A swimming deep dive: Caeleb Dressel exclusive, five names to know & much more

Summary notes created by Deciphr AI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swimming-deep-dive-caeleb-dressel-exclusive-five/id1347405249?i=1000658792616
Abstract

Abstract

The Olympics.com podcast, hosted by Nick McArvel, dives into the world of swimming ahead of Paris 2024, spotlighting key athletes and storylines. The episode features insights from Caleb Dressel, who discusses his return to the sport, mental health, and fatherhood, emphasizing a more balanced approach. Rising star Summer McIntosh shares her journey and training changes, while French swimmer Leon Marchand talks about handling pressure with coach Bob Bowman. Australian Emma McKeon reflects on her motivation and discipline, and Britain’s Adam Peaty opens up about his mental health struggles and evolving belief system. The podcast underscores the intense preparation and personal growth of these top swimmers.

Summary Notes

Caleb Dressel's Mental Health and Return to Swimming

  • Caleb Dressel took a break from swimming in 2022 for mental health reasons.
  • He emphasizes befriending his inner critic rather than trying to eliminate it.
  • Dressel's return to the sport is marked by a balanced approach to mental health and performance.

"I think it's more so befriending that side of me and being more comfortable when a critic does come out. I don't think there's anything I could do to get him to go away or manage. I think it's just building that relationship and seeing him as a partner."

  • Dressel acknowledges the importance of his inner critic in pushing through tough practices and races.
  • He aims to have a more balanced and respectful dialogue with his inner critic.

"But, yeah, I respect that side of me. It certainly helps. I think just having more of a balance with the critic mentality."

  • Dressel's mental health journey is crucial for his return to competitive swimming.
  • His approach to mental health could serve as an example for other athletes.

Impact of Personal Life on Athletic Performance

  • Dressel became a father four months ago, which has impacted his perspective as an athlete.
  • The podcast will explore whether fatherhood has changed his approach to swimming.

"Including how becoming a father just four months ago has changed him as an athlete. Or has it now?"

  • Fatherhood might bring new motivations and challenges for Dressel.
  • The podcast aims to delve into these personal aspects and their influence on his career.

Rising Stars and Key Competitors for Paris 2024

  • The podcast highlights emerging talents and key competitors expected in Paris 2024.
  • Notable swimmers include Summer McIntosh, Emma McKeon, Adam Peaty, and Leon Marchand.

"We've got a host of swimming stars featured in this podcast, all of whom we expect to see in Paris. They include Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh, Australia superstar swimmer Emma McKeon, who told us that Paris is going to be her last Olympic games."

  • These athletes have shown remarkable performances and are expected to be significant contenders in Paris.
  • The podcast will cover their journeys and expectations for the upcoming Olympics.

Olympic Qualifier Series and Olympic Day

  • The final 50 days leading to the Olympics are crucial for athletes aiming to qualify.
  • The Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest is a key event for securing spots for Paris 2024.
  • Olympic Day on June 23rd is a significant celebration in the Olympic world.

"The push to the Olympics. And that's especially true for the athletes headed to the Olympic qualifier series in Budapest on June 2023. That's where Paris quota spots will be on offer on some of the most exciting Olympic sports."

  • The qualifiers and Olympic Day are pivotal moments for athletes and fans alike.
  • Comprehensive coverage of these events will be available on Olympics.com and social media.

Swimming Rivalries and Global Competitiveness

  • Swimming has seen a shift from US dominance to a more global competitive landscape.
  • Australia and Canada have emerged as strong competitors in recent years.

"Swimming has continued to be such a global sport, this last Olympic quad. You know, we've seen the US dominance in the past, but we've also seen rising talent from Australia and Canada in particular."

  • The podcast will explore these rivalries and how different countries are preparing for Paris 2024.
  • Key matchups include Ledecky vs. Titmus and Chalmers vs. Dressel.

Mixed Gender Relays and Extended Olympic Program

  • Mixed gender relays introduced in Tokyo will continue in Paris, adding a tactical element to swimming.
  • The swimming program will be extended to nine days, allowing better scheduling for multi-event swimmers.

