James Gibson, MBE is an English former competitive swimmer who represented Great Britain in the Olympics, FINA world championships, and European championships, and in the Commonwealth Games. He is a former world, European and Commonwealth champion in the men's 50-metre breaststroke event, and now serves as the head swimming coach at the Energy Standard Swim Club.

 

As a Head coach of the ISL Championship winning team - Energy Standard he’s led the team to win the 2019 and 2021 titles and was 2nd in 2020.

 

He’s coached some of the greatest swimmers on the planet. Sarah Sjostrom, Chad Le Clos. and Florent Manadou to name a few.

 

Timestamps

0:00 - Florent Manaudou Wins Men's 50m Freestyle Gold -- London 2012 Olympics - audio clip

0:54 - Introduction to show.

3:05 - Interview starts.

11:30 - The ISL - International Swimming League was formed to create a team sport out of what has historically been an individual sport. Swimming is one of the most participated sports in the world, so the ISL is aiming to both monetise and create exciting events that showcase the elite swimming athletes.

21:11 - Greg and James rewind the clock and chat through James' journey to swimming and how he found the passion for the sport.

24:58 - Work and talent are important, however it's crucial to have the opportunity. James discusses how and when he made the decision to focus on the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and then The Olympics.

28:22 - 'Relaxing and enjoying the racing experience' is what a modern coach tries to create for each athlete. It's not easy as Greg and James talk through the coaching process. Understanding 'identity' (who you are) is not linked to the success in the pool.

38:14 - What is the definition of 'passion' ... James gives possibly THE best answer you'll ever hear.

41:30 - How is 'belief' carved and created by a coach? James explains his term, 'the searchers'.

45:08 - What was James' belief and mindset when he became the world number 1? His answer will resonate with you no matter where you are on your life journey!

50:15 - Using 'positive attitude', how do you help an athlete before a race?

54:23 - James explains his craziest risk for a marginal gain with Flo Manaudou prior to the 2012 Olympic Games.

1:01:33 - James gives his view on the future of swimming ... sit down for this answer ... he gives us both barrels!

1:04:31 - Greg asks the BIG question ... is Caeleb Dressel beatable? And if he is ... how?

1:06:51 - James gives his Top 5 Coaches of all time.

1:13:04 - Can we keep getting faster times in the pool, or will we peak and plateau at some stage?

1:16:54 - What's next for James Gibson in 2022 and beyond?

01:20:03 - Interview ends.

 

Find James Gibson on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gibson-mbe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesgibson

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnergyStandardTeam/

twitter: https://twitter.com/energy_standard