Episodes

  • E24 - Gary Laybourne. Trackside with a running coach, exploring the similarities and differences in coaching methods
    Jan 28 2026

    In this conversation, Gary Laybourne shares his unique perspective on coaching, drawing from his experiences in athletics and his journey from a troubled youth to a successful coach.


    He emphasises the importance of fun and inclusion in coaching young athletes, the need for coaches to balance historical wisdom with modern practices, and the significance of engaging parents in the coaching process.


    Gary also discusses his day job, which focuses on empowering marginalised youth through sports, and reflects on his personal journey and the lessons learned along the way. You can connect with Gary via the links below:

    Instagram 👉🏻 https://www.instagram.com/gazlaybourne/

    Linked-in 👉🏻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-laybourne-5307697a/

    CoreCore 👉🏻 https://coachcore.org.uk/


    Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. ⁠⁠https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community⁠⁠

    For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via ⁠⁠and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: ⁠⁠https://plus.aprace.club/

    Contact us directly via coaches@aprace.club

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    41 mins
  • E23 - Eric Anderson. Coaching around the world and the lessons learned along the way
    Jan 16 2026

    In this conversation, Eric Anderson shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting key experiences and influences that shaped his coaching philosophy.


    He discusses the importance of adaptability in coaching, especially in different cultural contexts like Malaysia. Eric emphasizes the need for a supportive environment to retain young athletes and the significance of continuous learning for coaches.


    He also delves into technical aspects of swimming, particularly breaststroke, and offers insights on how to help athletes break through performance plateaus. Ultimately, Eric advocates for a process-oriented approach to coaching success, focusing on long-term development rather than immediate results.


    You can connect with Eric via the links below:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericandersonswim/

    Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-anderson-swim

    Email: eric@makoapp.io

    Website: ttps://makoswim.io/⁠


    Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. ⁠⁠https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community⁠⁠

    For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via ⁠⁠and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: ⁠⁠https://plus.aprace.club/

    Contact us directly via coaches@aprace.club



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    48 mins
  • E22 - Jake Gibbons. The legacy of Bolles and using your socials to share your authentic self.
    Dec 20 2025

    In this episode, Jake Gibbons shares his journey from being a competitive swimmer to a successful coach at the Bolles School, junior home to Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy amongst many others.


    He discusses the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, his coaching philosophy shaped by various influences, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with athletes. Jake highlights the legacy of the Bolles School in swimming, the significance of team culture, and the role of social media in modern coaching.


    He also reflects on the differences between the US and international swimming systems, the balance of opportunities for young swimmers, and his personal definition of success in coaching.


    You can connect with Jake via his fantastic Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/coach_jake_swim/


    Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. ⁠⁠https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community⁠⁠


    For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via ⁠⁠and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: ⁠⁠https://plus.aprace.club/

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    50 mins
  • E21 - Victoria Jones. Underwater kicking and exploring biomechanics lessons from World Class swimmers
    Dec 12 2025

    In this episode, Victoria Jones, shares her insights on the biomechanics of underwater kicking, with Kevin and Ash asking so many questions to really get into what the research Victoria has worked on shows. Victoria is a Biomechanist and Performance Analyst with Aquatics GB, and has been with the organisation for 8 years now, commencing with her PhD in the key biomechanical indicators of underwater dolphin kick


    She discusses the importance of individual techniques, mobility, and coordination in developing effective swimming skills. She also emphasises the need for a holistic approach to coaching, focusing on quality movement patterns and the integration of technology in training. She also addresses common myths in swimming technique and the benefits of short course training. The conversation highlights the significance of continuous learning and the evolving definition of success in coaching.


    You can connect with Victoria here: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-victoria-jones-329208136


    AP Race are also on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ap-race-holdings/


    Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. ⁠⁠https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community⁠⁠


    For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via ⁠⁠coaches@aprace.club⁠⁠ and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: ⁠⁠https://plus.aprace.club/⁠


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    54 mins
  • E20 - Alex Dawson. Finding a new path in Canada, building
    Nov 27 2025

    In this episode, we are joined by Alex Dawson, a seasoned swimming coach with a rich history in both the UK and Canada. Alex shares his journey from a competitive swimmer to a coach, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of patience, the need for continuous development, and the significance of understanding one's 'why' in coaching.


    The conversation delves into the differences between the coaching systems in the UK and Canada, the importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes, and the strategies he employs to build a successful swimming program. Alex also addresses the imposter syndrome many coaches face and offers valuable advice for young coaches starting their careers.


    You can connect with Alex on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-dawson-3b7831380/


    AP Race are also on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ap-race-holdings/


    Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. ⁠⁠https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community⁠⁠


    For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via ⁠⁠coaches@aprace.club⁠⁠ and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: ⁠⁠https://plus.aprace.club/⁠

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    53 mins
  • E19 - Mike Taylor. Leading Team Steel and the journey through the sport
    Nov 14 2025

    In this episode, Mike Taylor, the Director of Swimming at the City of Sheffield, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a successful coach. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the culture of Sheffield, and the challenges faced by the club, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.


