The Coaches Lane
A podcast created by swim coaches for swim coaches, with the goal of helping them improve every day. It is part of the AP Race Coaches Community and the broader AP Race organisation, co-founded by Adam Peaty OBE and Ed Baxter. The show aims to revolutionise swimming by maximising the experience for everyone involved in the sport, offering feedback and content for the global coaching community.
Episodes
E38 Kev and Ash's HIGHLIGHTS of the 2025-26 season!
This is our 2025-26 season round up episode. Ash and Kev reflect on the past year of coaching discussions, highlighting key insights from various guests. They explore themes of empathy, adaptability in coaching, the importance of consistent messaging for young athletes, and the role of leadership and communication in fostering a positive coaching environment. The conversation expands upon the need
E37 Paul Greaves. Chameleon Coaching and adapting to Individual Needs
In this episode of The Coaches Lane, Paul Greaves shares his unique journey from a young trampoline coach in Sheffield to coaching an athlete to multiple Olympic Medals. He discusses the evolution of his coaching philosophy, emphasising the importance of creating a positive and individualised coaching environment. Highlights include the significance of education in coaching, the concept of chamele
E36 Simon Richards. Enjoy it, work hard and listen to your coach - A swimming parent perspective!
In this episode of The Coaches Lane, we explore the swimming journey through the lens of the swimming parent. Simon Richards shares his journey as a swimming dad, detailing the highs and lows of supporting his son, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Matt Richards, on his path to becoming an Olympic champion. Simon emphasises the importance of enjoyment, hard work, and listening to coaches in youth sports. H
E35 Katie Baxa. From Summer League to International Coaching
In this episode, we are joined by Katie Baxa, from Nations Capital Swim Club in the USA, one of the biggest and most prolific programmes in America. She shares with her inspiring journey from summer league swimming in the US to coaching at the highest levels internationally at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She discusses her coaching philosophy, the importance of athlete development, and insights i
E34 Andy Hailey. Embracing curiosity and exploring learnings from the global swimming community
In this conversation, Andy shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the influences that shaped his coaching philosophy and approach. He discusses the importance of integrating safeguarding with coaching practices, the need for resourcefulness in coaching, and the value of learner-centred coaching. Andy also reflects on global coaching perspectives and the significance of peer coaching i
E33 Ian Wright. Building a team and taking people on a journey
In this fascinating interview, Scottish Swimming's National Coach Ian Wright shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and insights into developing successful swimmers regardless of resource constraints. Discover practical tips for coaches at all levels to improve technique, build resilience, and foster a strong team culture. Ian shared with us his mentors, lessons and reflections from a career
E32 Kevin Brooks. Exploring the coaching journey and the development of Wycombe District Swimming Club
In this in-depth interview, Kevin Brooks, Head Coach of Wycombe District Swimming Club, shares his coaching journey, his philosophy on building a sustainable club, and strategies for long-term athlete development. Discover how he transformed Wycombe from a small club into a national powerhouse and the key principles behind his success.You can connect with Kevin via his instagram page here: https:/
E31 Alys Thomas, finding longevity and purpose through the eyes of an Olympian
In this episode, Olympic swimmer and coach developer Alys Thomas shares her journey from early swimming days in Kingston to competing in four Commonwealth Games, transitioning into coaching, and her role in developing Wales' swimming talent. She discusses longevity in sport, athlete development, coaching strategies, and the importance of enjoyment and individual pathways. It is a fascinating i
E30 Ross Nicholas, from Swimmer to Coach to National Performance Director for Swim Wales
In this in-depth interview we were joined by Ross Nicholas, the National Performance Director of Swim Wales. He discusses with us the importance of system-wide athlete development, innovative coaching principles, and the role of competitions like the Commonwealth Games in nurturing talent. This episode offers valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and sports administrators aiming to elevate thei
E29 - Milorad Čavić. Olympic Podium to Coaching and Parenthood - A life in swimming!
Our guest for this episode is an Olympic medalist, World Champion and World Record Holder... but he is so much more than that! Milo shares with us his inspiring journey from being a 4x Olympic swimmer to transitioning into a coach, emphasising the importance of belief, creativity, and continuous learning in sports and life. Discover insights on resilience, coaching philosophy, and the power of sha
E28 - John Szaranek. From Scotland to Ireland and beyond. Two careers, one fascinating journey.
Join us as we explore John Szaranek's journey through swimming to coaching at the National Centre in Ireland. We dive into how his coaching philosophy was influenced by 30 years in the police service, and insights into developing elite swimmers in Ireland and beyond.Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommend books, podcasts and links to our C
E27 - Pernille Blume. Finding enjoyment on the journey to becoming Olympic Champion... and what comes next?
