Off The Blocks Swimming Podcast

09/08/2024

The Olympic A team are back together as Bobby Hurley and Meagen Nay join us to go through all of the triumphs and tears that were the Paris Olympic Games in the pool.

We discuss Michael Phelps and his disappointment in team USA results over the 9 days, and what that means for the direction of the team leading into LA 2028 and a home games.

Adam Peaty and Phelps have called out WADA on their stance on doping violations for athletes, both wanting much tougher punishments for those who test positive. We get right into all of this, including the commentary around the Chinese team and PANS world record.

We go through the immergence of some generational superstars in .marchand31 Leon Marchand, Summer McIntosh and David Popovici, and what we can expect of them in the next 4 years.

The Aussie teams amazing results, as well as Coach Bob Bowman and Dean Boxalls incredible medal haul as coaches.

The team give us their MVP of the week, Biggest disappointments and biggest surprises of the week that was in the Paris pool, don’t miss it (Link in bio for full podcast)

01/08/2024

Some Olympic inspiration from one of the greatest of all time 🙌🙌

31/07/2024

I can’t not post my appreciation and admiration for what we just witnessed from .marchand31 in

Off the back of his 400 IM Gold on night one, tonight he defeated one of the best 200 Fly swimmers ever in to win Gold, and then an hour later defeats the defending Olympic Champion in to win another Gold, and had the home crowd in the palm of his hand 🤯💪

take a bow, you have done a phenomenal job working with Leon and tonight was like nothing we have ever seen before, that’s why you are the best 👏🙌

200 IM to go, you’d be a brave person to bet against him. Leon Marchand, you are one of a kind my friend 🙌🥇

(Thanks to for these amazing shots 🙏)

31/07/2024

Bobby Hurley and i go through all of the action in the pool from Paris in Nights 1 and 2 of finals competition.

We discuss Kaylee McKeown’s amazing 100m Backstroke title defence going back to back, as well as .wiffen Dan Wiffens impressive 800 Free gold medal. We touch on the massive night French star .marchand31 Leon Marchand has ahead of him with the 200 Fly and 200 Breast double against stars Milak in the fly, and Stubblety Cook in the Breast, Can our Zac spoil the Paris party? Also we preview the blue ribbon events with the Women’s and Men’s 100 Freestyle, will we see a night of Green and Gold on the podium with stars Kyle Chalmers, Mollie O’Callaghan and Shayna Jack in action, or is there an upset coming our way with strike power coming from everywhere chasing the Olympic Gold 🥇

We also look back on the amazing finals that were Night 3, Ceccon’s Gold in the 100 Back, Smith winning 100 Breast and of course the incredible Women’s 200 Free between the two Aussie stars Ariarne and Mollie.

We discuss covid being in the village, and what that means for the athletes trying to stay healthy and fit for their races to come. (Link in bio)

30/07/2024

Far too often our Aussie boys get overlooked in relays when it comes to results and chance of a medal, especially this time without 4x200 with them.

Well after that amazing effort the boys .neill put together for Olympic Bronze today , I think it’s time we give credit where it’s earned. They bat above their average every time and deliver incredible moments every time and all to do their country and teammates proud. Great swim boys you should be extremely proud yourselves I know your country is back home 🇦🇺🙌

30/07/2024

Shannon gives us his thoughts on all the action so far in the pool at Paris 2024 Olympics, including all of the exciting close finishes we have seen from Night 3 of finals where we saw win the 400 IM, win the 100 Back, win the 100 Breast and and go head to head in the 200 Free with Mollie coming out ontop 🔥🇦🇺.

We discuss the slow pool theory, how to combat it and how it is actually making the racing more exciting with finishes coming down to a touch.

Don’t Miss it (Link in bio)

30/07/2024

Bobby Hurley and i go through all of the action in the pool from Paris in Nights 1 and 2 of finals competition.

We discuss .marchand31 Leon Marchand and his dominating win in the Men’s 400 IM which got the home crowd loud and proud. Italian Breaststroke star Martinenghi and his upset win over Breaststroke legend Adam Peaty in the Men’s 100 Breast. Speaking of upsets, Torri Huske beating home her USA Teammate and World Record holder Gretchen Walsh in the Women’s 100m Butterfly.

We also look back on night one and the massive success that it was for the Aussie team. Ariarne winning Gold in the Women’s 400 Free over Young Canadian Summer McIntosh and US legend Katie Ledecky, as well as the 4 peat for the Australian 4x100 Free .wunsch Women’s team taking another Gold ahead of the US and China. And of course Elijah WInnington’s stand out performance in the Men’s 400m Free taking home the Silver Medal just behind German star and Olympic Gold Medallist Lukas Martens.

Slow pool? we discuss some factors that may be making the pool in Paris a little slower than we had hoped for.

28/07/2024

This week on the podcast, Shannon and i talk all about the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Shannon gives us his tips for Athletes and Coaches during these Olympics, including getting enough sleep, not letting the big name stars around you in the village be a distraction and even being cautious of too much bed hopping. Yes we really cover it all 🤣

We go through the relay events in Paris and Shannon gives us his thoughts on who’s looking good, who’s got question marks around them and who needs to get team selections spot on for success. Shannon tells us which counties to keep and eye on as well, especially in the relays 💪.

Shannon gives us some of his predictions as well as the old favourite, song of the week.

It’s Games time baby, you wont want to miss this (link in bio)

27/07/2024

So this is it, it’s showtime. With the first in the pool over in in just 2hours time this is a final message to our Aussie Team 🇦🇺🙌

You should all be very proud of the position you are in right now, just hours away from realising a dream or achieving a goal that for some has been 3 years in the making and for other has been a lifetime. It takes talent, dedication, sacrifice and an unbelievable willingness to do what other won’t, what others can’t.

Representing your country at an Olympic Games is an incredible honour and know that back home your country, family and friends are all right their with you in support, every stroke, every kick, every breath. The rest is up to you.

It’s time to show the world what your made of, it’s time to show the world how hard you’ve worked for this moment, it’s time to dare to dream of doing what others won’t, what others can’t 🔥🔥

Whether it’s your first Olympics, or your last embrace the moments and make them all count.
Go well my Aussie friends, you’ve got this 💪💪🇦🇺🦘

26/07/2024

Who’s watching their heroes this week, and starting to dream? 🙌

Wise words from the 🐐

26/07/2024

26/07/2024

The Olympics Kicks off in the pool in almost 24Hours, so it’s time to get your predictions in. Who do you think will win GOLD 🥇 in Paris?

Our Off The Blocks Experts have had their say (and some guy name Robby lol). Take a look out our predictions for the Male Events in Paris, are we right? Are we wrong?

Only Time will tell, have your say in the comments below 👇 and tell us what you think💪

26/07/2024

Time for the boys, as Meagen, Bobby and myself talk all about the amazing matchups coming our way this week

Including the showdown in the blue ribbon event the 100m Freestyle as Kyle Chalmers comes up against world record holder Pan Zhanle and former world record holder David Popovci and not to leave out American Jack Alexy, also Cam McEvoy, Ben Proud, Caeleb Dressel and Flo Manaudou in the 50m Free and of course Sam Short, Elijah Winnington battling it our against Lukas Martens and Kim Woomin of Korea. We get into potential relay success as well, and will we see the rise back to dominance of the men’s USA teams.

Our experts also give us their predictions on, Race to watch of the week, Star of the week, and Dark Horse swimmer of the week, as well as a whole lot more.

If you are as excited for the Paris Olympic Games as we are, Don’t Miss This (Link in bio)

26/07/2024

The Olympics Kicks off in the pool in almost 24Hours, so it’s time to get your predictions in. Who do you think will win GOLD 🥇 in Paris?

Our Off The Blocks Experts have had their say (and some guy name Robby lol). Take a look out our predictions for the Female Events in Paris, are we right? Are we wrong?

Only Time will tell, have your say in the comments below 👇 and tell us what you think💪

25/07/2024

The countdown is almost over and now, IT’S SHOWTIME.

With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games about to kick off in 2 days time, we have assembled two Aussie Swimming Legends in Former World Record Holder Bobby Hurley, and 2 Time Olympian Meagan Nay to take you through all of the action you can expect over the next 9 days of competition.

Starting with the girls, Meagan, Bobby and myself talk all about the amazing matchups coming our way including the rematch of Ariarne Titmus, Summer McIntosh and Katie Ledecky in the 400m Freestyle, also Mollie O’Callaghan, Sarah Sjostrom, Siobhan Haughey, Shayna Jack in the 100m Free and of course Kaylee McKeown, Regan Smith, Kylie Masse and Katharine Berkoff in the 100m Back. We get into potential relay success as well, and who has the edge the Aussie’s or the US teams.

Our experts also give us their predictions on, Race to watch of the week, Star of the week, and Dark Horse swimmer of the week, as well as a whole lot more.

If you are as excited for the Paris Olympic Games as we are, Don’t Miss This episode and get around our Aussie Olympians 🇦🇺 🙌(link in bio)

19/07/2024

No podcasts out this week guys, as our family have been a little busy haha

Yesterday at 6.40am My wife and I welcomed into the world another beautiful baby girl..

We would like to introduce everyone to
Billie ❤️❤️❤️

Billie is doing very well, sleeping and feeding like a champion. And Charlie loves being a big sister

To my wife Alisha, I hope you read this, you are a boss and the Queen of our family for a reason, how you handled yesterday I’ll never know, so strong, so brave. I was in absolute awe of what you did 🙌.. I love you more than you will ever know and our daughters are incredibly lucky to have you as their mum to look up too 👑 ❤️

Looks like Billie was keen to come out and watch the Olympics as well haha… plenty of content coming next week before the action in Paris kicks off

14/06/2024

A MASSIVE congratulations to one of Australia’s greatest swimmers of all time on making her 4th Olympic Games tonight in what was one of the most anticipated races in recent memory with stacked women’s 100 Freestyle final. 🙌

And to the man I’m fortunate to sit across from every week on Shannon Rollason ,one of Australia’s greatest ever coaches. HUGE congrats on getting another athlete on an Australian Olympic team in what was his 8th Olympic preparation as a coach 🙌

Many doubted, many questioned but these two legends proved why they are still one of the best at what they do 💪

13/06/2024

Former World Record Holder and Expert commentator Bobby Hurley and I look at the week of action from Brisbane so far at the Olympic Trials, including Arnies amazing WR in the 200 Free and her battle with teammate Mollie O’Callaghan who also went under her world record 🔥. Cam McEvoys 50m Free win 💪, as well as Australian Olympic QTs to make the team and Bobby’s thoughts on them.

