What happens when your shoulder suddenly goes ping, and the only way back to the pool is through surgery? For many swimmers, years of relentless arm rotations can take their toll, leading to chronic overuse injuries.

In this episode, record-breaking masters swimmers Nicola Latty and Eddie Riach discuss their journeys through surgery, rehab, and the determination it takes to return to training and racing at a high level.

From navigating expert medical advice to staying mentally resilient, they share insights into the setbacks, small victories, and smart training adjustments that shaped their comebacks. Whether you’re a swimmer facing similar challenges or simply intrigued to hear their stories, this conversation offers inspiration and practical takeaways for the next time life throws the unexpected at you.

In this episode of The Masters Swimming Podcast, Helen Gorman speaks to Jeff Commings, a Masters World Champion and former USA National Team swimmer. They cover everything from being thrown into the water as a four-year-old to getting a full scholarship at the University of Texas and breaking masters world records.

He has overcome personal challenges, including being a black, gay swimmer in college in the 1990s and more recently, cancer surgery – and he talks about his autobiography, 'Odd Man Out.'

Jeff shares experiences from his time training under legendary coach Eddie Reese, working as a journalist, the transition to Masters swimming and his cancer recovery.

In this episode of the Master Swimming Podcast, Helen Gorman interviews Professor Greg Whyte, a world-renowned sports physiologist and master swimmer. They discuss the progression in swimming and human performance in general, the importance of sports science, and how aging can be managed through proper training and nutrition.

The conversation emphasises the significance of enjoyment in sports and the importance of maintaining muscle mass and strength as we age.

Greg shares his Olympic Modern Pentathlon memories, masters swimming experiences and insights from his experiences working with BBC Comic Relief – including whether comedians can maintain their humour when they’re taking on an epic physical challenge.