In this insightful interview, Danish Olympic Champion, Pernille Blume shares her journey from becoming an Olympic swimmer and then the transition into a multifaceted career.Pertinent for club coaches, was certainly how she emphasised the importance of joy, exploration, and emotional intelligence in sports and life. You can connect with Pernille via her instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/per
E26 - Andi Manley. Reflecting on the journey from a swimmer, to parent to coaching an Olympic Gold
In this conversation, we speak to Andi Manley, the Director of Swimming at Loughborough University. The coach to Dan Wiffen's Olympic Gold Medal-winning campaign in 2024, Andi shares insights from his extensive coaching journey including powerful insights from that moment in Paris. He discusses the transition from being a swimmer to a coach, the importance of understanding each athlete as an i
E25 - Lauren Cox. Every step of the journey matters. A coaching conversation with a European Champion
In this conversation, Lauren Cox shares her journey as a swimmer, detailing her experiences from a small club to becoming a European Champion. She discusses the importance of resilience, the adaptations in her training, and the lessons learned from various coaches. Lauren emphasises the significance of mental toughness, visualisation techniques, and the role of resistance training in her developme
E24 - Gary Laybourne. Trackside with a running coach, exploring the similarities and differences in coaching methods
In this conversation, Gary Laybourne shares his unique perspective on coaching, drawing from his experiences in athletics and his journey from a troubled youth to a successful coach. He emphasises the importance of fun and inclusion in coaching young athletes, the need for coaches to balance historical wisdom with modern practices, and the significance of engaging parents in the coaching process.
E23 - Eric Anderson. Coaching around the world and the lessons learned along the way
In this conversation, Eric Anderson shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting key experiences and influences that shaped his coaching philosophy. He discusses the importance of adaptability in coaching, especially in different cultural contexts like Malaysia. Eric emphasizes the need for a supportive environment to retain young athletes and the significance of continuous learning for coa
E22 - Jake Gibbons. The legacy of Bolles and using your socials to share your authentic self.
In this episode, Jake Gibbons shares his journey from being a competitive swimmer to a successful coach at the Bolles School, junior home to Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy amongst many others. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, his coaching philosophy shaped by various influences, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with athletes. Jake highlight
E21 - Victoria Jones. Underwater kicking and exploring biomechanics lessons from World Class swimmers
In this episode, Victoria Jones, shares her insights on the biomechanics of underwater kicking, with Kevin and Ash asking so many questions to really get into what the research Victoria has worked on shows. Victoria is a Biomechanist and Performance Analyst with Aquatics GB, and has been with the organisation for 8 years now, commencing with her PhD in the key biomechanical indicators of underwate
E20 - Alex Dawson. Finding a new path in Canada, building
In this episode, we are joined by Alex Dawson, a seasoned swimming coach with a rich history in both the UK and Canada. Alex shares his journey from a competitive swimmer to a coach, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of patience, the need for continuous development, and the significance of understanding one's 'why' in coaching.
E19 - Mike Taylor. Leading Team Steel and the journey through the sport
In this episode, Mike Taylor, the Director of Swimming at the City of Sheffield, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a successful coach. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the culture of Sheffield, and the challenges faced by the club, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike emphasises the need for sustainability in coaching, the significance of partnerships for performance en
E18 - Mike Peyrebrune. Bringing research into practice through a career immersed in coaching science
In this episode, Mike shares his extensive journey in the coaching world, from his beginnings as a swimmer to becoming a leading figure in sports science and coaching. He discusses the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical coaching, the evolution of coaching principles, and the future of technology in sports. He also emphasises the cornerstones of junior coaching, the value
E17 - Brian Sweeney, Community integration supporting grassroots through to performance. Making the best of what you have!
In this episode, Brian Sweeney, Head Coach of Templeogue Swim Club, shares his extensive journey in coaching. We explore the importance of community integration, maximising limited resources, and developing grit in swimmers. He discusses the evolution of coach-athlete relationships, the significance of reflection in coaching practices, and the role of ISCA in supporting Irish swimming coaches. Bri
E16 - Ross Douglas, Supporting the future person... In your coaching... Today.
In this conversation, Ash and Kevin are joined by Ross Douglas, Kingston Royals Head Coach in London. Having travelled the world and swam under some incredible coaches, then transitioning into coaching and again working around some fantastic coaches… Ross reflects on his journey and the lessons learned. We explore competition challenges, sources of learning, reflecting on the impact coaches have o
E15 - Kevin Renshaw. Exploring World-Class coaching at all levels - Teaching the brain, selling to the heart!
In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Renshaw, who has worked across three clubs, spent two decades inside British Swimming/Aquatics GB in various roles, coached medallists across Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic levels. Kevin shares his extensive coaching journey, discussing theevolution of coaching in swimming, the importance of building a strong foundation for young swimmers, and th
E14 - Prof. David Fletcher. What the research tells us about the psychology of swimming!
In this conversation, David Fletcher shares his extensive journey from being a competitive swimmer to becoming a sports psychologist and academic. He discusses the importance of sports psychology in enhancing athlete performance, the gaps in education for coaches, and practical tips for those without access to resources. David emphasises the need for emotional intelligence in coaching and the role
E13 - Andrew Sheaff. Back to basics, a skills-focussed approach!
