We sit down with 2025 British Masters Decathlon champions Michelle Ware and Mike Hodgson to unpack one of swimming’s most intriguing competitions.

They break down what the Decathlon actually is, how it works, and how any masters swimmer can get involved - whether you’re chasing points or just looking for a new challenge. We also dive into how it can keep you motivated across the season and push you beyond your usual comfort zone.

Along the way, we tackle the mysterious age-adjustment formula (yes, we try to make sense of it…) and explore why Jane Asher continues to set the standard as one of the toughest competitors to beat.

The best part? You’re probably already in it. Every British masters swimmer is automatically included - so this might just be the nudge you need to broaden your events and give it a go.

We discuss the radical training behind the fastest man in the world. Sonny Trigg shares what he learned from spending time in Brisbane with Cameron McEvoy.

Fresh from witnessing the build-up to McEvoy’s world record-breaking 50m freestyle (20.88), Sonny gives a unique behind-the-scenes look at a programme that’s turning traditional swim training on its head.

We explore the relentless focus on marginal gains, the team and environment that support it, and the mindset shift that allowed McEvoy to completely reinvent how he trains - with remarkable results. We also look what other swimmers can take from this approach (and there’s more than you might think, whether you’re a sprinter or not).

This is a fascinating, thought-provoking look at what it took to become the fastest in the world - and what elements of that journey might apply to you.

Huge thanks to Sonny, aka TheSwimSuitGuy, for joining Helen Gorman on the podcast.

Meet Siân Clement, an intrepid open water and ice swimmer dividing her time between South Wales and Orkney and rarely choosing the easy path.

In this episode, we learn about her remarkable journey from swimming alongside penguins in Antarctica to taking on the iconic Manhattan Island Marathon Swim and becoming the first woman to complete the Original Triple Crown of open water swimming: the English Channel, Bristol Channel, and the formidable North Channel between Ireland and Scotland.

Siân shares insights into balancing life as a doctor with extreme endurance challenges, her recent experiences racing at the European Ice Swimming Championships, and her unexpected title as a world champion in bog snorkelling. It’s a conversation full of adventure, resilience, and humour, capturing not just the extremes of the sport, but the joy and connection found within the open water swimming community.

Presented by Helen Gorman.