What’s it like to compete at your first European Masters Championships - and come home with gold?

European champions Katie Rees and Ben Winter join Helen Gorman to share their experiences from this year’s championships in Šamorín, Slovakia. Both making their European Masters debuts - and their first appearances on the podcast - they take us behind the scenes of the racing, the venue and the unique atmosphere of an international Masters meet.

Katie, racing in the 25–29 age group, came home with double gold in the medley events, but says it was the camaraderie, friendships and atmosphere around the pool that made the experience particularly memorable.

Ben also struck gold in the 55–59 backstroke events, and compares his European experience with racing at the World Masters Championships in Singapore last year. Together, they look at how the Brits performed, the international swimmers who caught their eye and what makes competing against swimmers from across Europe so special.

And, of course, no trip to Slovakia would be complete without exploring Bratislava, sampling the local food and finding out whether the post-race celebrations lived up to expectations!

With both swimmers already looking ahead to the rest of the season, Katie and Ben reflect on their European adventure - and reveal what’s next.

Visit our Instagram Channel for additional content via @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review on your podcast player.

US Masters swimmer and distance swimming World Record holder Kelly Palace joins Helen to share her fascinating journey through swimming - from coaching NCAA Division I athletes and writing books to hosting more than 300 episodes of the Champions Mojo Podcast, where she has interviewed over 50 Olympians.

Kelly and Helen compare the Masters swimming scenes in the US and UK, exploring what makes them different, what they can learn from each other, and why Masters swimming continues to thrive. They also dive into the secrets of longevity, recovery, training and competition, as well as the mindset required to keep performing at the highest level.

One of the world’s leading distance swimmers in the 65–69 age group, Kelly shares fascinating insights into her training, racing and approach to staying competitive - and reveals what she has learned from a lifetime in the sport.

Visit our Instagram Channel for additional content via @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review on your podcast player. Also check out @kellypalacepodcast on Instagram and Champions Mojo Podcast.

Masters swimmer and nutrition coach Robbie Blackman joins us to explore one of the most important — and most debated — parts of race day: what to eat and drink before you dive in.

We revisit the pre-race favourites of five Masters swimmers — Amanda Heath, Chris Jones, Janet McLean, Lizzie Bellinger and Joe Malone — and get Robbie’s verdict on their choices.

From a love of rare steak and a vegetarian diet to managing a serious food allergy, their routines couldn’t be more different but fundamentally very similar at the same time. Along the way, there are plenty of amusing stories, some surprising choices and practical advice from Robbie on how Masters swimmers can fuel, hydrate and prepare for better performances in the pool.

Visit our Instagram Channel for additional content via @freestyle_media_swimming and please leave us a rating or review on your podcast player.