"How good are the mixed gender relays? I have to say they're probably my favorite addition to the last games, purely because it's almost bringing an element of F1 into things. It's so tactical."

  • The extended schedule aims to accommodate the increased number of events and reduce athlete fatigue.
  • The podcast will discuss the implications of these changes for swimmers and their strategies.

Caleb Dressel's Journey Post-Tokyo

  • Dressel's journey post-Tokyo includes dealing with media pressure and mental health challenges.
  • He left the 2022 World Championships early and did not compete in subsequent major events.

"He was announced in the team, and for unexplained reasons, he left the competition early. Unexplained medical reasons. We now know that it was to look after his mental health."

  • Dressel's absence from major competitions has been a significant storyline in swimming.
  • His return and performance in Paris 2024 will be closely watched.

Summary

  • The podcast provides an in-depth look at the world of swimming as athletes prepare for Paris 2024.
  • Key themes include mental health, personal life impacts, emerging talents, and global competitiveness.
  • The extended Olympic program and mixed gender relays add new dimensions to the sport.
  • Caleb Dressel's journey and return to swimming are central narratives, highlighting the importance of mental health and personal balance in achieving athletic excellence.

Caleb Dressel's Journey and Comeback

  • Caleb Dressel, a world-renowned swimmer, faces immense pressure to perform at the highest level, often equating anything less than world records or Olympic titles as failure.
  • Dressel's recent comeback highlights his human side, emphasizing that he is not a robot and showcasing his resilience and determination.

"His comeback has proved that he's not a robot."

  • This quote underscores Dressel's humanity and the challenges he faces, countering the perception that elite athletes are infallible.

  • Dressel's performance is improving rapidly, with significant time drops in recent competitions, indicating he is on track to regain his peak form.

"He took a really impressive win at the US Open championships in 103 recently. He went down to 48.3 in the Atlanta Classic. It's the fifth fastest in the US this season."

  • This quote highlights Dressel's recent achievements and his potential to reach his best form.

  • The US Olympic trials will be held at the Indianapolis Colts stadium, showcasing the efforts to create a unique and challenging environment for athletes.

"They have built three pools in the Indianapolis Colt Stadium. Literally, they've built the pools from scratch."

  • This quote emphasizes the magnitude of the preparations for the US Olympic trials, reflecting the high stakes involved.

Dressel's Evolving Perspective

  • Dressel acknowledges the challenges and obstacles in swimming, expressing appreciation for what he has learned about himself through the sport.

"I feel like I've learned a lot about myself throughout the sport. I have challenges and obstacles every single day."

  • This quote reveals Dressel's introspective approach and his growth through overcoming difficulties.

  • Dressel's renewed enjoyment of the sport suggests a positive shift in his mindset, potentially leading to better performances.

"I think that's the most exciting part is finding out who I really am at a disciplinary level, having fun with the sport, seeing how far I can push myself physically as well as mentally."

  • This quote illustrates Dressel's excitement and renewed passion for swimming, which could translate into improved results.

Impact of Fatherhood on Dressel

  • Dressel's experience as a new father has taught him to be flexible and adaptive, which may positively influence his athletic performance.

"There's sometimes you just have to bail off of what the game plan is and go with plan B or C or D or all the way down the Alphabet."

  • This quote highlights Dressel's adaptability and the lessons he has learned from fatherhood.

  • Fatherhood has grounded Dressel, making him more present and potentially reducing the pressure associated with his swimming career.

"Nothing grounds you and makes you more present than keeping a small human happy and healthy and alive."

  • This quote underscores the grounding effect of fatherhood on Dressel, which could help him manage the pressures of elite competition.

Dressel's Leadership Role

  • Dressel views himself as an equal member of the team, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and mutual support.

"I don't think there needs to be any extra titles for anybody on the team. You know, we're all in the same boat for a reason."

  • This quote reflects Dressel's humility and his approach to leadership within the team.

  • Dressel is comfortable in a leadership role, offering advice and support to his teammates while continuing to see himself as a student of the sport.

"I feel very comfortable with that leadership role, whatever you want to call it. I want to call it that if people want to come to me as a teammate."

  • This quote highlights Dressel's willingness to lead by example and support his teammates.

