Champions Mojo for Masters Swimmers

Kelly Palace, Masters Swimmer
  • 4.9 (125)
  • Swimming
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome Masters swimmers, triathletes, and anyone striving to live well and swim well! Hear powerful interviews with world-class champions, leading experts, and everyday heroes—sharing tips, tools, and stories to boost your motivation, training, and life performance. Hosted by Kelly Palace, Masters Swimming Champion, coach, author, and former NCAA Division I head coach. A podcast that champions you!

  1. 6d ago

    How to Adapt When Your Body Rebels: Olympic Legend Amy Van Dyken on Extreme Resilience, EP 325

    What do you do when the body that carried you to Olympic Legend Status changes in the blink of an eye? How do you stop comparing yourself to the athlete you used to be and build unshakeable mental resilience in the face of life-altering obstacles? In this episode, six-time Olympic gold medalist Amy Van Dyken sits down with Kelly Palace to share how she completely redefined her identity, athletic drive, and relationship with her body after a traumatic 2014 ATV accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Amy reveals how she transitioned from Olympic sprinter to adaptive CrossFit champion, why comparing your present times to your past self is a recipe for frustration, and the practical mental reframing technique she uses to turn paralyzing race-day nerves into pure excitement. Whether you are navigating an injury, battling an aging body, or seeking the grit to conquer daily setbacks, Amy provides the ultimate blueprint for choosing joy, grace, and relentless forward momentum. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: Adapting When Your Body Rebels: How Amy shifted from Olympic sprint dominance to floating and finding peace in the pool with paralyzed legs and minimal core.Ending the "Old Times" Comparison Trap: Why measuring your current performance against your younger self drains the joy from swimming—and how to give your body grace at every stage.Reframing Pre-Race Nerves: The physiological trick to turn racing anxiety into explosive excitement behind the starting blocks.Why Swimming Keeps Getting Faster: Amy’s expert perspective as an NBC Olympic analyst on training quality over junk yardage, hydrodynamics, and modern sprinting speed.The Training Shift That Saved Her Career: How leaving high-volume yardage for speed work and fun at Colorado State helped her claim four Olympic gold medals in 1996.The Power of Daily Micro-Wins: How conquering small, frustrating tasks builds true athletic resilience and gratitude on hard days.Channeling Competitive Fire: How Amy took her sprint drive to adaptive CrossFit and became the second-fittest seated woman on Earth in her mid-40s.Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    How to Adapt When Your Body Rebels: Olympic Legend Amy Van Dyken on Extreme Resilience, EP 325

  2. Sep 10

    Protect Your Knees and Hips: Helen Gorman on World-Record Breaststroke Longevity, EP 324

    Breaststroke is notorious for sidelining adult swimmers with groin, hip, and knee strain. But what if joint degradation isn't an inevitable part of competitive aging? How do you step away from the sport for 13 years, return at age 40, and capture 13 World Aquatics Masters titles and nine individual world records—all while racing the most joint-punishing stroke on the program? In this episode, City of Cardiff, Wales, UK, swimmer and Freestyle Media Podcast host Helen Gorman joins Kelly Palace to reveal the training routines and mobility habits that preserve joint health in the 50–54 age group. Helen breaks down why breaststrokers can't rely on in-water yards alone, how she maintains pace alongside teenagers without burnout, and the weekly volume balance required to keep joints functioning at an elite level. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: The 20-Minute Joint Armor Habit: Why showing up early for mandatory dryland mobility, foam rolling, and hip activation is non-negotiable for long-term breaststroke health.The 13-Year Layoff Reset: How Helen avoided the frustration trap at age 40 by starting the clock over and setting realistic targets within 5-year age bands.Surviving "Butting Kicking with the Kids": The tactical boundaries of swimming with elite youth squads—and why Helen avoids double workouts to preserve recovery.The 200 Breast Back-End Blueprint: Helen’s go-to broken sets and race-pace repeats to build holding power on the final 50 meters.Technique Over Brute Force: Why elite Masters longevity comes down to holding water rather than muscling through fatigue.The UK Breaststroke Legacy: Cultural coaching insights from the home of Olympic champions David Wilkie and Adam Peaty.Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Protect Your Knees and Hips: Helen Gorman on World-Record Breaststroke Longevity, EP 324

