Do you compete against your spouse, best friend, roommate, sibling? Ever wondered how to keep the competitive spirit alive without straining your closest relationships? Tune in to this week’s episode of Champions Mojo, where I, Kelly Palace, share five tips that will revolutionize how you compete against or alongside your loved ones. Drawing from my own experiences with my competitions with my husband Mark, who is also a competitive swimmer, I discuss how gratitude, focusing on personal milestones, and celebrating mutual victories can transform competition into a bond-strengthening activity.

Get inspired as I recount a thrilling race in the 400 IM where Mark and I finished within a hair’s breadth of each other. Plus, hear about the motivating stories of the Olympic swimming siblings sets, the Shackells and the Walshes,  who embody the perfect blend of healthy rivalry and supportive encouragement. Whether you're into sports, board games, or any competitive endeavor, these insights will help foster a nurturing and positive competitive environment. Don’t miss out on these game-changing tips!

1. Be grateful you have a shared activity that you are both passionate about
2. Focus on your own goals and personal bests
3. Allow the other person to teach you something new
4. Celebrate their successes, when they win, and give them space when you win
5. Enjoy the positive impact that competing with someone you love has on your performance. It raises you to a higher level!

Podcast mentions:
Host Kelly Palace's Husband Mark Palace
Olympians: 
Alex and Aaron Shackell
Alex and Gretchen Walsh
Erika Connelly 
Olympic Trials Finalist Catie Deloof

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Imagine sharing the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games with a loved one in their final days. That's what I'm doing with my 94-year-old father, and it's a journey filled with tears, laughter, and endless inspiration. That's why we've been on a break for a few weeks.  Join me, Kelly Palace, as I celebrate these unforgettable moments and explore the insights from some of the most exceptional athletes and coaches we've had the privilege of hosting on Champion's Mojo. From Rowdy Gaines' boundless enthusiasm to Emma Wyatt's profound hard reset, and Paige Madden's unique breathing technique, our featured Olympians provide invaluable lessons that motivate us to push beyond our limits.

I'll mention the fascinating story of Bob Bowman, the legendary five-time US Olympic coach who is now championing the French team and his prodigy, Leon Marchand. Bob’s strategic decision to support Leon while staying true to his US roots is a testament to the complexity and beauty of competitive sports. Plus, we'll highlight how master swimmers can elevate their own game by observing the elite techniques showcased at the Olympics—everything from starts to dolphin kicks. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the athletes who inspire us and a celebration of the life lessons they impart through their dedication and passion.

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Do you love your fins or paddles? Ever wondered how a Masters swimmer in his late 50s keeps up in the fastest lane with the "young guns"? Tune in to our conversation with Bill Winters, who shares his journey from collegiate competitor at Auburn to a dedicated member of SwimRVA Hammerhead Masters Coached by Jay Peluso. Bill opens up about the importance of swimming for longevity and health, even humorously admitting his struggles with maintaining a perfect diet. We also get insight into his creative adaptations in the pool, like using hand paddles due to a bad back, and the supportive culture of Masters swimming that keeps him motivated. His witty exchanges are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Learn the advantages of clear goggles (for indoor swimming) and how Bill learned a good reason to have a happy disposition. 

But it's not just about technique and competition; we dive deep into the joy and lifelong benefits of swimming. Celebrating the idea that swimming should be a constant in your life, we emphasize the significance of pressing pause instead of retiring from the sport. Whether you’re a young swimmer or someone rediscovering their love for the water, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the community and connection swimming fosters. Join Host Kelly Palace as she chats with Bill Winters for an inspiring and humorous discussion that will leave you eager to head to the pool and maybe even find your own humor and Health in adult swimming. 

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

The Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming includes:
1) Swim Around Manhattan--28.5 Miles
2) Catalina Island Swim--21 Miles
3) English Channel Swim--21+

After surviving Breast Cancer at age 50 Erika Beauchamp decided to attempt the Triple Crown of open water. She has completed the first of three legs to earn this crown. We chat with her about her motivation, training and plans. If you've ever thought about this goal, this show is for you, or if you just want to be inspired!

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

As we celebrate a landmark 250 episodes of Champions Mojo, I'm thrilled to bring you an intimate conversation with a figure who has not just coached me, but also shaped the destinies of countless swimmers—legendary Nations Capital coach John Flanagan. Reconnecting with John, who has spent over five decades mentoring swimmers from the grassroot levels to the elite masters, we unearth the profound impact he has had on the sport and on the lives he's touched. His life, rich with wisdom, weave a narrative that demonstrates how discipline and excellence transcend the pool, influencing every aspect of our lives.

We invite you to please support Champions Mojo  by sharing your thoughts on iTunes. Join us in cultivating a community that thrives on motivation, learning, and the passion for going the extra mile, both in swimming and the waters of life.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Embark on an exciting journey with Zena Courtney, a master swimmer whose prowess extends far beyond her strokes in the pool. In a rare road trip among two great friends, we catch the afterglow of a spectacular showdown between Katie Ledecky and Summer Macintosh, through the eyes of a swimmer who knows the thrill and discipline of the sport inside out. Zena opens up about her transition into a new competitive age group, her strategic weight loss, and how she masterfully merges rigorous USA swimming workouts with her master's team sessions to stay at the top of her game. But Zena's story isn't just about the water; her approach to life echoes the dedication and precision of her swimming, setting a standard for excellence that resonates with anyone striving for their personal best.