Summer McIntosh's Rise in Swimming

  • Summer McIntosh, a 17-year-old Canadian swimmer, has made significant strides in her career, moving to Sarasota, Florida, to train with coach Brent Arke.

"Moving down there has been absolutely incredible with my coach, Brent Arke. He's been amazing throughout the move and being pretty much fully settled there now for a while is awesome."

  • This quote highlights the positive impact of McIntosh's move and her new training environment.

  • McIntosh's achievements include being a four-time world champion and holding the world record in the 400 IM, showcasing her talent and potential.

"She's a four-time world champion and the 400 IM world record holder in the long course pool and about to compete in a second Olympics."

  • This quote underscores McIntosh's impressive accomplishments at a young age.

  • McIntosh's versatility and improvement in the breaststroke have contributed to her success, making her a formidable competitor.

"She made a huge improvement in the breaststroke and that's actually why she broke the world record."

  • This quote explains the key factor behind McIntosh's world record and her overall improvement.

  • McIntosh's ability to handle the pressure of being a favorite at the Olympics will be crucial to her performance.

"It's all about now whether she can deal with the pressure of being the favorite at an Olympic Games."

  • This quote highlights the mental challenge McIntosh faces as she prepares for the Olympics.

Family Influence on McIntosh

  • McIntosh comes from a family with a strong athletic background, including her sister Brooke, a top-level pair skater, and her mother Jill Horstead, an Olympic swimmer.

"She's got a sister, Brooke, who I've covered in figure skating. She's a top-level pair skater for Canada and their mother, Jill Horstead, was an Olympic swimmer for Team Canada."

  • This quote emphasizes the supportive and athletic environment that has likely contributed to McIntosh's success.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the key themes and insights discussed in the transcript, offering a detailed understanding of Caleb Dressel's journey, mindset, and the promising rise of Summer McIntosh in the world of swimming.

Impact of Parental Support in Sports

  • The influence of Summer McIntosh’s mother, a former high-level swimmer, on her career.
  • The critical role of parental understanding and support in the day-to-day aspects of training and competition.

"Yes, my mom is the absolute best and I think she just gets swimming on such a higher level than most other parents because she did it herself at such a high level within the same sport and within the same events as me."

  • Summer's mother’s personal experience in the sport provides a unique level of support and understanding.

"She's always cooking and cleaning and helping me through training because I'm always eating and I'm always eating just to get enough calories in."

  • The practical support from her mother helps manage the demanding physical needs of training.

"She just gets it on such a next level that I'll really. I always appreciate it."

  • Emotional and psychological support from her mother is deeply valued.

Achievements and Mental Strength in Swimming

  • Summer McIntosh's significant accomplishments, including defeating Katie Ledecky in the 800 meters freestyle.
  • The importance of mental strength and versatility in achieving top-level performance.

"Let's also remember, as you said, that she topped Ledecky over their 800 meters freestyle, which isn't even really in McIntosh's repertoire in terms of a specialist event."

  • Demonstrates McIntosh's versatility and mental fortitude.

"It was the first time that Ledecky's lost that event in over a decade."

  • Highlights the significance of McIntosh's victory.

Team Canada's Swimming Success

  • The rise of Team Canada as a powerhouse in swimming.
  • The balanced team dynamics reducing pressure on individual athletes like Summer McIntosh.

"Despite the fact that McIntosh is probably the headline act in their team, she's not got the pressure on her to be a leader because you've got old hands."

  • Experienced athletes in the team help distribute the pressure.

"It's a really well balanced team and I can't wait to see what they're going to do, especially in the relays."

  • The balance within the team is expected to enhance their performance in relays.

Leon Marchand's Potential at the Paris Games

  • Leon Marchand's impressive achievements and potential to be a star at the Paris Olympics.
  • The pressure and expectations on Marchand given France's recent struggles in swimming.

"Leon Marchand, his first Olympic games. He's only 19 years of age, coming up from the junior world championships to qualify for his first games."

  • Marchand's rapid rise in the swimming world.

"He's the 400 IM world record holder, having broken Michael Phelps's 15 year old mark."

  • Breaking a long-standing world record highlights his potential.

