The Weekly Freestyle

The Weekly Freestyle

by Alex Sutton and contributors from the swimming world and beyond
Swimming
Season 7
Singapore Reflections: What Really Happened?!
Host Alex Sutton is joined by none other than three-time Olympic gold medalist Tom Dean for a stacked episode you won’t want to miss. There’s plenty to unpack starting with Tom’s recent outing at World Championships in Singapore, which didn’t exactly go to plan… but why? Tom gives us the inside story. We dive into his remarkable seven-year journey at the Bath Performance Centre, reflecting on the incredible success he built alongside legendary coach Dave McNulty a partnership that has brought plenty of success to our shores. Then it’s onto the next chapter: Tom’s first day at his new training base in Stirling. From fresh faces to first impressions, it’s giving first day at school energy swim bag, nerves and all. Oh… and we had to talk about that photo. You know the one. How did it happen? What was going through his head? We get the full breakdown. It’s raw, it’s honest, it’s elite sport behind the scenes. And as always, thank you for listening!
S7 · E11
Oct 10, 2025
31:40
Aquatic GB’s Transfer Deadine day: Here we go!
This week, Alex Sutton is joined by Luke Withers to dive into Aquatic GB’s Transfer Deadline Day with unrivalled insight from across British swimming. From the biggest moves to the behind-the-scenes buzz, we break down what it all means for the season ahead. We also share a laugh over Tom’s entertaining signing photo at Stirling, one you won’t want to miss, before switching lanes to talk about masters swimming. Whether you’re already competing or just thinking about it, we discuss why masters events are some of the most fun meets around and why you should consider getting involved. Tune in for analysis, stories, and plenty of swimming chat - it’s another packed episode of The Weekly Freestyle.
S7 · E10
Sep 26, 2025
30:28
The Enhanced Games: Pushing Limits or Crossing Lines?
This week on The Weekly Freestyle, Alex Sutton is joined by Luke Withers to dive into one of the biggest stories shaking up the swimming world: Ben Proud’s controversial move to the Enhanced Games. We ask the tough questions: Has Proud’s decision tarnished his legacy? Has the sport failed one of its brightest stars? And what about the health risks that come with this choice? Plus, we break down all the latest drama from Aquatics GB’s transfer deadline day, who’s on the move, who’s staying put, and what it all means for the future of British swimming.
S7 · E9
Sep 19, 2025
32:57
Are America FINISHED??? WRs GONE, GB NEED A MEDAL!!! World Champs half time check in
We're at the halfway point of the World Championships, and the pool has already seen shockwaves. Have Team USA lost their edge? World records are tumbling, but who’s making history? And with the pressure mounting, how are the Brits holding up? They need a medal soon. This week, Alex is joined by swimming expert and coach Luke Withers to break down the biggest stories so far, assess the standout performances, and ask: who's going to rise, and who's falling behind? Enjoy and watch the swimming!!!
S7 · E8
Aug 1, 2025
32:27
FREYA ANDERSON & KATIE SHANAHAN - Life in Stirling, World Champs Prep & Period Talk
This week on The Weekly Freestyle, Alex sits down with two of Britain’s top swimmers Freya Anderson and Katie Shanahan for an honest, inspiring, and fun conversation you won’t want to miss. We dive into life behind the lanes as they chat about living and training together in Stirling, their recent trips abroad, and how they’re adjusting to a new training setup. With the World Championships in Singapore on the horizon, hear what’s driving them, what they’re aiming for, and how they’re getting there. Freya and Katie also open up about their work with Fast and Female, discussing the worrying drop out rates among girls in sport. They share powerful insights into the challenges women face from body image to performance pressures and why it’s so important to normalise these conversations. And of course, we wrap things up with a quickfire round revealing favourite snacks, secret quirks, and a few surprises along the way. Enjoy ☺️
S7 · E7
Jul 16, 2025
42:33
FIRST GUESTS OF SERIES 7 & WE’RE BACK IN THE ROYAL BOX 🔥 🎾 👑
We welcome our first guests of the season 7 💥 🔥 European U23 high-flyers @jack.skerry and @matt.j.ward fresh from a standout week in Slovakia, the boys dive into what really went down at the championships from performance highs to that now iconic train based celebration 🚂 🕺🇸🇰 🚨 Meanwhile, your hosts are back rubbing shoulders in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, but what really goes on behind the scenes? And who was making the absolute most of the free-flowing strawberries and champagne? 🍾 🍓 Plus, we launch a brand-new game and yes we need your help. Intrigued? You’ll have to listen to find out… 👾 📲 Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for the full breakdown and to get involved. This one’s not to be missed. #theweeklyfreestyle #podcast #eurou23s #newgame #henley #wimbledon
S7 · E6
Jul 9, 2025
29:50
A TOUGH weekend in ROME! 🇮🇹 Eyeballs down, they were hairless!
This week on The Weekly Freestyle, Tom and Alex dive into a packed episode full of summer vibes, poolside drama, and mystery giveaways. 🏊‍♂️☀️ Tom breaks down a couple of tough swims from Sette Colli in Rome 🇮🇹—what went wrong, what he’s taking away, and what’s next. Then the boys react to the Bath U23 lads absolutely sending it with the train celebration of the season 🚂🔥 (you’ve got to see this one). Plus: A mystery mystery prize is up for grabs for one lucky listener 🎁 We rank the ultimate ice cream picks to survive the heatwave 🍦🔥 Subscribe, share with a mate, and stay cool out there. That was always going to happen!
S7 · E5
Jul 2, 2025
24:44
We see Simon Cowell in a horse related incident, is Jan Olbrecht a wizard and TWF preps for Setti Colli (AGAIN!)
This week on The Weekly Freestyle, things get a little wild (and slightly horse-related). We kick off with the bizarre tale of Simon Cowell nearly getting run over by a horse — yes, really — and wonder if that’s the universe telling him something. Then we ask the big question: is Jan Olbrecht, the legendary swimming stats guru, actually a wizard in disguise? 🧙‍♂️ We break down the myth, the science, and the spreadsheets. Tom takes us on a chaotic journey through Gatwick Airport, while I put his Italian to the test ahead of his weekend races at the iconic Sette Colli International Meet in Rome 🇮🇹. How’s his vocab holding up under pressure? Let’s just say… mamma mia. From elite meets to equestrian near-misses — it’s all happening on this week’s Freestyle. Tune in, laugh a little, and swim on.
S7 · E4
Jun 25, 2025
21:31
Drowning Prevention Week special
Series 7 of The Weekly Freestyle continues, the boys dive headfirst into Drowning Prevention Week, spotlighting lifesaving messages and water safety tips everyone should hear. Meanwhile, Tom’s got his sights set on Singapore 🇸🇬, we break down his key session testing and how things are shaping up ahead of World Champs And for the first time this series… it’s quiz time. The boys go head to head in a battle of brains, banter, and buzzer pressure. 🎧 Has the production value ever been higher? You tell us. 🔔 Hit play, subscribe, and be safe - this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
S7 · E3
Jun 18, 2025
22:15
Calling mum from prison?!
In this episode of the Weekly Freestyle Alex arrives to the pod wearing a chicken suit, Tom discusses his time with Spencer Matthews and they speak about smuggling sweets into the cinema when they were younger! Did they end up the correct side of the law?!
S7 · E2
Jun 11, 2025
28:16
1 of 11