Kick Set

In this episode of Kick Set, two-time Olympic champion Bobby Finke discusses his experiences at past U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming and the upcoming event in Indianapolis, stories from the decorated Florida training group, and more. Watch Bobby compete at the upcoming Trials this June: www.usaswimming.org/TrialsTickets.

When Nic Askew took over the Howard University swim program, the team had not won a dual meet in 15 years. Since Askew took over, he has led the team to new heights as the nation's lone Historically Black College & University (HBCU) swim team.

Fresh off the heels of her American Record in the 200-meter breaststroke, Kate Douglass joined the podcast to talk about her iconic swim, outlook for the Olympic year, passion for data analysis and more.

The Kick Set Podcast crew (hosts Matt Barbini and Elizabeth Beisel and producer Kyle Sagendorph) breaks down some of the highlights, both in and out of the pool, from 2023. They also discuss storylines to look forward to at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming and Paris Olympics.

Jack Alexy catapulted into U.S. men’s freestyle history when he posted a 47.31 at this past year’s World Championships, making him the second-fastest American in the event’s history. In this episode of Kick Set podcast, he sits down with hosts Matt Barbini and Elizabeth Beisel at the 2023 Golden Goggle Awards to discuss his incredible season and outlook towards the future 

Tokyo Olympian and U.S. National Teamer Paige Madden recently went to Santiago, Chile, for the 2023 Pan American Games. She was named one of the captains of the U.S. swim team and went on to win four medals. In this episode, she describes her experience in Chile while also talking about her difference in perspective between this upcoming Olympic cycle and the last cycle.

Two-time Olympian Olivia Smoliga shares what growth in the sport has looked like for her over the years and how she's preparing for the new season ahead. In this podcast, she discusses her recent Worlds experience, the importance of believing in yourself and more.

Alex Shackell was the second-youngest member of the U.S. roster at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. She anchored the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay to silver, swimming alongside Katie Ledecky and going against Australia's Ariarne Titmus. In this podcast, she discusses her Worlds experience, the human element of elite swimmers, her experience at Carmel Swim Club and more.

With a competitive career that is highlighted by three Olympic golds and a broadcasting career that spans eight Olympic Games, Rowdy Gaines shares his insight and expertise on what is shaping up to be an exciting 2023 World Aquatics Championships.

Five-time Olympian Dara Torres talks about how swimming has evolved through the years, becoming a USA Swimming Foundation ambassador, being a mom and more.

Roughly a year after publicly coming out, ACC Champion Nick Albiero talks about his individual journey in honor of Pride Month while his sister Gabi shares her perspective as his sister and teammate. Nick and Gabi also discuss the upcoming Phillips 66 National Championships, what it would mean to qualify for an international team together, stroke advice for listeners and more.

Five-time U.S. Open Water National Team member Brennan Gravley talks about his experience in open water. From testing it out as a club swimmer to competing internationally, he shares why open water swimming can be a tremendous opportunity for all swimmers.

Twelve-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin joins the podcast to share what she has been up to since retiring and stories from her decorated career. She discusses how important it is to listen to the athlete voice, prioritize mental health and more.

In 2004, Maritza Correia McClendon became the first Black female to make a U.S. Olympic swim team and later became the first Black American female to win an Olympic swimming medal. In this episode of Kick Set, Maritza discusses her challenges and triumphs in the sport, as well as how the swimming community can become more inclusive. 

Two-time Olympian Katie Hoff joined Kick Set to reflect on her career. From making an Olympic team at 15 to having an injury bring her to retirement, Hoff's journey in the sport has helped her to a successful career as a dryland instructor, motivational speaker and author.

Hosts Elizabeth Beisel and Matt Barbini set up an open microphone at the 2022 Golden Goggle Awards, welcoming any decorated athlete, coach or presenter who was in attendance in New York.Hear from Katie Ledecky, Jessica Long, Ryan Murphy, Bobby Finke and more! 

Performance Aquatics coach Kathleen Prindle was one of the head coaches of the 2022 Boys' National Select Camp, which featured 50 emerging talents training and learning at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She shares her experiences and takeaways from the camp, including how young athletes can grow both in and out of the pool. 

Shortly after being named to the 2022-2023 U.S. National Team in five events and earning two Golden Goggle Awards nominations, Leah Smith shares what her journey has been like this year after a challenging 2021. 

Olympic gold medalist Ryan Held joins the podcast to discuss his time at the 2022 FINA World Championships, his outlook for the upcoming Duel in the Pool and out-of-the-pool life. 

Fresh off his three-medal performance at the 2022 FINA World Championships, Carson Foster talks about his experience in Europe, his fast times since then and how brain-spotting has helped him grow both in and out of the pool.