Lani Pallister Shares Detailed Account of Getting COVID and Winning Gold in Paris

On the eve of the 2024 Australian Short Course Nationals, Olympic champion Lani Pallister was kind enough to sit down with SwimSwam and discuss her last 8 weeks of swimming and life. Pallister admitted that she pushed through the urge to take a break from training after Paris to prepare to compete in the Surf Lifesaving as well as Short Course World Championships (via AUS short course nats). On Day 1 in Adelaide, Pallister hit a lifetime best in the 200 free (1:52.73) to win the event.

After 20 minutes of talking short course swimming, potato sack racing, and the weather in Australia, Pallister dives into her experience in Paris. After qualifying for 3 individual events, Pallister ended up dropping 2 of them. Her coach, MIchael Bohl, advised dropping the 400 free to conserve her energy for the 800/1500 frees, then she contracted COVID, which led her to drop the 1500 free a few days later.

Pallister bounced back in time for the 4×200 free relay, where she swam prelims, earned a spot in finals, and swam a key leg in the final to help Australia earn their first gold in the event since 2008.

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

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Eric Williams
5 days ago

She was my favorite post Olympic interviewee. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and seems really bright and interesting. I’m a new fan.

T B
6 days ago

Sounds like she’s exploring a move to Florida?

Troyy
Reply to  T B
6 days ago

That was my thought. If Florida isn’t possible maybe she could follow Moesha Johnson over to Germany. Or maybe they wouldn’t want too many Aussies taking over.

Personal Best
6 days ago

That was so much fun – quite insightful given how much fun Lani seemed to be having.

NotHimAgain
7 days ago

Entertaining chat. The freestyling cultural exchange in the latter half was a highlight.

Gen D
7 days ago

Such a fun convo!

Joel
8 days ago

Listened to the first part – great podcast- but then it went high speed and it wasn’t me 😊😂

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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