  3. Aug 31

    When Panic Attacks During A Swim Meet with Geffen Chang, EP 323

    If you've ever battled crippling race anxiety, felt air-starved mid-race, or wondered how to fall back in love with swimming, this on-deck conversation with 25-year-old coach and former collegiate swimmer Geffen Chang is a must-listen. Geffen opens up about overcoming panic attacks in the 400 IM, his go-to stretch for breaststroke groin pain, and the mental shift that helped him step onto the blocks purely for himself. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: Race-Day Panic Attacks & Air Hunger: Geffen addresses mid-race hyperventilation, anxiety, and the feeling of choking during grueling events (like the 400 IM and 200 Fly), sharing how mental self-talk ("I'm going to be okay") and high practice repetition desensitize fear.Post-College Burnout & Lost Motivation: Offers a blueprint for transitioning from rigid collegiate expectations (swimming for times/coaches) to Masters swimming for personal joy, autonomy, and fulfillment.Breaststroke Groin Pain & Tightness: Provides a specific pre-race mobility stretch (wide sumo squat with lateral shifts) to release hip and adductor tension before getting on the blocks.Event Overwhelm & Multi-Race Endurance: Demonstrates how to mentally approach a heavy, multi-event meet lineup (including long-distance events like the 1500m) as a test of will and celebration of racing rather than pressure for perfection. If this resonates, subscribe to Champions Mojo, share the episode with a swim buddy, and leave us a review so more masters swimmers can find it. Thank you for listening! Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    When Panic Attacks During A Swim Meet with Geffen Chang, EP 323

  4. Aug 21

    Shattering the Age Barrier: How a 5'3" (160cm) "Underdog" is Obliterating World Records at 65 with Jeanette Brits, EP 322

    Are you worried that your best performances are behind you? Do you ever step up to the blocks—or walk into a room—and feel entirely underestimated because of your age or size? Or worry that your time out of the water will prevent you from success? This week on Champion's Mojo, we are sitting down with a true generational talent who is completely rewriting the rules of super agers and performance in athletics. Jeannette Brits, a 65-year-old Australian powerhouse, recently did the unthinkable: she shattered the women's 65-69 age division world record in the 800-meter freestyle by almost 30 seconds, clocking a breathtaking sub-10-minute time and also broke the 200 and 400 world records as well. But Jeannette didn't achieve this by being the tallest, the strongest, or the most naturally gifted swimmer in the water. Standing at 5'3" (160cm) and having taken a massive 30-year hiatus from the sport to raise a family and build a career, Jeannette relies on a ferocious work ethic, a "dog-with-a-bone" racing mentality, and the courage to train daily with a squad of men 15 to 20 years her junior. If you've ever felt like the deck is stacked against you, or if you are looking for the motivation to finally make your own comeback, Jeannette’s story is the ultimate blueprint for relentless endurance. In this episode, we dive into: The Comeback Blueprint: How to successfully and safely return to high-level training after decades away from your sport.Using Doubt as Fuel: The exact mental framework Jeannette uses when competitors judge a book by its cover and expect her to go to the back of the lane.Outworking the Advantage: How to overcome a lack of natural height or physical leverage through sheer grit, technical focus, and brutal consistency.The HRT Conversation: Jeannette's candid reality on achieving world-dominating endurance without Hormone Replacement Therapy.Balancing the Grind: How mixing grueling 27km pool weeks with joyful, soul-filling ocean swims keeps injuries and burnout at bay.Tune in to discover why it's never too late to get back in the water, toughen up, and completely surprise yourself. If you loved this episode, please consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts— more masters swimmers can find the show. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Shattering the Age Barrier: How a 5'3" (160cm) "Underdog" is Obliterating World Records at 65 with Jeanette Brits, EP 322

  5. Aug 13

    Are Your Swim Workouts Making You Slower? with Masters Hall of Famer David Guthrie, EP 321

    With over 50 World Records and a Masters Hall of Fame induction, you might think the average swimmer doesn't have much in common with the legendary David Guthrie—but you’d be surprised. At age 66, he considers himself as fragile as a "teacup." He’s battled debilitating injuries, navigated career curveballs, and learned from his fair share of training mistakes. So how do you continue breaking world records across three straight decades when your body keeps trying to break down? In this pool-deck interview from the Pegasus Masters Meet in Dallas, TX, Hall of Famer David Guthrie breaks down his exact philosophy on race-pace training, tissue recovery, and why most Masters swimmers are training completely wrong. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: The Junk Yardage Trap: Why obsessing over daily total volume leads to a "glide path to stagnation"—and how to shift toward quality intensity.The World-Record 4x50s Set: David’s exact "bread and butter" workout to build 200m race pace and condition your mind for late-race pain.The "Teacup" Athlete Dilemma: Why elite adult swimmers are constantly on the verge of breaking down.The Sleep Position Fix: The surprisingly simple posture tweak that eliminated 18 months of severe SI joint and lower-back pain overnight.Harvesting Low-Hanging Fruit: Why chasing marginal gains in your best stroke is wasting your time—and where your biggest speed breakthroughs are actually hiding.Stingray Paddles & Life Lessons: David’s entrepreneurial comeback story and his ultimate advice on taking care of your future self.Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Are Your Swim Workouts Making You Slower? with Masters Hall of Famer David Guthrie, EP 321

  6. Aug 5

    How to Fix Your Freestyle Catch and Stop Shoulder Pain with Elite Coach Kim Brackin, EP 320

