Development Model for coaches, and if we are really rewarding the athletes and programs who takes a short term approach, as well as a question sure to fire Shannon up again, When will NSW be stronger than QLD in the pool? 

Don't miss this weeks episode, it's going to get you talking

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 back from our break to discuss all things Sydney Open, including Bronte Campbell's big return to competition after 18months.

We go back and discuss Australian Age and Open Champs from the Gold Coast in April, and as the name of todays show suggests, Shannon gets fired up about a few things which we wont spoil for you here, you will just have to listen.

And we finish with a great chat about coaches work life balance, taking breaks and not burning yourself out.

Excited to be back, hope you all enjoy

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 Bronte Campbells decision to train for the Paris Olympics 2024 and to partner up with none other than the host of the podcast himself Mr Shannon Rollason.

Shannon takes us through how this partnership came about, and how excited he is for the challenge of trying to help Bronte go through to her 4th Olympic Games in Paris

We also discuss Erika Fairweather and Summer McIntosh phenomenal swimming over the past week and how that helps make the Womens 400m Freestyle final in Paris even more exciting 

All that and a whole lot more

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 Australian Age and Open Championships on the Gold Coast, Shannon and I are joined by swimming statistician and historian David Clark as we look back at the rich history of the Australian Swimming Championships.

From the most successful Aussies of all time, to some outrages historic events that used to be in the program, David takes us on a ride through Australia's amazing swimming history and the evolution of the sport in our country.

Definitely not one to miss as we gear up for Nationals on the Gold Coast

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 Australian Age and Open Championships on the Gold Coast, Shannon and I follow up our first episode on tapering (1 year ago) with another chat on the best ways to LAND YOU PLANE and execute your tapers the best way you can. We go into key areas coaches should be focusing on 1 week out from competition. NO GO areas for coaches during taper time. Some great advice for swimmers and coaches around when to arrive at the competition and areas to remember during the big week of racing.

Given the big news week in swimming, Shannon also discusses Summer McIntosh amazing 400m Freestyle world record in Toronto, and the breaking news of Adam Peaty stepping away from the pool for a while, and what coaches can do to look for warning signs of fatigue and burn out in our athletes.

Its a packed show, don't miss it

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.

(Apologies for the poor audio quality on my part, had the microphone volume down too low, rookie error)

This week, off the back of Kaylee McKeown's phenomenal 200m Backstroke World Record at NSW State Open Champs, Shannon and I discuss her amazing swim and also cover world records that he has seen over his years on pool deck.

We cover the best world records Shannon has been a part of, as well as the ones he has been lucky enough to see. We talk about the hardest records to break, the next one to fall and the athletes who have the most world records of all time.

All that and a whole lot more (again apologies about the audio quality on my end, then again my be a good thing to not hear me as clearly haha)

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 the art of coaching athletes and being master motivators. Shannon takes us through some of his best coaching moments of motivating and getting the best out of his athletes, as well as some of the best inspirational speeches he has heard over time.

We talk about what makes the best coaches successful, and what traits all the masters in their craft have. 

We talk about fear of failing both for swimmers and coaches, coaching individually in a team environment, favourite quotes and a whole lot more.

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 technology in swimming, whether that's training aids or the future of competitions and should we be looking to constantly be progressing and going faster.

Shannon talks to us about what phase coaches should be looking at training wise right now, as we gear up for Nationals here in Australia. Shannon gives us his advise and thoughts as we look ahead to the Gold Coast in April.

We also get into the swimming calendar, and ways we can look at making it financially more appropriate for swimming families.

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

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 what we have been up to during our time away from the microphones. We look back at World Short Course Champs in Melbourne, NSW State Age Champs from December, and discuss the success of his daughter and how he manages separating coaching and parenting.

We also discuss training camps and how to get the most out of them

All that and so much more, don't miss our first episode back for the new year, it's going to be a big year ahead.

Special treat for all those missing Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

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

This week Shannon is joined by International Swimming Hall Of Famer and one of USA best ever coaches David Marsh.

Shannon and David discuss his recent success with the Men's Cal Bears team at the NCAA's, as well as their take on what makes USA swimming the powerhouse that it is. David gives us his favourite swimmers of all time to watch as a fan of the sport, as well as his top tips when it comes to Sprint Freestyle, Breaststroke and Tapers. 

