Unveiling the Allure: Why Olympians and Elite Collegiate Swimmers Dive Back into the Masters Pool

Courtesy: Kelly Palace

Numerous swimmers “retire” at an early age, stepping away from the discipline after achieving success at the collegiate or Olympic tiers. But what if rather than quitting, they merely hit “pause”? Masters Swimming offers a friendly avenue back into the pool, enabling swimmers to rediscover the pleasure, community, and competition that initially attracted them to the activity. Below are three motivating examples of Olympians and top college swimmers who returned to swimming through Masters, embracing it as a lifelong journey.

Champion’s Mojo for Masters Swimmers presents the top three interviews from 2024 regarding elite swimmers’ pursuits in Masters Swimming:

1. U.S. Olympian Dave Sims Makes a Comeback to Swimming with a Distinct Method (Episode 256)

Dave Sims, who was part of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team and a former standout at Stanford University, rekindled his passion for swimming in his 40s through Masters Swimming. By joining the Santa Barbara Masters, he not only revived his competitive edge but also established national records. Remarkably, Sims shifted from excelling in long-distance competitions to mastering breaststroke and butterfly, even acquiring breaststroke skills at age 47. At 62, he remains zealously devoted to swimming, inspired by older competitors who persist in racing into their 90s and beyond.

Takeaway: What does it entail to shift from your primary event to a secondary event? Tune in below:

2. Olympian and Master of Chemistry and Kicking: Chris Stevenson (Episode 261)

Chris Stevenson, an Olympian (Greece 1984), distinguished college swimmer for UNC, and world and national record setter in Masters Swimming, narrates his return to the pool following a break due to personal and professional difficulties. As a chemistry professor at the University of Richmond and a long-term volunteer for U.S. Masters Swimming, Stevenson speaks about conquering physical and mental barriers to reclaim his form. He shares insights on how to develop a powerful underwater dolphin kick and stresses the importance of setting attainable goals while finding joy in the swimming experience.

Takeaway: Was Chris Stevenson the pioneering “blast-off” underwater kicker? And how has he maintained dominance in underwaters for decades? Listen below:

3. At 27, Jenna Campbell Shifts from Elite College Swimmer to Masters World Record Holder (Episode 258)

Jenna Campbell, a former NCAA Division I swimmer at Cal Berkeley, set a Masters World Record in the 25-29 age group for the 200-meter long course freestyle with a time of 2:02.06 this summer at the U.S. Masters Summer Nationals in Mission Viejo, CA. Her accomplishment highlights the opportunities that Masters Swimming affords elite athletes to continue competing and thriving beyond their collegiate careers. Campbell’s journey exemplifies the dynamic competitive atmosphere within Masters Swimming that welcomes swimmers of all ages and backgrounds.

Takeaway: Is cross-training the secret to achievement? Listen below:

For additional inspiring accounts and insights, tune in on Champion’s Mojo for Masters Swimmers.

About The Champion’s Mojo Podcast for Masters Swimmers:

With over 5 years and 260 episodes published along with 8 podcasting honors, Champion’s Mojo has interviewed some of the leading swimmers, thought leaders, and coaches in our sport. Their particular focus is on matters that are engaging and significant to Masters Swimmers. They serve as a podcast that inspires and empowers adult athletes, fitness lovers, and Masters swimmers to live with personal excellence. Each episode explores the essence of what it takes to become a champion—not only in athletics but in daily life. Hosted by world record holder Kelly Palace, this show features enlightening discussions, profound queries, and genuine narratives that motivate you to fulfill your utmost potential. Join us as we converse with champions, coaches, and specialists who disclose their recipes for success and well-being. Eager to uncover your champion mindset? Visit ChampionsMojo.com for more.

Subscribe to the Champions’ Mojo Podcast now and ensure you don’t miss any episodes. Hosted by Kelly Palace, you can discover more about the Host here.

Swimming podcast feature is provided by Champion’s Mojo, a partner of SwimSwam.