    Mike emphasises the need for sustainability in coaching, the significance of partnerships for performance enhancement, and the importance of understanding athlete development, particularly for female swimmers. He also highlights the continuous learning process for coaches and the need to adapt coaching styles to meet the needs of athletes.


    You can connect with Mike on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-taylor-1ab5b6165/?originalSubdomain=uk


    Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community


    For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via coaches@aprace.club and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/

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    56 mins
  • E18 - Mike Peyrebrune. Bringing research into practice through a career immersed in coaching science
    Oct 30 2025
    In this episode, Mike shares his extensive journey in the coaching world, from his beginnings as a swimmer to becoming a leading figure in sports science and coaching. He discusses the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical coaching, the evolution of coaching principles, and the future of technology in sports. He also emphasises the cornerstones of junior coaching, the value of support staff, and reflects on the British coaching system's progress and challenges. He concludes with personal insights on motivation and the importance of lifelong learning in coaching.The book we explored "How to support a champion" can be found here: https://amzn.eu/d/f8mpIAjSome of the many publications Mike as published can be found at the bottom of the show notes.Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. ⁠https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community⁠For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via ⁠coaches@aprace.club⁠ and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: ⁠https://plus.aprace.club/⁠Selective Publications – Dr Michael Peyrebrune Coaching Science/PsychologyCook, G., Fletcher, D., & Peyrebrune, M. C. (2021). Olympic coaching excellence: A quantitative study of psychological aspects of Olympic swimming coaches. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 53, 101876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101876 Cook, G., Fletcher, D., & Peyrebrune, M. C. (2021). Olympic coaching excellence: A quantitative study of Olympic swimmers' perceptions of their coaches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 42, 1976486. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1976486 TestingArsoniadis, G.G., Nikitakis, I.S., Peyrebrune, M.C., Botonis, P.G. and Toubekis, A.T. (2024). The method but not the protocol affects lactate threshold determination in competitive swimmers. International Journal of Sports Physiology and performance.https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2023-0389 TaperingPeyrebrune, M. and Logan, A. (2013). Late Trials and Double Peaking. British Swimming publication, Loughborough, England [Downloadable from the 'Off the blocks' website] Training Categories & Training SetsPeyrebrune, M.C., Toubekis, A.T., Lakomy H.K.A. and Nevill, M.E. (2014). Estimating the energy contribution during single and repeated sprint swimming. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 24: 369-376 LTADGreyson I., Kelly S., Peyrebrune M and Furniss B. (2010). Interpreting and Implementing the Long-Term Athlete Development Model: English Swimming Coaches’ Views on the Swimming LTAD in Practice: A Commentary. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 5:3 403-406 Dunman, N., Morris, J., Nevill, M. and Peyrebrune, M. (2006). Characteristics for success in elite junior and senior swimmers. Portuguese Journal of Sport Sciences, 6(2): 70-73 RecoveryToubekis, A.T., Peyrebrune, M.C., Lakomy H.K.A. and Nevill, M.E. (2008). The effects of active and passive recovery on performance during repeated sprint swimming. Journal of Sports Sciences, 26: 1497-1505 Supplements & PerformanceLindh A.M., Peyrebrune M.C., Ingham S.A., Bailey, D.M. and Folland, J.P. (2008). Sodium bicarbonate supplementation improves 200 m freestyle performance in elite male swimmers. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 29: 519-523 Peyrebrune, M.C., Stokes, K., Hall, G.M. and Nevill, M.E. (2005). Effect of creatine supplementation on training for competition in elite swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37 (12) 2140-2147.
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    54 mins
  • E17 - Brian Sweeney, Community integration supporting grassroots through to performance. Making the best of what you have!
    Oct 15 2025

    In this episode, Brian Sweeney, Head Coach of Templeogue Swim Club, shares his extensive journey in coaching. We explore the importance of community integration, maximising limited resources, and developing grit in swimmers. He discusses the evolution of coach-athlete relationships, the significance of reflection in coaching practices, and the role of ISCA in supporting Irish swimming coaches. Brian defines success not just by medals but by helping athletes realise their potential and navigate challenges in their lives.


    Find out more and connect with Brian via the following link: https://briansweeney.ie/about/


    Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also sign up for our free wellbeing check in there too. https://aprace.club/pages/coaches-community


    For coaches looking to explore AP Race Plus, our club support platform that offers digital access to world class information for swimmers, parents and coaches, please email the team via coaches@aprace.club and we will be able to help support club, big or small, wherever you are located. You can also get a feel for the platform via our website here: https://plus.aprace.club/

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    1 hr and 1 min