David speaks to us about what continues to drive him as a coach and mentor as someone who has coached over 50 Olympians during his hall of fame career. We also discuss emotional control as a coach and how important it is during a big week of racing at big meets.

Shannon and David continue to talk on a range of topics, and it's a must for all coaches and fans of our sport as these two legendary coaches bring the knowledge and experience. DONT MISS THIS ONE

Special treat for all those missing Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

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

In this episode Shannon takes us through his philosophies and training methods when it comes to the stroke most people have a love hate relationship with Breaststroke.

From development to elite racing, Shannon talks us through what he looks for in identifying a breaststroker, and then how he goes about developing them through your program.

We also touch on World Champs, and the implications that has on Australia and trials.

Switching it up a bit in 2022, and this podcast is for all the coaches out there. Enjoy.

Special treat for all those missing Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

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

This week Shannon welcomes special guest, Australian Swimming Legend, former athlete of Shannon's squad and 2 time Olympian Tarnee White.

In this rare interview with the Olympic and Comm Games Gold medallist, Shannon and Tarnee discuss her amazing career in the pool from it's beginnings up in Redcliffe training with legendary Aussie Coach Ken Wood and the phenomenally talented squad they had up there. 

We speak about Tarnee's transition into Shannon's squad in 2003, and the incredible 6 year journey that would follow including hurdles, challenges, triumphs and success. 

Tarnee has a tremendous story to tell and one i think that shows the level of determination and commitment she truely had as an athlete, and I'm sure as you listen to this chat you won't be able to help but admire her as we did for being a strong, resilient athlete, that would be a perfect role model for any aspiring athlete coming through squads today.

Special treat for all those missing Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

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

This week on The Shannon Rollason Podcast it's all about Landing Your Planes smoothly during taper time.

Here in Australia we are coming up on 2022 NSW and QLD State Age Champs this week, and this week Shannon gives us his thoughts and insights into how he views tapering and the processes he uses to land his plane safely.

From volume to intensity, length of taper and the differences even for strokes, Shannon covers it all this week and just in time for all the coaches listening and wondering if they have nailed their tapers for their athletes as we arrive at State Age time.

All that and a whole lot more.

Special treat for all those missing Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

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

This week on The Shannon Rollason Podcast, Shannon takes us through his philosophies and programs when it comes to Sprint Freestyle.

Shannon gives us an in depth look at qualities he looks for in identifying potential sprinters in your program, and the how he programs and plans for them whether they are a 50/100 swimmer or 100/200 swimmer and the differences he see's between the two. We also go through some of the best male and female sprinters of all time in our opinion, as well as some of the champion sprinters Shannon has coached during his career.

We also discuss Ash Barty's shock retirement and the notion of Slaying Your Dragon, what that means and how understanding what your dragon is could help you as a coach in the future.

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

Special treat for all those missing Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

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

Joining Shannon this week on the podcast is Scotland's Head Coach for the the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and Coach of Duncan Scott the most successful British Olympian from a single Olympics in Tokyo, our special guest today is none other than Steven Tigg.

In this episode Steven and Shannon talk about the success of Duncan Scott and his progression throughout the years in the pool. Steven's long term plan for Duncan when they started working together 18 years ago and how he keeps their partnership innovative and progressing.

The coaches discuss plans for this year with World Champs and Comm Games, what is a priority and what may not be. What events will be prioritised for Duncan's program this year as well.

And Steven gives us a great insight into areas that coaches need to be conscious of when working with their athletes whether that be talking too much and over coaching, or sometimes being too reserved and missing the opportunity to step in and give corrections when they are needed.

Steven also gives us an insight into working with our Aussie swimmers whilst he was the Head Coach of London Roar in last seasons ISL competition.

A great chat with to coaches with a wealth of knowledge and experience at the highest levels

Special treat for all those missing Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

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

This Episode 1 and todays stories come from the Iconic 2004 Athens Olympic Games which was 17 years ago.

Shannon gives us his insights into the lead up to the games including the long term goal setting that took place around winning the Women's 4x100 Freestyle relay for Australia, and how much work went into achieving that goal.

We get his unique perspective on Jodie Henry winning Gold for Australia in the Women's 100m Freestyle, from the training, to the race itself and all the stories in between.

