In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Kathleen Baker — Olympic swimmer, world-class competitor, and longtime leader in USA Swimming — for a conversation that goes far beyond medals and podiums. We talk about swim technique, breathing, mindset, and what it really feels like to compete on the biggest stage in the world.

From the outside, the Olympics can feel almost mythical. Perfect races. Perfect preparation. Perfect confidence. But Kathleen is quick to pull back the curtain.

At the highest level of swimming, nothing is automatic. Races are decided by fractions of a second. One mistimed breath, one rushed turn, or one moment of tension can change everything. That’s why Kathleen emphasizes that fundamentals — especially breathing and body control — aren’t just for beginners. They’re everything.

During the conversation, Kathleen breaks down some of the breathing principles she still lives by and teaches today:

- Stay relaxed under pressure — tension is the fastest way to lose efficiency

- Let breathing support rhythm, not disrupt it — timing matters as much as strength

- Focus on consistency, not perfection — great races are built on repeatable habits

These ideas sound simple, but any swimmer knows how difficult they become when fatigue sets in or nerves kick in. Kathleen explains how learning to trust her breathing and technique allowed her to stay calm in high-stakes moments — including Olympic finals — when adrenaline is at its peak.

We also dive into what it was like representing Team USA on the Olympic stage. The intensity. The expectations. The emotional highs and lows that come with racing the best swimmers in the world. Kathleen shares how those experiences shaped not just her career, but her perspective on growth, pressure, and long-term development.

Today, Kathleen is deeply invested in training young athletes — and her philosophy is refreshingly grounded. She believes great coaching starts with teaching athletes how to understand their bodies, manage stress, and build confidence through strong fundamentals. Speed comes later. Results come later. But habits last.

This episode is a must-listen for swimmers looking to improve their technique, parents who want to better understand what healthy development looks like, and coaches who believe the mental side of sport matters just as much as the physical.

🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ - the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect families with elite, vetted coaches to help athletes grow through great instruction, strong habits, and positive sports experiences.

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