In this episode, Grant speaks with Dina Levačić, an elite marathon swimmer, Ocean’s Seven finisher and emerging researcher, about what years of extreme open water swimming can teach us about health, risk and adaptation.

Dina reflects on the lived experience of channel swimming:

• how pain, fatigue, cold and uncertainty become normalised over time;
• the role of support crews and community knowledge in managing risk;
• and why recovery is as much cognitive and emotional as it is physical.

Drawing on her transition into research, Dina also shares why she believes the voices of experienced swimmers are crucial for improving education, safety and long‑term wellbeing in open water swimming.

This is a thoughtful conversation about learning through experience, being attentive to limits, and using insight, not bravado, to stay in the sport for the long term.

Learn more about Dina: 🌐 Website: https://dinalevacic.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinalevacic_swim/

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

In this episode of The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming, I’m joined by recently retired professional triathlete and coach Kate Bevilaqua to explore the role of swimming in non‑drafting long‑course triathlon.

With the Busselton 100 marking the close of the WA triathlon season, this conversation looks at how athletes should think about the swim not as a standalone effort, but as the first decision of a long race day. Kate reflects on her own career across Ironman, 70.3 and Ultraman, including openly discussing swimming as her relative weakness, and how that shaped her approach to pacing, mindset and race‑day decision‑making.

We discuss what defines a good swim in long‑course racing, common mistakes athletes make early in the swim, warm‑up and start strategies, navigation, equipment choices, transition habits, and how swim preparation influences performance later on the bike and run. Kate also shares insights from her coaching, including how age‑group athletes often underestimate the true cost of the swim.

This is a thoughtful, practical conversation about swimming with intent — not to win the swim, but to set up the rest of the race.

Kate coaches through GK Endurance: www.gkendurance.com

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

In this episode, Grant is joined by Vicki Delves to explore what it really takes to help people feel confident, capable and supported as they begin their journey into open water swimming.

Drawing on her experience coaching beginners and working closely with multisport athletes, Vicki shares how she helps swimmers translate fundamental skills into confidence in real‑world environments. The conversation covers common fears and barriers faced by newcomers, the role of structured progression, and how thoughtful coaching can create safe, welcoming pathways into open water - whether swimmers are there for wellbeing, community, or as part of a broader triathlon journey.

This episode will resonate with swimmers who are new to open water, coaches supporting mixed‑ability groups and anyone interested in how skill development, care, and connection underpin long‑term confidence in the water.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Women’s Academy of Triathlon (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/womensacademyoftriathlon/
• Perkins Plunge: https://www.perkinsplunge.org.au/

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present.