In this episode, we are joined by Katie Baxa, from Nations Capital Swim Club in the USA, one of the biggest and most prolific programmes in America. She shares with her inspiring journey from summer league swimming in the US to coaching at the highest levels internationally at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She discusses her coaching philosophy, the importance of athlete development, and insights into coaching across different cultures. It is a wonderful conversation and Katie is so honest and humble in her reflections. You can connect with Katie via her instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coach_kdbaxa/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
Jun 26
37 min
In this conversation, Andy shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the influences that shaped his coaching philosophy and approach. He discusses the importance of integrating safeguarding with coaching practices, the need for resourcefulness in coaching, and the value of learner-centred coaching. Andy also reflects on global coaching perspectives and the significance of peer coaching in athlete development, emphasising the need for a supportive and safe coaching environment. We explore the importance of guided discovery in coaching, emphasising the need for coaches to allow learners the freedom to explore and express themselves. We also dive into insights on individualising coaching for diverse swimmers, the significance of building relationships, and the journey of self-discovery as a coach. Andy also reflects on defining success in coaching and offers valuable advice for new coaches, encouraging them to embrace curiosity and foster community.The book Andy mentions by Jeanne Dekerle can be found here: https://amzn.eu/d/06Y27jgFYou can connect with Andy on Linked-in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hailey-766b30212/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
Jun 15
54 min
In this fascinating interview, Scottish Swimming's National Coach Ian Wright shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and insights into developing successful swimmers regardless of resource constraints. Discover practical tips for coaches at all levels to improve technique, build resilience, and foster a strong team culture. Ian shared with us his mentors, lessons and reflections from a career spanning many roles. You can connect with Ian on Linkedin here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-wright-607a9920/He also has a fantastic blog to check out on Substack:https://heat1lane1.substack.com/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
May 22
55 min
In this in-depth interview, Kevin Brooks, Head Coach of Wycombe District Swimming Club, shares his coaching journey, his philosophy on building a sustainable club, and strategies for long-term athlete development. Discover how he transformed Wycombe from a small club into a national powerhouse and the key principles behind his success.You can connect with Kevin via his instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/kevbrookscoach/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
May 15
56 min
In this episode, Olympic swimmer and coach developer Alys Thomas shares her journey from early swimming days in Kingston to competing in four Commonwealth Games, transitioning into coaching, and her role in developing Wales' swimming talent. She discusses longevity in sport, athlete development, coaching strategies, and the importance of enjoyment and individual pathways. It is a fascinating insight into the rollercoaster of the athlete journey and how Alys has taken lessons from her own sporting journey to support the next generation of Welsh swimmers.You can connect with Alys via her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alys_thomas/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
May 8
40 min
In this in-depth interview we were joined by Ross Nicholas, the National Performance Director of Swim Wales. He discusses with us the importance of system-wide athlete development, innovative coaching principles, and the role of competitions like the Commonwealth Games in nurturing talent. This episode offers valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and sports administrators aiming to elevate their performance and support pathways. We explored a range of areas including key topics such as,System-wide athlete development in swimmingCoaching principles for technical and physiological growthThe impact of competitions like the Commonwealth GamesSupporting isolated or remote athletes and clubsLessons from other sports and innovative approachesYou can connect with Ross on Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-nicholas-70b09712a/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
May 1
49 min
Our guest for this episode is an Olympic medalist, World Champion and World Record Holder... but he is so much more than that! Milo shares with us his inspiring journey from being a 4x Olympic swimmer to transitioning into a coach, emphasising the importance of belief, creativity, and continuous learning in sports and life. Discover insights on resilience, coaching philosophy, and the power of sharing knowledge to elevate the sport. We discuss his view as a parent himself on how we support young people through their journey, and there are some profound insights Milo shares with us on this topic.You can connect with Milo on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/milorad_cavic/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
Mar 27
57 min
Join us as we explore John Szaranek's journey through swimming to coaching at the National Centre in Ireland. We dive into how his coaching philosophy was influenced by 30 years in the police service, and insights into developing elite swimmers in Ireland and beyond.Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
Mar 20
55 min
In this insightful interview, Danish Olympic Champion, Pernille Blume shares her journey from becoming an Olympic swimmer and then the transition into a multifaceted career.Pertinent for club coaches, was certainly how she emphasised the importance of joy, exploration, and emotional intelligence in sports and life. You can connect with Pernille via her instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/pernilleblume/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
Mar 9
51 min
In this conversation, we speak to Andi Manley, the Director of Swimming at Loughborough University. The coach to Dan Wiffen's Olympic Gold Medal-winning campaign in 2024, Andi shares insights from his extensive coaching journey including powerful insights from that moment in Paris. He discusses the transition from being a swimmer to a coach, the importance of understanding each athlete as an individual, and the influence of various coaches on his development. Andi reflects on the success of athletes like Dan Wiffen, his coaching philosophy, and the unique environment at Loughborough that fosters athlete growth. He also touches on the challenges of balancing coaching with parenting, the importance of continuous professional development, and offers advice for early career coaches. As he prepares for the role of Team England Head Coach at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Andi emphasises the significance of collaboration and support within the coaching community.You can find out more about Loughborough University's Swim Programme here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/sports/swimming/Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-communityFor coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/Contact us directly via [email protected]
Feb 13
53 min
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