 Along with Shannon's own athletes we discuss Thorpie's false start at trials in the Men's 400m Freestyle, the famous full body race suits from back in the day, the conditions in Athens with the village and the venues, as well as his take on some of the Iconic races including the race of the century, and Petria Thomas Gold winning performance in the Women's 100m Butterfly.

You might have heard a lot of swimming podcasts, but you have never heard one like this. Amazing stories from a great time in our sport, from a man who is one of the best in the world, and was a part of all the legendary moments.

Season 5 Episode 9 (Part 2), we continue our chat with 4 time Australian coach of the year, and one of the best in the business Stephan Widmer.

In this part one podcast Stephan talks to us about some of the amazing swimmers he has had the pleasure of working with like Libby Trickett, Christian Sprenger, Melanie Schlanger and Jess Schipper among many others.

We also get into his time with Swimming Queensland and helping mentor coaches, as well as many other great pieces of advice from one of the sharpest minds in the swimming business.

Don't miss our awesome part two chat with Stephan Widmer

Season 5 Episode 8 (Part 1), we chat with 4 time Australian coach of the year, and one of the best in the business Stephan Widmer.

In this part one podcast Stephan talks to us about last years Tokyo 2020 Olympic games and how he saw the swimming in the pool, as well as Joseph Schoolings performance following his Gold medal in 2016.

We go through his early days in Switzerland as a swimmer and then transitioning into a coach and how his thirst for knowledge and competitive nature lead him to Australia in 1997, and the rest they say is history. We discuss his early days learning from Scott Volkers and other legendary Australian coaches upon his arrival.

We talk coaching philosophies as well his thoughts on Australian swimming when he arrived, and his thoughts on it today in 2022. Stephan also gives us a great insight into his thoughts on training speed in Freestyle, his training sets and programs as well as what he looks for technically.

Don't miss part one of my chat with one of the sharpest coaching minds in the world of swimming and a man with so much knowledge and experience that we don't hear enough from these days.

Season 5 Episode 7, we chat to Australia 2020 Tokyo Olympian for the 10km Marathon Swim, Kai Edwards

In this podcast we chat to Kai about his move down Sydney to train with long-time coach Chris Nesbit at Carlile. We discuss the Tokyo hangover after the games and what lead to his decision to come to Sydney from the Gold Coast.

We also discuss his Tokyo experience from his first Olympic games, the atmosphere, the conditions, the flying fish and how he handled it all. As well as some of his favourite sets to help him get ready for those long gruelling events in the open water.

Kai talks us through qualifying for his first games, how the selection process works and how it felt qualifying for his first games over in Portugal.

We also talk Motorbikes, life away from the pool, future aspirations and a whole lot more.

Season 5 Episode 6, we chat we Olympic Gold Medallist from Tokyo 2020 from the Women's 4x100 Medley Relay, and Australian Champion Chelsea Hodges.

In this podcast we chat with Chelsea about where she is at right now with World Champ and Comm Games trials now just over a month away, and discuss her success at the recent NSW State Open Champs in Sydney.

Chelsea takes us back to her beginnings in the pool and we hear the amazing story of the adversities she has had to overcome through her development years in the pool particularly in her teenage years with major injury and surgery.

We discuss her long time partnership with coach Sean Eels and how that helped get her to her first ever Olympic Games in Tokyo, qualifying for the 100m Breaststroke and giving her a spot on the Women's 4x100 Medley Relay team.

Chelsea gives us a great insight into the euphoria of making her first ever Olympics at trials in Adelaide with a 1.05.99, to being at Tokyo competing and possibly not letting herself feel the moments as much as she would have liked during her heat and semi final swim, just missing the final of the Women's 100m Breaststroke by 0.02.

She then share's her "I had a point to prove" mentality stepping out on deck with Kaylee McKeown, Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell for the Women's 4x100 Medley relay, where along with the 3 other girls she absolutely smashed it splitting 1.05.57 and helping her team finish the games with a Gold medal and Olympic record.

All that and a whole lot more, as we go one on one with one of the brightest talents on the Dolphins swim team, and one of the nicest humans you will be fortunate to meet.