In the pool, Zena offers a clinic on the nuances of backstroke racing, from pacing the 200 backstroke to executing flawless starts and turns. Her narrative isn't just about victories and technique—it's a heartfelt account of the joys of the sport, the camaraderie of teammates, and the almost meditative state she finds when slicing through the water. With the Long course Masters Nationals on the horizon, we're reminded that the race isn't just about the finish line, but the invigorating journey that swimming provides. Tune in for a dose of inspiration, practical advice, and the celebration of a swimmer's undying passion for the waves she rides.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Meet Angela Staab, the octogenarian dynamo whose running shoes have blazed a trail through the world of track and field, capturing 16 national titles after lacing up for the first time at the tender age of 57. Her zest for life and competition has not only shattered records but preconceptions about what it means to grow older with gusto. In our conversation, Angela opens up about her late bloom into athletic prowess fueled by her daughters' encouragement and a desire to live life to the fullest. Her tale is peppered with milestones, like that unforgettable marathon alongside Mickey Mouse, and brimming with wisdom on how to approach each day with vitality and verve.

Angela's narrative isn't simply one of physical triumph; it's a masterclass in the art of defying odds and the alchemy of motivation, grit, and unwavering support from those we hold dear. She shares insights into overcoming health hurdles such as hypothyroidism and her philosophy that incremental gains are the building blocks of monumental success. It's more than a story of running—it's a lesson in living, punctuated by a mantra that will have you rethinking the possibilities of your golden years: "It's not how old you are but how you are old." Join us for this episode that does more than just inspire—it invigorates the soul and prompts a renaissance of the spirit, demonstrating that true greatness knows no age limit.

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Unlock the secrets to mastering your mental game with sports psychology expert Ashley Eckermann, our guiding light through the mental mazes we often find ourselves in. Ashley unravels how mental blocks, far from being sheer acts of willpower, are instead physiological responses to stress that can throw off even the most skilled performers. Together, we delve into the root causes—fear, anxiety, and the stress response in the brain—that result in these daunting obstacles. Armed with Ashley's insights, we illuminate how athletes can overcome the mental hurdles that stand between them and their peak performance, revolutionizing the way they approach their sport.

Ashley's expertise doesn't just transform athletes; her strategies hold power to change lives. She offers sage advice on how to shift focus from potential pitfalls to executing with precision, leveraging techniques such as breathing exercises and neuroplasticity to rewire the brain for success. But it doesn't stop with sports; these tactics are a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance decision-making and emotional management in their professional and personal life. By learning to make decisions without the cloud of emotions, we gain clarity and confidence that guide us toward our goals with steadfast resolve.

As we bid farewell to Ashley, our Champions Mojo community is left with a wealth of actionable tips and a renewed sense of empowerment. From the importance of celebrating small victories and embracing self-compassion to the power of support systems and the joy found in the journey of growth, this episode is a testament to the profound impact of mindset on performance. We conclude with a reminder that consistent, incremental steps can lead to monumental transformations, in sports and beyond. Join us on this inspiring voyage, where each stride we take brings us closer to becoming champions in every aspect of our lives.

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Head coach of Cavalier Aquatics, Gary Taylor, dives into the strategies that help lead his team to excellence among USA swim teams. In an engaging conversation with Champion's Mojo host Kelly Palace, Coach Taylor pulls back the curtain on the meticulous process of sculpting versatile, well-rounded swimmers, like USA National Team stand-out Thomas Heilman. Cavalier Aquatics swimmers are trained to be capable of excelling across various strokes and distances. Discover the underpinning philosophies that have propelled Cavalier Aquatics from gold to silver medal status, and how a city like Charlottesville has become an unexpected hub for swimming excellence.

Take a peek inside the stunning training facilities of Cavalier Aquatics, where the natural beauty of Virginia is as much a part of the pool as the water itself. Coach Taylor shares his wisdom on the importance of fine-tuning even the smallest details in training, fostering a synergistic relationship with the University of Virginia's successful swimming program, and the value of collaboration in the coaching community. The rapport between Taylor and UVA's head coach, Todd DeSorbo, isn't just a friendship; it's a strategic alliance that's making waves in the world of swimming. For those passionate about the sport or simply intrigued by stories of ambition and achievement, this episode presents a unique narrative filled with insights from one of swimming's most innovative minds.

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Remember that feeling of triumph when you touched the pool wall first during those childhood swim meets? We tap into that exuberant spirit with Brian Robbins, the founder and driving force behind Grown-Up Swimming, in an episode that will open your eyes to a new option for fun and competition for adult swimmers everywhere.  You'll get the scoop on Grown-Up Swimming's new partnership with US Masters Swimming and their exciting plans for expansion! 

We explore the Grownup Swimming League's mission to offer the novel idea of short format, low key swim meets, making it easy for anyone to jump in—figuratively and literally.  Like short swim races, music, social time? Then grab your swim gear, because Brian Robbins is here to remind us that the race isn't always to the swift, but to those having the most fun.

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.