Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Held sits down with host Kelly Palace in an on-deck interview at the Pegasus Masters meet in Dallas, Texas. Since retiring from professional swimming, Ryan has relocated to Prosper, Texas, stepped into the joys of fatherhood, and transitioned his relationship with the pool through Masters Swimming.

What happens when you strip away the pressure of professional contracts, intense college training regimens, and the constant stress of making international teams? You find the pure, unfiltered love of the sport.

Ryan opens up about his new, incredibly efficient training routine (just three hours a week!), his experience diving into local Masters meets, and the pure fun of racing events like the 200 IM "just because." He also shares some hilarious on-deck moments—including a scoreboard malfunction that briefly gave him a world-record fly split—and reveals his newfound passion for culinary arts, from perfecting beef empanadas to diving deep into the science of flavor.

Whether you are an elite competitor, a Masters swimmer, or anyone searching for a healthier, more joyful balance in your daily life, Ryan’s refreshing perspective on "enjoying the ride" will leave you inspired.

Would you consider leaving us a five star review on Apple? It will help more people find the show and get their mojo moving. Thank you!

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

What does it take to build a thriving Masters swim club from scratch, manage a demanding corporate career, and still have the grit to chase top-10 national rankings in the grueling 200-meter butterfly?

In this special on-deck interview from the Bumpy Jones Classic in Sarasota, Florida, Kelly sits down with Andy Kroupa—a true champion of the everyday swimming community. Andy isn't just an elite competitor; he is one of the foundational minds behind the powerhouse Legends Masters Swim Club in Orlando.

Whether you are looking to reignite your own swimming journey after a long break, balancing a busy life outside the pool, or curious about what it takes to foster a legendary team culture, Andy’s story is a masterclass in leadership by example.

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

• The Power of the Comeback: Andy shares how a simple invitation to help support his friends on a Key West relay sparked his return to competitive swimming after a 20-year hiatus.
• Building a Legacy: Discover the grassroots origin story of the Legends Masters Swim Club, and how Andy and a dedicated group channeled post-COVID transitions into creating a club that now boasts over 50 members and partners with icons like Rowdy Gaines.
• The 200 Fly Mindset: Training for the 200 Butterfly at age 57 takes a unique brand of dedication. Andy breaks down his weekly training routine, juggling 3,000-yard sets at lunch and early mornings around his corporate role as an insurance underwriting manager.
• A Culture of Gratitude: Andy shares a beautiful, behind-the-scenes memory of Olympic Champion Missy Franklin that reminds us all why the culture of swimming is so incredibly special.

Listen now to find your own mojo!

If you enjoy smart, experience-based coaching from everyday champions, subscribe to Champions Mojo, share this episode with a training partner, and leave a review so more Masters swimmers can find the show. Thank you for listening!

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

We meet Bethany Burchill, Manager Club and Member Services, US Masters Swimming and trace how she goes from swimmer to athletic director to an important position on the National Office Staff of US Masters Swimming.

Bethany's passion for swimming changed the trajectory of her well-established high-profile career as an athletic director. Her own love of the sport and her family's deep roots in swimming led her to follow her heart.

We break down the most common questions USMS gets and how to quickly find a club that fits your goals, whether you want fitness, community, or competition.

• Bethany’s swimming background and her college events in the 400 IM, 200 fly, and distance
• Her sports administration path and why she wants to narrow her focus back to swimming
• What it’s like raising swimmers in Carmel, Indiana and why community support matters
• Why she relocates to Florida and joins US Masters Swimming
• The top member services questions about clubs, competitiveness, and getting started
• Using the USMS website and Club Finder to locate a program for home or travel
• Calling the USMS office for help and talking through what you need
• How club administration support helps new and existing clubs succeed
• Bethany’s fitness routine as a runner and what might bring her back to racing

More on US Masters Swimming at http://usms.org/

Would you consider leaving us a five star review on Apple? That's like getting a best time for us. Kelly and our team would be so grateful. See you next week for another boost of mojo.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com