Season 5 Ep 5, we head over to the US and chat with 3 very talented young Aussie stars who are in college competing right now for their respective teams, we have Charlie Hawke with Alabama University, Charli Brown with Arizona State and Alex Quach with Ohio State.

In this podcast the 3 young stars give us their unique insight into training and competing over in the US college programs. How are they different from where they have come from, and what they have learned so far from their teammates and coaches.

The swimmers also tell us what it's like racing short course yards, and what element of the college system they would like to see implemented back home here in Australia.

We also play a quick game of who does it better, Aussies or the US, and have plenty more laughs along the way.

Loved this chat, and so proud of our young Aussie stars over in the US kicking goals.

Season 5 Episode 4, we chat to Aussie young gun and record breaker from Bond University Flynn Southam.

In this podcast we discuss Flynn's, success in the pool at such a young age and goals he and his coaches Kyle Samuelson and Chris Mooney have for the next few years and beyond.

We also discuss his coaches influence on his swimming so far particularly Kyle, and what he has learnt since Olympic Gold medal winning coach Chris Mooney has come to Bond.

We discuss the ups and downs, and difficult periods he went through particularly during Covid lockdown in 2020. Flynn opens up and gives us an insight into how he was thinking during this time, and what strategies he employed to bring himself back out of them.

We talk race plans as well as areas of his racing Flynn feels he can still improve a lot.

And we talk about his mentor program MAD, how it started and why he loves it so much.

To find out more about MAD please head to https://www.flynnsoutham.com/

Season 5 Ep 3, We sit down with the World Record Holder and now 2 time Olympic Champion in the Men's 100 Breaststroke, the man with a new book out right now "The Gladiator Mindset" Mr Adam Peaty.

In this podcast we discuss his success in Tokyo and the challenges he faced this time around with Covid, a new family and now having the big responsibility on his shoulders of being the defending champion.

We of course discuss his NEW BOOK "The Gladiator Mindset" and how it came about. We go through some of the important take always from the book and why he wanted to share his story and insights into how he became one of the biggest names in world swimming history.

This is our final episode for 2021, we hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas and New Years from all of us here at Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast and can't wait to share more stories with you all in 2022.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-gladiator-mindset-adam-peaty/book/9781529418422.html

Above is the link of where you can buy Adam's best selling book, and just in time for Christmas.

XMAS MERCH ALERT - Our brand new OTB Crew shirts have arrived, click the link below to purchase your original OTB Crew T today and become a part of the Crew

https://www.offtheblocksswimmingacademy.com/otb-crew-merchandise/p/style-01-wll4k

Season 5 Ep 2, We chat with new Bond Head Coach and 2 time Olympic coach for Australia Chris Mooney.

In this podcast we discuss the big move down south to Bond University following what was an amazing 2020 Tokyo Olympic experience. What brought the move about, and what excited him about the future down on the Gold Coast.

We of course get stuck into the Tokyo Olympic experience including Kaylee McKeown's phenomenal performances, rooming with Dean Boxall and the tremendous Australian Team Culture at the moment.

Chris gives us some great insights into different training philosophies around rest and recovery, programming and planning and what he learned during the covid break in 2020.

We also discuss our personal connection outside of the swimming world, how that came about and what they taught both of us about work life balance and what's really important.

Welcome to the season 5 premier of Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast, and todays special guest is World Champ and Comm Games Gold medallist Shayna Jack.

In this podcast, Shayna tells us how she has been feeling since being cleared to return to the pool a few months ago, and what goals she and coach Dean Boxall have set for the future now she is free to compete.

We discuss her ban from 2019, how it came about, how she heard about it and the struggles she went through trying to process what she was going to do. We discuss the dark days through her ban, but also the strength and resolve Shayna had to persevere, never give up and fight her way back to where she is today.

We also discuss how Swimming Australia could look at how they can better support athletes in the future who may be going through difficulties out of the pool, as well how the whole 2 year 3 month ban has helped Shayna realise she is much more than just an athlete and what other interests and passions she has outside of the pool now to help give her a great athlete/life balance.

Genuinely one of my favourite chats since starting the podcast in 2018, its roar, its real and its honest and if your like me i don't think you can help but come away from this podcast with admiration and empathy for Shayna Jack for everything she has been through over the last 2 and a half years, and how she never gave up, stayed true to her self and is now coming back bigger and stronger than ever.