Coaching and Preparation

  • The influence of Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps's longtime coach, on Leon Marchand.
  • The importance of preparation over focusing on pressure.

"I think Leonida fully capable of handling the pressure and performing just so we're fully prepared and that's the key to these meets."

  • Emphasizes preparation as the key to handling pressure.

"Bob Bowman saw Michael Phelps win so many successes in the medley events and Marchand recently moved to Texas to train with him."

  • Marchand's training with a renowned coach is crucial for his development.

Mental Health and Stress Management

  • Leon Marchand’s focus on mental health and stress management.
  • Techniques like breathing exercises and meditation in managing competition stress.

"The first thing that I worked with, with my mental trainer was about managing my stress and how nervous I was before me."

  • Importance of mental training in managing pre-race nerves.

"I have this breathing technique that I can use to, like, help you fall asleep or, like, help you prepare before a race."

  • Practical techniques used by Marchand to manage stress and energy.

Perspectives on Success and Improvement

  • Marchand’s continuous quest for improvement despite his successes.
  • The balance between being proud of achievements and striving for better performance.

"He always looks for improvement after three goals at Fukuoka Worlds. I remember in the press conference he said I could have done better."

  • Marchand’s mindset of continuous improvement.

"He knows how to be calm outside of the pool, but he has that ability, like all great athletes do. They can flick that switch when it's time to go."

  • The ability to balance calmness and competitive intensity.

Goals and Aspirations for Paris 2024

  • Marchand’s goals for the Paris Olympics and his drive to become an Olympic champion.
  • The role of his coach Bob Bowman in pushing him beyond his limits.

"My goal is to prepare as much as possible right now and then we'll see what happened there. But, yeah, winning would be the best thing."

  • Marchand’s primary goal is to win at the Paris Olympics.

"He will also make you feel confident about your work. I mean, swimming mates are pretty easy now because we do all the hard work during practice."

  • Confidence built through rigorous training under Bob Bowman.

Australia's Swimming Success

  • Australia's resurgence in swimming, highlighted by their performance at Tokyo 2020.
  • The significant achievements of swimmers like Emma McKeon and Ariane Titmus.

"They won 21 medals in Tokyo. That was out of 46 total at the game. So swimming is back in Australia in a big way."

  • Australia’s dominant performance in swimming at the Tokyo Olympics.

"Emma McKeon who won four golds and three bronzes, the most of any australian swimmer at a single games in Olympic history."

  • Emma McKeon's historic achievement at Tokyo 2020.

Key Themes

Emma McEwan's Performance and Challenges

  • Muscular Tear in 2023: Suffered a muscular tear in her shoulder impacting her performance in Fukuoka.
  • Relay Success: Despite injury, won three relay gold medals.
  • Record Aspirations: Needs one more gold medal to surpass Ian Thorpe for most golds in Australian Olympic history.

"The one snag for McEwan is that she did suffer a muscular tear in 2023 in her shoulder that had a direct impact of what she was able to achieve in Fukuoka, and she missed out on the podium individually in her three key events."

  • Emma McEwan faced a significant challenge with a shoulder injury affecting her performance.

"But she did still bring home three relay gold medals. She needs one more gold medal to overtake Ian Thorpe, the famous torpedo for the most golds in Australian Olympic history."

  • Despite the injury, McEwan achieved success in relay events and is close to breaking a major Australian Olympic record.

Ariane Titmuss' Surgery and Comeback

  • Abdominal Surgery: Underwent surgery for benign abdominal tumors in mid-2022.
  • Return to Competition: Came back at the Queensland state championships in December 2023.
  • Rivalries and Records: Competing against teammate Molly O'Callaghan, the current world record holder in the 200 meters.

"She, in the middle of last year, had abdominal surgery and hit headlines for that, for abdominal tumors, which were benign, but it meant that she took some time out of the pool."

  • Titmuss faced a significant health issue requiring surgery, impacting her training schedule.

"She's also the Olympic 200 metre champion, but she's going to be competing against teammate Molly O'Callaghan, who is now the world record holder in the event as of 2023."

  • Titmuss faces strong competition from her own teammate, adding to the excitement of upcoming events.

