In this episode, Australian team swimmer Sam Sheppard shares his journey from the pool to open-water swimming, offering unique insights into elite training, performance, and the evolution of his brand, Great Ocean Performance. We dive into the principles behind wetsuit design, effective training strategies, and the role that passion, resilience, and support systems play in achieving success in sport.
Key Topics:
- Sam's swimming career and transition to open water
- Wetsuit design and performance tips
- Training routines and athlete mindset
"Where's the best place for me in performance?"
"Love the sport and want to help people."
"Stay personal but aim to expand your brand."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup
03:00 Sam's Swimming Journey and Early Influences
06:04 Transitioning to Open Water Swimming
08:54 Chasing Olympic Dreams and Training Regimens
11:52 The Importance of Environment and Support in Athletics
15:13 Memorable Races and Competitive Experiences
18:03 Training Insights and Weekly Routines
20:58 Overcoming Challenges and Mental Resilience
24:00 Flexibility and Technique in Swimming
26:55 Reflections on Competitive Swimming and Personal Growth
30:45 The Balance of Competition and Fun
33:35 Reflections on Career Highlights
38:30 The Joy of Swimming and Personal Growth
40:25 Building a Brand with Purpose
47:18 Challenges in the Wetsuit Industry
56:08 Vision for the Future of Great Ocean

Note: This episode was recorded around two months ago, and I apologise for the delay in releasing it. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Great Ocean Performance

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Michael Kimpton shares his incredible journey into triathlon, from overcoming a life-changing motorcycle accident to competing on the world stage at multiple World Championships. In this episode, Michael opens up about resilience, the lessons learned through endurance sport, his approach to training, and the growth of the Airlie Beach Triathlon. A powerful conversation about perseverance, passion, and the transformative impact of triathlon.

Key Topics:

- Michael Kimpton’s late start in triathlon at age 63
- Overcoming a motorcycle accident and nerve damage
- Training strategies for older athletes
- Growth and success of the Airlie Beach Triathlon
- Qualifying for Kona and competing in multiple Ironman events
- The importance of community and sponsorship in event success
- Lessons learned from life-threatening injuries and recovery
- The role of passion and perseverance in sports
Takeaways:
- Never give up, no matter the setbacks
- Age is just a number—success is possible at any stage of life
- Building a supportive community is key to event growth
- Preparation and passion can lead to world-class achievements
- Overcoming adversity can inspire others and redefine limits
"There's always someone worse off than yourself."
"Age is just a number—success is possible at any stage."
"Never give up, no matter the setbacks."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:18 Overcoming Adversity: A Life-Changing Accident
17:21 Competing at Kona: Achievements and Experiences
30:44 Future of the Airlie Beach Triathlon
Airlie Beach Triathlon Website

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Today I am joined by the current IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, Jelle Geens. We reflect on his World Triathlon career, before diving into his IRONMAN 70.3 and T100 World Tour success.

It was a pleasure to have Jelle on the podcast, and I wish him all the best for his IRONMAN debut this weekend.

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