    It's all about the catch! If you get this right you'll feel powerful and protect your shoulders. You'll hear it in detail from NCAA Championship and Olympic-level swim coach Kim Brackin, Founder of Brackin Elite Swim Training (BEST) who breaks down how everyday Masters swimmers can build a powerful, "connected" stroke that protects their joints and drives maximum propulsion. Kim also shares the cues and drills she leans on as a masters swimmer herself, including stroke balance work, skulling for feel, and simple kick progressions that help you find rhythm and propulsion. You’ll discover: Body Position over Brute Force The simple fix to engage your latsWhy dropping your hand first destroys your powerThe Shoulder-Saving Catch Adjustment3 Essential Masters DrillsThe Gym SetupIn the Tampa Bay, FL Area? MASTERS & FITNESS SWIM CLINIC WITH KIM BRACKIN and OLYMPIC COACH DAVID MARSH  REGISTER HERE One morning of elite coaching — tailored for adult swimmers of all levels Sunday, September 6, 2026 • Starting at 9:00 AM North Shore Aquatics Center • Home of Brackin Elite Swim Training • St. Petersburg, FL  If this helps, subscribe, share the episode with a lane mate, and leave a review so more masters swimmers can find their mojo. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    How to Fix Your Freestyle Catch and Stop Shoulder Pain with Elite Coach Kim Brackin, EP 320

  7. Jul 28

    Sprint Faster With This Trick From All-American Masters Swimmer Ryan Kloppe, EP 319

    Host Kelly Palace and Guest Co-Host Mark Palace sit down with world-ranked, All-American Masters swimmer (and CPA!) 46-Year Old Ryan Kloppe for an action-packed dive into performance hacks, smart gear, and real-life swimming wisdom. Whether you’re looking to scientifically optimize your pre-race warm-up, level up your gear bag, or just hear one of the most unique underwater marriage proposals ever, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and genuine inspiration you won’t want to miss. Ryan is a member of the Blue Dolfins Masters in Orlando, FL. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The Mindset Flip: How Ryan transformed a devastating false-start DQ into fuel for his best performance yet.Conquering Open Water Jitters: The hilariously effective “bacon and sharks” mind trick for staying calm when you can’t see the bottom.Warm-Up Science Decoded: Why your race-day heart rate might be betraying your readiness—and how to structure your warm-up to fix it.The Ultimate Gear Bag Breakdown: From Finis Slip Fins to Stroke Maker paddles, the exact gear setup behind an All-American's routine.Data & Tech Hacks: High-tech tracking with the PHLex heart rate monitor and what post-swim metrics actually tell you about your training.Lessons Beyond the Pool: Why MMA training and skateboarding translated into better swimming longevity, focus, and hands-on skills.Pure Masters Romance: How Ryan met his wife at lane practice—and the underwater proposal that sealed the deal!Work Hard, Play Hard: Balancing a demanding career as a CPA with elite-level training and a passion for cable wakeboarding on glassy water. Would you consider leaving us a five star review on Apple? That's like getting a best time for us. Kelly and our team would be so grateful. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Sprint Faster With This Trick From All-American Masters Swimmer Ryan Kloppe, EP 319

  8. Jul 16

    Olympic Gold to Masters Joy: Ryan Held's Love of Swimming Shines, EP 318

    Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Held sits down with host Kelly Palace in an on-deck interview at the Pegasus Masters meet in Dallas, Texas. Since retiring from professional swimming, Ryan has relocated to Prosper, Texas, stepped into the joys of fatherhood, and transitioned his relationship with the pool through Masters Swimming. What happens when you strip away the pressure of professional contracts, intense college training regimens, and the constant stress of making international teams? You find the pure, unfiltered love of the sport. Ryan opens up about his new, incredibly efficient training routine (just three hours a week!), his experience diving into local Masters meets, and the pure fun of racing events like the 200 IM "just because." He also shares some hilarious on-deck moments—including a scoreboard malfunction that briefly gave him a world-record fly split—and reveals his newfound passion for culinary arts, from perfecting beef empanadas to diving deep into the science of flavor. Whether you are an elite competitor, a Masters swimmer, or anyone searching for a healthier, more joyful balance in your daily life, Ryan’s refreshing perspective on "enjoying the ride" will leave you inspired. Would you consider leaving us a five star review on Apple? It will help more people find the show and get their mojo moving. Thank you! Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Olympic Gold to Masters Joy: Ryan Held's Love of Swimming Shines, EP 318
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About

Welcome Masters swimmers, triathletes, and anyone striving to live well and swim well! Hear powerful interviews with world-class champions, leading experts, and everyday heroes—sharing tips, tools, and stories to boost your motivation, training, and life performance. Hosted by Kelly Palace, Masters Swimming Champion, coach, author, and former NCAA Division I head coach. A podcast that champions you!

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Palace, Masters Swimmer
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    324
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Champions Mojo for Masters Swimmers
  • Show Website
    Champions Mojo for Masters Swimmers