In this GMM takeover of the SwimSwam Podcast, 12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin graces us with her presence. Talking to Natalie is always a big moment, a lot of fun–and I’m just going to say it out loud. I love Natalie. I’m an enormous fan because her star burns bright, and yet she is as down-to-earth as any swimmer you’ll meet. Natalie lands on this episode in the middle of the pandemic, raw, real, and with a lot of good humor. She catches us up on what’s happening in her personal life, her entrepreneurial life, and she roasts me with a few embarrassing moments. These are moments I wish I could I go back and edit, but I can’t, and Natalie will never let me forget it.
For swim nerds, Natalie shares great insight into her competitive spirit and her appreciation for the sport. While she is not aiming for more Olympic or world medals, her pro swimming career is absolutely open to possibility in the future. At the end of the day, Natalie just loves swimming. (She’s married to a swimming coach. She can’t get away from it.)
Natalie said she would come back on the podcast. If you have questions, share them here.
For those following Natalie’s businesses, go here to see her cookbook, COOK TO THRIVE, and go here to see her vineyard, https://www.gaderianwines.com/
Follow Natalie Coughlin on Instagram here (for discounts on her wine).
Follow Gold Medal Mel Stewart on Instagram here.
RECENT EPISODES
This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and the co-founder of SwimSwam.com, a Swimming News website.
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.
this was most amusing, most fun half an hour for me in days. You guys are awesome. Help us survive this 5G imposed pandemic thing with the podcasts.
Fun fact, Natalie Coughlin is the only woman to win gold twice in the women’s 100 meter backstroke at the Summer Olympic Games.
As a reminder, Natalie Coughlin broke the world record in the women’s 100 meter backstroke five times. By way of comparison, Missy Franklin never broke the world record in the women’s 100 meter backstroke.
Coughlin was also the first woman to break both 1:00 and 59 in the 100 back!
When you start looking at her accolades, both sc and lc, it gets silly quick. The NCAAs where she went 50.01 100 fly and 49.97 100 back, she won each race by like, 2-3 seconds. She also split the fastest 50 back leading off the 2med relay by like, 2+ seconds I believe. She was 2018 Dressel-level dominant at that meet. Or rather, 2018 Dressel was 2003 Coughlin-level dominant
Great interview with a great swimmer. Mel, keep them coming! Can’t get enough of this. One question that is burning in everyone’s mind…did she offer to give Coleman help with his underwaters? Or was that question you asked her about UWs directed at Coleman?
I was asking for Coleman…and everyone else (me included)!
Nat, please help me with my underwaters. Please.
Happy Happy Birthday Nat!