On this episode of Social Kick we’re joined by rising American sprinter Patrick Sammon, fresh off a breakout season that’s turned heads in the swimming world with his 47-low 100 freestyle at US Nationals that not only earned him earned him a spot on his first World Championship team, he also earned an individual swim and likely spot on US relays as well. Already a standout NCAA finalist and relay contributor for sprint powerhouse, ASU, this long course result is a huge step forward for Patrick and bodes well for coach Herbie Behm’s squad as well as the future of US sprinting.

We also take some time to look back at Patrick’s upbringing, his learnings from last year’s Olympic Trials, and we try to gain some knowledge from one of the most accomplished and awarded students in college swimming.

Cal standout and rising Team USA breaststroker Abby Herscu joins Social Kick fresh off a breakout season that earned her a spot at the 2025 World University Games in Berlin. We dive into Abby’s journey from an age grouper to the NCAA Championship final and her huge personal best in the 200 breaststroke at U.S. Trials—dropping nearly 3.5 seconds to post one of the fastest U.S. times of the year.

Abby shares what it’s like training at Cal, how that’s evolved with different coaches, and how creativity and trying new things led to her discovery of strengths that she has used to find continuous improvement. We also talk Olympic Trials takeaways, what drives her progression such as swimming free with no pressure, and what excites her most about competing for Team USA this summer.

He just went 58 in the 100 breaststroke! Campbell McKean, the breakout breaststroker who skipped the 59-second barrier entirely, joins us fresh off his electrifying performance at US Nationals.

This ascending American star shares the inside story of winning both sprint breaststroke events and becoming the fastest 18-year-old ever in the 100 breaststroke. We discuss grueling training sets that forged his record-breaking speed, his strategic approach to 50 breaststroke races, and what it feels like to touch the wall knowing you've just upset legends.

Campbell also pulls back the curtain on his journey from a swimming family to committing to the University of Texas under the renowned Bob Bowman. We cover everything from resistance training techniques and tech suit preferences to the unexpected realities of balancing elite training with senior year.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with one of swimming's most exciting young talents!

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0:00 - 4:14: Welcome and Early Questions 4:14 - 8:16: US Nationals Victory and Race Strategy 8:16 - 12:47: Training Regimen and Daily Schedule 12:47 - 18:50: Specific Breaststroke Training and Techniques 18:50 - 24:25: Worlds Preparation and Post-Nationals Life 24:25 - 29:08: Swimming Journey and Family Influence 29:08 - 34:00: College Commitment to Texas and Bob Bowman 34:00 - 39:50: Swim Tech and Continuous Improvement 39:50 - 46:38: Physical Attributes, Coaching Changes, and Future Goals 46:38 - 53:50: Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts