Skyler Smith is swimming some of the best races of her career — right now.

In this episode of Social Kick, the UNC senior and U.S. National Team pool member opens up about finding momentum, building confidence, and racing fast without waiting for the perfect taper. From dropping personal bests at the Pro Swim Series to navigating NCAA pressure and setbacks, Skyler shares what it actually takes to stay dangerous across a long season.

This conversation goes deep into breaststroke — how it works for her body, why technique myths persist, and what matters most when racing at a high level. Skyler also reflects on confidence, consistency, and learning to trust the process after meets don’t go as planned.

Along the way, we get plenty of personality: rapid-fire questions, training war stories, pop culture, and what’s next as she balances elite swimming with grad school and life beyond the pool.

If you’re a swimmer, coach, or fan who wants to understand how elite athletes think, adapt, and keep progressing, this episode delivers.

What does it take to keep going when you’ve already given everything you have?

In this episode of Social Kick, we sit down with Andy Donaldson — ultramarathon swimmer, world-record holder, fastest man to swim around Manhattan Island, and the first male swimmer to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single calendar year.

Andy shares the realities behind the swims most people only see in photos: long hours in dark water, brutal conditions, sickness, fear, and the moments where progress feels impossible. He opens up about a swim that nearly ended in defeat — before turning into one of the most meaningful experiences of his life, finishing just four minutes outside a world record on the rocks of Scotland.

This conversation goes beyond times and results. It’s about:

• Defining your “why” when things start to unravel

• Learning that you don’t have to do it alone

• The shift from chasing personal achievement to creating purpose

• Using swimming as a platform to inspire others and elevate communities

From swimming around Manhattan to a groundbreaking relay around Bahrain, Andy reflects on how his motivation has evolved — and why impact now matters more than records.

Sometimes the finish time isn’t the point. Sometimes the real win is what the journey reveals.

🎙 Social Kick Podcast

British Olympian Eva Okaro joins Social Kick to talk about her breakout freshman season at the University of Texas, adapting to NCAA swimming, and why fun, confidence, and environment have fueled her early success.

Eva shares what it’s really like moving from Team GB to Texas, adjusting to short course yards, handling tougher training, and surrounding herself with athletes who push each other daily. She also opens up about mindset shifts, embracing change, international competition, and what excites her about what’s ahead.

This episode covers:

• Transitioning from UK swimming to the NCAA

• Breaking school records as a Texas freshman

• Short course yards vs meters

• Training mentality, team culture & confidence

• Life in Austin and balancing elite sport with college life

A must-listen for swimmers, coaches, and anyone interested in high-performance environments.

🎧 Follow Social Kick for more conversations with elite athletes shaping the future of swimming.