Hunter Armstrong was one of the more surprising narratives from Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games. While the former world record holder in the 50 back narrowly missed the final of the 100 back, his freestyle seemed to more than make up for it. He split 46.7 to help the men win the 400 free relay then was given anchor duty on the 400 medley relay, where he split 47.1 and touched for 2nd.
In this discussion, Amrstrong doesn’t hold back about a number of topics. He’s describes losing his grandfather (Cancer), primary coach (Matt Bowe, moved from Cal to Michigan), and girlfriend (break up) all in the span of 8 months and the depression that sent him into. This caused Armstrong to routinely miss practice and not be at his best in training during the spring of 2024. Armstrong also speaks on wanting to be on the 800 free relay in Paris, being afraid of racing backstroke, and being a volunteer swim teacher for special needs children. This is a can’t miss discussion with one of Team USA’s best athletes.
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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.
Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com
Man, there was something unappealing to this one that I just can’t put my finger on.
It was a mix of like, faux honestly/humility mixed with smarm?
Loved the interview! I hope these athletes know that we appreciate hearing about their behind the scenes feelings/ issues that they are dealing with. We appreciate the honesty and it makes them even more remarkable because we see them rise up and crush it ( even if they don’t think they crushed it) !
Just thinking about Hunter’s comments about the 800 free relay. He really wanted to be on the final and thought he could split a 1:44.
I think Hunter would’ve had to replace Drew Kibler in the final. Hobson is the best American 200 freestyler, Foster split 1:43 in Doha, and Smith has consistently proven to swim great on this relay.
This is the hypothetical relay with Hobson, Foster, and Smith going the same times as they actually did, but with Armstrong replacing Kibler and going just fast enough to beat team GB:
Hobson – 1:45.55
Foster – 1:45.31
Armstrong – 1:43.76
Smith – 1:44.80
USA lost the relay because Hobson and Foster significantly underperformed… Read more »
I really appreciate how honest and vulnerable Hunter was in his interview but I didn’t like how he talked about this 800 free relay. He didn’t go fast enough in Doha to earn a spot automatically (Carson did with his 1:43 split). He needed to actually swim it at trials to back it up if he really wanted a spot over the guys that went 1:45 from a flat start
I have to agree. I have no problem with Armstrong advocating for himself (he’s not going to get on the relay unless he makes it clear he’s interested), but I think the coaches made the right call for the prelims and finals lineups (except maybe putting Smith in prelims and Kibler straight to finals, but it wouldn’t have changed the final result).
There were three relay only swimmers, and it makes sense to have them swimming in the morning to shake things out. Giuliani had a bad prelim swim in the 200, so I think the right move was to give him a second chance in the relay heat. Foster had performed very well the previous few years in this… Read more »
Armstrong is definitely someone who is mentally and physically tough. Congrats on your Olympics!
This was a very personal interview..great job Coleman!! Hunter defines athletes being hard on themselves in regard to the Medley Relay..to a unhealthy degree.. and I do agree, backstroke is PAINFUL. This was difficult to listen to..I kept thinking of Caleb and so many athletes that carry so many perceived expectations on their shoulders.
Coleman: of all your post Paris podcasts, this one with Hunter Armstrong is the BEST.
He’s clearly intelligent. And his candor and sensitivity discussing racing, various swimming personalities, and his time teaching handicapped kids comes through well.
Nice job Coleman and Hunter!
I wholeheartedly agree. Coleman has done a bunch of great interviews with Paris medalists, but this one just might be the best.
I really appreciated hearing Hunter giving an honest account of his life the last couple years, both in and out of the pool. I don’t think I’ve ever heard another swimmer being this transparent with how things were going for them in the lead to trials, at trials, and at the games.
I especially appreciated getting to hear Hunter’s thoughts on how the Olympic meet went for him, how he felt about his performances, and what goes on behind the scenes for relay selections.
Can’t wait for the next interview!
Thank you, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it.
This interview really surprised me. I didn’t expect any of this (losing loved ones, self-doubt) which I think proves you never really know what’s going on with someone. I’m grateful that Hunter felt comfortable enough to share his experience with us.
Grief happens in many circumstances, not just death. A significant loss is still a loss that needs to be processed and worked through.
27:07 hands down the unintentionally funniest moment in swimswam podcast history
My jaw almost dropped to the floor, then Hunter kept talking and I was like “oh lol I get it now”
A breakup is still a significant loss, but obviously different than a family death.