In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman Hodges and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.
2020 Olympic medalist and Speedo Athlete, Bella Sims, experienced something all swimmers do, a challenging meet. Hers was, of course, a consequential one–the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Many fans expected a strong performance in Indy after Sims’ lights-out NCAA Championships this past spring. Spoiler alert! Sims was not sick and did not miss her taper at Olympic Trials. From her perspective, and her Sandpipers’ club coach. Ron Aitken, the reason was very specific. Sims unpacks it all in this podcast, talks about her competition ahead at this week’s SPEEDO SUMMER NATIONALS, and she charts her future.
Many thanks to 12-year partner Speedo USA for making this podcast happen!
Follow Speedo USA on Instagram here.
Follow Bella Sims on Instagram here.
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Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com
Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.
When in doubt, follow Katie Ledecky’s decision to take a gap year in 2016. It paid off.
Talented swimmer; and easily young enough to go for 2028. At Trials, she entered just about every event outside of breaststroke. Maybe would have worked better to go all in on about 3-4 (200/400 Free, 400 IM, 200 back?) of them and not to scratch over and over depending on the day.
Anyone know of what happened to Claire Curzan at trials? Haven’t heard anything about her either so I’m curious
Curzan was less than a tenth off the team, i wouldnt necessarily say anything “happened” but sure she was a few tenths off her best.
Sims didnt make it back for a second swim, I would say the situation arent overly comparable.
(and apparently raised concerns to coaches re her stroke this year that werent really heard, i am surprised there are so many comments her that dont seem to address the substance of the interview)
Andrew on his way
On his way to say it’s aLL BecAuSe of NeStY
Hate to say but clearly she enjoys college lives more than swimming
Oh my! Are you saying she has a life outside of swimming?? How dare you assume she’s a human!!!
If the Florida coaching staff is good (seems to be some evidence for that) they haven’t failed her yet. First season not ideal, but that’s all.
You start with what you think will work for a swimmer. Stick with it long enough to get meaningful results. Adjust as needed.
Here’s a HAT TIP to Bella’s video setup. Very well done!
She’s centered in the frame and looking straight at her camera (not down like many other videos). Uncluttered background.
Best of all, Bella’s well lit (she’s got her halo light working for her). A+.
Good luck to Bella in her future endeavors.
My heart goes out to her. Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon. When there is a lack of communication between club and college coaches, such issues are bound to arise. It’s crucial to recognize that swimmers, particularly women, are not a monolith; each athlete has unique needs and strengths. We’ve witnessed similar scenarios before, and they underscore the importance of holistic support.
I sincerely hope she prioritizes her mental health and takes necessary steps to avoid injury. The combination of changing strokes, altering training routines, focusing predominantly on freestyle, and the ensuing fatigue is a perilous path. I hope she can navigate this period with resilience and put her well-being at the forefront. Her health and happiness are the most… Read more »