Life in Lane 4

Life in Lane 4

by Anton Beregovoi
Episode 46: Christian Shenk
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Christian Shenk, who will be heading to Army West Point next year. We talk about lifting for swimming, how strength training can translate to performance in the pool, and some of Christian’s hot takes and predictions for the 2028 Olympics. We also get into productivity and why sometimes the hardest part of getting something done is simply starting. Christian shares how taking that first step, even when you don’t feel ready or motivated, can build momentum and completely change how much you accomplish.
Episode 45: Henry Anstine
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Henry Anstine, a University of Michigan commit heading into his senior year of high school. We get into some of Henry’s swimming hot takes and the unconventional training methods that have helped him become the swimmer he is today. We also talk about how he balances high-level swimming with academics and some of the less obvious things that help him stay focused. Apparently, the secret to getting A’s might just be Minecraft music. This episode is a mix of serious advice, different approaches to training, and a few opinions that might get swimmers and coaches talking.
Episode 44: Domingo Gatti
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Domingo Gatti, an incoming freshman at Tufts University, to talk about his journey through club swimming and what it was like competing on a YMCA team. He shares how that experience shaped him as an athlete and how it differs from other competitive swimming environments. We also dive into the academic side of being a student-athlete, discussing the routines and strategies Domingo uses to stay organized, learn efficiently, and keep up with a demanding schedule. Finally, he explains why Tufts stood out during his college search and what ultimately made it the right fit for him.
Episode 43: Oskar Bauriedel
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Oskar Bauriedel, an incoming freshman at Amherst College, to talk about how he's preparing for the transition to college swimming. Oskar shares the habits and routines he's built to set himself up for success from day one, and why he believes preparation starts long before you arrive on campus. We also talk about his experience switching swim teams, how he adjusted to a new environment, and what helped him continue improving through the change. Finally, Oskar explains how he approaches meets when he hasn't been able to practice as much as he'd like, and the mindset that allows him to race with confidence regardless of the circumstances.
Episode 42: Eren Aydin
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Eren Aydin, an incoming freshman at Bucknell University, to talk about the unique path he took before starting college. Eren shares why he decided to take a gap year, how he made the most of that time, and what he learned from stepping off the traditional timeline. We also discuss how he managed an incredibly demanding schedule while balancing swimming, academics, and other commitments, along with the study habits and focus strategies that helped him stay productive.
Episode 41: TJ Hayes and Katya Eruslanova
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Katya Ruslanova, a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania, and TJ Hayes, a rising sophomore at Lehigh University, for the podcast's first-ever dual guest episode. We talk about their experiences transitioning from high school to college, and what makes this conversation especially interesting is how different their journeys have been. Katya and TJ share the challenges, successes, and lessons they've learned while navigating college athletics and academics. Despite both being student-athletes, their experiences have been almost complete opposites, offering two unique perspectives on finding your place, managing expectations, and adapting to a new environment. This episode highlights the fact that there is no single "right" college experience and that growth can happen in many different ways.
Episode 40: JP Giglio
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with JP Giglio, a freshman at Amherst College, to talk about the mindset and support systems that help athletes succeed. We discuss the importance of staying positive through both successes and setbacks, and how the people around you can make a huge difference in your growth as a swimmer and as a person. JP also shares why keeping an open mind has been so valuable throughout his journey, whether it's meeting new people, adapting to new challenges, or taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.
Episode 39: Josie Strader
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Josie Strader, who will be joining La Salle University next year, to talk about the challenges that come with balancing high school, swimming, and everything in between. Josie shares her experience working through the tougher parts of being a student-athlete, how she handled setbacks and pressure, and what helped her keep moving forward. We also get into some fun hot takes and opinions on swimming, school, and the student-athlete experience.
Episode 38: Tim Hanway
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Tim Hanway, a Loyola Maryland commit, to talk about what it takes to balance swimming while going to school and training in two different states. Tim shares how he managed the constant travel, stayed organized, and kept up with both academics and athletics throughout high school. We also talk about how he made the most out of his senior year and the mindset shifts that helped him enjoy the experience more. Toward the end of the episode, Tim reflects on what he wishes he would have done differently during his four years of high school and the advice he would give to younger student-athletes trying to make the most of their time.
Episode 37: Rafae Shafi
In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Rafae Shafi, a swimmer at Tufts University, and we talk about what it really means to improve in swimming. Not just when you’re dropping time, but also when you’re not. Rafae shares how he’s learned to get the most out of the sport regardless of results, and why progress goes beyond the clock. We also get into how he balances swimming, school, and everything else on his plate, and what’s helped him stay consistent at a high level. A big part of our conversation is about being open, putting yourself out there, and having the confidence to grow, both in and out of the pool.
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