The Weekly Freestyle

This week Alex and Luke discuss Euro

juniors.

Charlie Harris joins Alex to look back at a weekend of fast swimming in Edinburgh at the Scottish National Open Championships and the standout performances making waves across the sport. They discuss impressive swims from Katie Shanahan, Angharad Evans, Duncan Scott and more, before turning their attention to the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome, where world records continued to tumble and the international standard reached new heights.

With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching, Charlie also shares an insight into Team Scotland’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games, from training camps and relay racing to the balance between building excitement and keeping athletes focused ahead of the biggest meet of the year. As Team Scotland’s swimming and judo media officer, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare for a home Games.

The episode also marks an exciting new chapter for the Aqua pod, with the launch of the new video podcast series leading into Glasgow 2026. Charlie reveals what’s planned over the coming weeks, featuring conversations with past and present Scottish swimming stars as we celebrate the legacy of Glasgow 2014 and build towards another unforgettable summer.

Join host Alex and Luke Withers for a jam-packed episode that kicks off with some lighter moments, including the UK's recent heatwave, a disastrous Father's Day meal, and Alex’s latest open-water swimming experiment. Beyond the personal updates, the hosts pivot to the essential topic of water safety education during hot weather, reflecting on valuable lessons from the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) and discussing the benefits of international training camps for professional swimmers.

The conversation shifts to the competitive pool, where the duo breaks down the latest world records and emerging international talent, including highlights from the 200 breaststroke. They also dive into a creative, hypothetical Weekly Freestyle swimming World Cup, brainstorming star-studded lineups featuring the best swimmers from nations like Sweden, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands.

Wrapping up, Alex and Luke critique the commercialisation of modern sports, dissecting everything from questionable hydration breaks to the complexities of stadium sponsorship regulations. They also share their predictions for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, looking at potential breakout stars and redemption stories, before closing with a bit of optimism regarding the England football team's performance.

This week on the Weekly Freestyle Podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on Drowning Prevention Week and why water safety is a message everyone needs to hear. Alex and former RAF Regiment soldier Mike Goody discuss the Water Safety Code, the dangers of cold water shock, peer pressure around open water, and why taking a moment to “stop and think” can save lives. They also explore why swimming should remain a priority in schools and how education is key to preventing avoidable tragedies.

Alongside these vital conversations, Mike shares his extraordinary personal journey. After losing his leg and sustaining life-changing injuries in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan, he spent years rebuilding both physically and mentally. Swimming became a cornerstone of his rehabilitation, helping him overcome PTSD and addiction while giving him a renewed sense of purpose.

The conversation also looks back at Mike’s role as captain of Team GB’s swimming team at the inaugural Invictus Games, his decade-long partnership with the Swimming Teachers’ Association, and his continued mission to inspire the next generation through disability awareness, resilience, and water safety education. An inspiring episode with life-saving lessons throughout.

This week join both Luke's as they catch up over the recent AP Race meet.

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Jess joins Luke as they discuss their swimming ICKS!!!

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After 15 years away from competitive swimming, Liam Bourke is preparing to return to racing at the Reading Masters Championships. In this episode of The Weekly Freestyle Podcast, Liam discusses what motivated him to get back on the blocks, the challenges of returning to sprint racing, and why he wants to lead by example for the swimmers he coaches. He also shares his goals for the coming season and his ambition to continue progressing towards future Masters Nationals competition.

The conversation also explores how swimming has opened up opportunities far beyond the pool. Liam reflects on recent trips to Cape Town and Kenya, the growth of his passion for open water swimming, and his long-term vision of combining swimming, travel, coaching, and content creation. He discusses the experiences that have shaped him, the global audience he is building through Swim with Liam, and how travel has become a major source of inspiration for both his coaching and content.

Alex and Liam also dive into the changing landscape of swimming media, the rise of influencers within the sport, and the opportunities that come from working with brands and organisations looking to grow participation in swimming. From his recent partnership with Nala to his plans for expanding across YouTube and other platforms, Liam shares his vision for the future and how he hopes to continue making swimming more accessible, engaging, and visible to swimmers around the world.

We can't wait to invite him back on and follow his progress. Enjoy the episode!

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In this episode, we dive into the importance of water safety and how simple knowledge can save lives. Whether you’re heading to the beach, swimming in open water, boating, or supervising children near water, understanding the risks and knowing how to respond in an emergency is essential.

We also highlight guidance from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), who provide expert advice on staying safe around water. Their education programmes and safety campaigns help people of all ages learn vital lifesaving skills and water safety awareness.

To learn more about water safety education, visit the Royal Life Saving Society UK website: https://www.rlss.org.uk/

Stay informed, stay prepared, and help keep yourself and others safe around water.

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This week Alex and Luke Withers break down all the action from the AP Race event in London, discussing the electric atmosphere, international field, and why the meet continues to be one of the standout showcases in British swimming. They also examine the realities of hosting an event of this scale and why the format must remain selective to stay sustainable for clubs and organisers alike.

The pair review some of the biggest performances of the weekend, including Filip Nowaki becoming the first British swimmer to go sub-60 in all four 100m strokes, standout freestyle swims from Matt Richards and James Guy, and encouraging signs from Adam Peaty as he returns to a more traditional training approach. They also discuss Amalie Smith’s junior European record, the return of the Wiffen brothers, and several swimmers beginning to hit form ahead of the summer season.

Elsewhere, the conversation turns to the controversial Enhanced Games, with both hosts questioning the legitimacy and competitive credibility of the event before shifting focus back to the racing that matters including a preview of the upcoming Mare Nostrum tour in Barcelona and Monaco as the international summer calendar heats up.

Luke Withers is joined by Luke Guy as they catch up and discuss the upcoming AP Race meet and so much more.

Away from the free episodes it gives both Lukes a chance to speak with real freedom and provide some incredible insight and analysis as per usual.

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