Natalie Coughlin Speaks to Olympic Pressure During Your 1st Games vs. Your 2nd

In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman HodgesGarrett McCaffrey, 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.

We sat down with 12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin who, for the first time in 21 years, is simply spectating an Olympics rather than competing or commentating. Coughlin gives her take on the young stars of the Olympics as well as the veterans, explaining why the pressures on each group of athletes is very different. Coughlin explains that at her first Olympics in 2004, even though she was no rookie to the international competition scene, there was a freedom that she didn’t have at her 2nd Olympics, coming in as a defending champion in the 100 back.

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Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com

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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.

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Daaaave
3 years ago

This was a great interview, I remember relatively vividly Natalie’s reaction after her 100 back gold for it being as much about relief as it was triumph. Really interesting to hear her first-person account. Thanks Coleman and Natalie!

Dipierdomenico
3 years ago

Cate Campbell was supreme in Tokyo. So much guts to come back and let it all hang out again for one more crack. Lesser humans would have called it quits. Let’s hope we see her in Paris!

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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