Emma McEwan's Motivation and Discipline

  • Importance of Discipline: Relies more on discipline than motivation.
  • Post-Tokyo Goals: Driven by the feeling of having more to give and the desire to go faster and do better.

"It's more the discipline, and that's something I've grown more and more over the years that I've had in school. But I think post Tokyo, the thing that kept me going was that I felt like I had more to give and I felt like I could go faster and do better."

  • McEwan emphasizes the importance of discipline over motivation, driven by a desire to improve.

Learning from Failures

  • Growth from Setbacks: Believes that failures and setbacks are crucial for growth and learning.
  • Realistic Expectations: Understands that constant success is unrealistic.

"I think the failures are the things that you learn most from, and it's unrealistic to think that you're just going to have, you know, win after win after win and PB after PB."

  • McEwan acknowledges that failures are essential for growth and learning, and constant success is unrealistic.

Adam Peetie's Evolution and Mental Health

  • Mental Health Struggles: Open about dealing with mental health issues, including depression and ADHD.
  • Spiritual Growth: Transitioned from relying on anger to a more balanced and spiritual approach.

"Adam's been really open about a myriad of topics, including mental health, depression, issues with alcohol, ADHD."

  • Peetie has been transparent about his mental health struggles, contributing to his evolution as a person.

"He's become a very spiritual individual and a much more balanced individual, in his own words. And he has been a lot happier within himself to acknowledge what he does well."

  • Peetie has embraced a more spiritual and balanced approach, leading to greater personal happiness.

Adam Peetie's New Belief System

  • Process and Confidence: Focuses on doing the best job possible to build confidence.
  • Life Beyond Self: Emphasizes the importance of giving time to family and living with peace.

"If I'm doing the best job I possibly can on the minuscule to the major level, that gives me confidence because it ticks off all my beliefs."

  • Peetie builds confidence through meticulous attention to process and effort.

"I've discovered in the last year that there's more to life than self. So giving more as much time and much to my son, to the people around me, but also, you know, living with peace when I can as well."

  • Peetie highlights the importance of focusing on family and inner peace, beyond personal achievements.

Adam Peetie's Performance and Goals

  • Conflicted Performance: Struggling to balance his new spiritual approach with the need to channel anger for peak performance.
  • Recent Achievements: Achieved his best time since 2021 at the British Championships but still has room for improvement.

"He's looked, quite honestly, like quite a conflicted man. Certainly in Doha, there were lots of ups and downs."

  • Peetie experiences internal conflict between his new balanced approach and the need for competitive aggression.

"He's made his best time since 2021 at the British Championships, importantly, breaking the 58 second mark in the 100 metre breaststroke."

  • Despite challenges, Peetie has achieved significant milestones in his recent performances.

The Significance of Olympic Gold

  • Gold Medal's True Value: Understands that a gold medal doesn't solve life's problems but represents hard work and dedication.
  • Desire for a Third Consecutive Gold: Aspires to become the second man to win the same event in three consecutive Olympics.

"The gold medal really is the coldest thing you'll ever wear, because what you have to do to get there, and it will not solve any problems in your life."

  • Peetie acknowledges that while a gold medal is a significant achievement, it doesn't resolve personal issues.

"It does give me goosebumps thinking of it. Anytime I do think of it, I can't get carried away, too much of the thought."

  • Peetie is motivated by the prospect of making history with a third consecutive Olympic gold but remains focused on the process.

Conclusion and Additional Content

  • Olympics.com and Paris 2024 App: Encourages listeners to explore more content on Olympics.com and download the Paris 2024 app.
  • Original Series and Documentaries: Highlights new episodes and documentaries available on the Olympic Channel.

"You can find all things Paris 2024 in the lead up to the games@olympics.com. and if you haven't done so already. Download the Paris 2024 app wherever you get your smartphone apps."

  • Listeners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest Olympic content and stories through the official website and app.

"We've also got a new documentary on Mondo Duplantis, the swedish pole vaulter who is the reigning Olympic champ and world record holder in pole vault. It's titled, appropriately, born to fly."

  • Highlights a new documentary on Mondo Duplantis, offering deeper insights into the life and achievements of the pole vaulter.

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