We look back at the week so far as well and Kaylee McKeown’s amazing swims in the 100 Back and 200 IM, the depth of talent in women’s Backstroke here in Australia, Sam Short and Elijah Winningtons battles in the pool in the 400 and 800 Freestyle and a whole lot more including Albury young gun .toohey .

We also make some predictions for the days to come including the Women’s 100 Free stacked field 💪💪, don’t miss it. Catch all the action on 7.30pm again each night .rooney .thorpe

09/05/2024

This week on the podcast , as we get closer to and due to the success of the men’s 100 freestyle episode, we do our ultimate women’s 400m freestyle Olympic final list, and look at who we think would make it to THE BIG FINAL over the history of female swimming in the 400m.

Some we agree, some we don’t. Who would you have in yours?

We also discuss the importance of knowing your swimming history, Summer McIntosh not racing the 800 in Paris, Haffnoui potentially out of Paris altogether and a whole lot more.

And of course, Shannon’s world famous SONG OF THE WEEK
(Link in bio for full podcast)

27/02/2024

This week on Off The Blocks, Bobby Hurley and I review the week of action over in Doha at the World Champs last week, from the Aussie men surprising the world in the men’s 50m form events with Isaac Cooper and Sam Williamson, to the Aussie women smashing it as well and great debuts for .anderson Iona Anderson and Jaclyn Barclay.

We also discuss Pan’s amazing World Record in the men’s 100 Free leading off the relay, and then his follow up in the individual event, we talk about the US men’s team disappointment, the distance events with .wiffen Dan Wiffen stepping up and Haffnoui not being at his best. As well we touch on Cam McEvoys 50m events, where he went right and where he can learn.

All that and a whole lot more with one of the best swimming commentators going today, he proved it again over in Doha Mr Bobby Hurley 🙌 (Link in bio for full podcast)

22/02/2024

This week on , Shannon hits back at claims the AIS should be moved to QLD as promoted by former Aussie Olympian Leisel Jones and now QLD Premier Steven Miles.

We discuss how the AIS has changed over the years in how it’s used and why moving it to QLD might not be the best option for swimming in Australia under its current Performance HUB structures.

Shannon gives us his thoughts on the Doha World Champs as well, as song of the week and much much more (link in bio for full podcast)

15/02/2024

This week on Shannon and I discuss the Doha World Champs action over the past 4 days, and Shannon gives us his thoughts on some of the races and Aussie athletes that have caught his eye at the meet so far.

I put my set up for Shannon’s review, and he talks to us about how you can manipulate the set by regressing it and progressing it depending on what phase of the program you are in

All that and way more this week on SRP (Link in bio)

11/02/2024

This week on the podcast we previewing the 2024 Doha World Swimming Championships with none other than former World Champion and World Record Holder, and World Aquatics Expert Commentator Bobby Hurley

Bobby Hurley and I preview this week’s Doha World Champs, which is shaping up to be a meet where the word “Opportunity” is in the air. 

Bobby and i take you through the Aussie team competing this week, as well as look at some of the key races to watch out for over the Championship week 🔥

We also give flowers to the amazing Aussie Open Water Team, who did an amazing job in Doha and in particular to Moesha Johnson , Nick Sloman and Kyle Lee .lee__ who qualified for their first ever Olympic Games and are off to Paris

Don’t miss this episode to get you up to date on all of the action this week in Doha (Link is in bio for full podcast)

09/02/2024

This week on the Shannon and I discuss his Top 5 Tips For Coaches and it’s all based around having a the best work life balance you can. With the pressures and time demands of our busy coaching world, Shannon breaks down his top tips for ALL coaches to hear.

We also discuss Shannon’s new beef with one of Scotland’s best coaches and friend of the podcast Mat Trodden, as well as Shannon’s new segment “Song of the week”. Training togs trends and a whole lot more

Don’t miss this weeks episode, it’s an important one (Link in bio for full podcast)

18/01/2024

This week Shannon and I discuss Paris 2024, and in particular preparing the last 6months of an Olympic Trials program.

Shannon takes us through the do’s and don’ts when you are 6 months away from Olympic trials and shares some of the stories he has experienced as a coach over his career.

What are some of the areas of training you can still tinker with, and what areas should have well and truly been ingrained in your program over the last 3 plus years on this Olympic cycle.

Great episode with many insights and lessons to learn, from a man who has been there and done it at the last 5 Olympic Games, starting with GOLD in 2004 at Athens with Jodie Henry.
Don’t miss it