In this conversation, Andrew Sheaff joins us from the USA to share his extensive experience in coaching swimming, emphasising the importance of skill development, the constraints-based coaching approach, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He discusses how to engage swimmers in a group setting, the significance of building a coaching culture, and the essential equipment for effect
E12 - Keiron Piper. Honing your craft, learning from others and working collaboratively
In this conversation we are joined by Keiron Piper, head of swimming at Millfield School. He shares his journey from a young swimmer through to his time in coaching. He discusses the influence of his law degree on his coaching philosophy, the importance of mentorship, and his approach to youth development. A key topic we explore is the significance of building connections with athletes and underst
E11 - Kathryn Johnstone, Reflections on the path from 2x Commonwealth Games swimmer to becoming a professional Strength and Conditioning Coach
Kathy Johnstone is a former GB swimmer, a 2x Commonwealth Games swimmer for Scotland and a seasoned strength and conditioning coach. She shares her journey from being a competitive swimmer to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, emphasising the importance of simplicity in training, the role of other sports in athlete development, and the challenges faced as a female coach in a male-dominate
E10 - Craig Robertson, balancing the art with the science of swimming.
This we are joined by Craig Robertson, PhD. He is a Sport Scientist specialising in physiology and performance analysis at Swim England. With over 15 years’ experience as a coach and SSSM practitioner, he has supported athletes across the entire Swim England pathway — from the county and regional programmes through to the Olympic Games.In addition to his role at Swim England, Craig lectures part-t
E9: Ben Negus - Making the best of what you've got. The art of resourcefulness
This week we are joined by Ben Negus, Head Coach at City of Peterborough Swimming Club, a.k.a. COPS! In this conversation, Ben shares his extensive coaching journey, emphasising the importance of resourcefulness, communication, and the development of both technical skills and personal behaviours in swimmers. We explore the challenges faced at COPS, the significance of intention in coaching, and th
E8 - Michael Glossop. Working with people that swim. They are not just swimmers!
In this conversation, Michael Glossop shares his unique journey in coaching. We discuss the importance of balance, identity, and legacy in the world of sports. Michael reflects on his experiences in swimming and how stepping away from coaching has provided him with new perspectives on the challenges faced by coaches. Michael emphasises the need for support, collaboration across sports, and the val
E7 - Dave Champion. "It is what it is" - Exploring longevity in coaching and keeping things fun
In this conversation we speak to Team Ipswich's long time Head Coach, Dave Champion.Dave shares with us his extensive coaching journey, discussing the evolution of his coaching philosophy, the importance of creating a positive training environment, and the significance of fun and challenge in athlete development. He reflects on past coaching practices, the impact of influential figures like Bi
E6 - Alan Lynn. Exploring the vision for the future of Coach Development in Great Britain
In this episode of The Coaches Lane, Alan Lynn, the Head of Performance Coach Development for Aquatics GB, shares his extensive journey in aquatics. He emphasises the importance of curiosity, persistence, and continuous learning in coaching. He discusses the need for coaches to take an active role in their development, the characteristics that define successful coaches, and the balance between asp
E5 - Mel Marshall. The journey from athlete to coach and reflecting on the lessons learned along the way
In this episode of the Coaching Community Podcast, Mel Marshall shares her journey from being an Olympic swimmer to becoming a one of the most successful coaches globally. She discusses the importance of influence, communication, patience, and continuous learning in coaching, and shares some incredible stories with us! You can connect with Mel via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melmarshallma
E4 - Anna Hopkin. Lessons and reflections from the journey of an Olympic Champion
In this conversation, Olympic Gold Medalist, Anna Hopkin shares her journey from a competitive swimmer to a performance lifestyle advisor and her role with AP Race post retirement. She discusses the importance of balance in training, the influence of coaches on her development, and the significance of maintaining variety in sports. Other topics included:Specialising too early in a sport can hinder
E3 - Sean Balmer. Minimal resources? Making the BEST of it!
In this conversation, Sean Balmer shares his extensive coaching journey, emphasising the importance of treating coaching like a business, fostering honest conversations, and maintaining a culture of excellence. He discusses the non-negotiables in coaching, the significance of being present, and the empowerment of both coaches and swimmers. Sean also highlights the critical role of skills developme
E2 - Dan Pilbrow. Exploring the bigger picture of club coaching in Britain
In this conversation, Kevin and Ash are joined by Dan Pilbow, Head Coach at West Suffolk Swimming Club. Dan has worked with many swimmers across his career, and he shares with us the key cornerstones of what he believes has allowed the success his swimmers have enjoyed, emphasising the importance of an athlete-centered approach, building strong relationships with swimmers, and the significance of
E1 - Welcome to The Coaches Lane!
In this introductory episode, meet our hosts Kevin and Ash as they take us on their swimming coaching journey and the set the scene for the motivations behind wanting to do this podcast!Contact the podcast team here: https://forms.gle/iBz9HoKkw4Vu6Btq8Don't forget we have a wide range of resources on our coaching website including recommended books, podcasts and links to our CPDs. You can also
