SwimSwam Podcast: Gary Hall Jr. on Olympic Experience: “I hate the spotlight”

On SwimSwam Podcast, we’re giving you an in-depth listen at all things swimming. Host Coleman Hodges welcomes guests and guest co-hosts alike to get perspective on our ever-changing swimming universe and break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.

We had an open discussion with Olympic legend Gary Hall Jr. about his Olympic experience, what his training was like throughout his career, and dealing with the spotlight.

If you know one story about GHJ, it’s that he was rumored to have brought an inflatable raft to a practice during the 2004 Olympic training camp and set up shop in the dive well during a workout. Hall explains that this was true, and actually had physiological benefits – that was just what he needed that day.

Hall also explained that his reasoning behind the famous behind-the-blocks shadow boxing was not initially mind-games or intimidation, but rather just horsing around and loosening himself up before a big race.

FOLLOW GARY HALL JR ON INSTAGRAM HERE.

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Lpman
4 years ago

Really wish he had talked about his anchor leg at the 96 Olympics for the 400 FR. I had goosebumps watching that relay as the 3rd leg was finishing up and he dove in the water with team USA in 3rd place. Then he split a 47.4, which was Lezak-ish for the 90’s. Love him or hate him, the guy was a performer.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Lpman
4 years ago

loved him too back in the day ….with his pool funny entries & costume . One of a kind ….still looks like one cool dude with his moustache , 70’s shades & all .

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Lpman
4 years ago

just watched that relay again …..Oh my word !! Gary’s anchor was absolutely Sublime . He dove in like a furious rocket & took over the lead after only 25 meters ….digging in a lead of 1 + 1/2 body lengths at the end & destroying the Russian advantage from the 3 first legs . Impressive swim !!!

NC Swim Fan
Reply to  ERVINFORTHEWIN
4 years ago

Wow. Just watched it as well. Amazingly dominant performance. Just wow.

McG
4 years ago

I miss Gary Hall. He was all about making the sport fun and enjoyable. Really interesting to hear him talk about his early training years, racking up yardage and seeing athletes get burned out/injured. I think a lot of us over-trained back in the day.

Ragnar
4 years ago

Most underrated pure sprinter of all time.

1001pools
Reply to  Ragnar
4 years ago

Underrated? I don’t think so.

torchbearer
Reply to  Ragnar
4 years ago

He was in the shadow of Popov then PVH a bit….

Ladyvoldisser
4 years ago

Wonderful interview questions on the part of Mel and Coleman. Gary Hall, Jr is succinct, pleasant and articulate during the interview. A must watch for swimmers and coaches. One small point of disagreement in that many coaches and swimmers were concerned and consumed with and spoke much about core strength prior to the 90s! Thank you Gary for this interview which made my day!

PVSFree
4 years ago

… says the man who wore a cape into the 2008 Olympic trials

Disclaimer: I have not listened to the podcast yet. I’m assuming he addresses this

RenéDescartes
Reply to  PVSFree
4 years ago

Weird headline for a guy who would shadow box his way out onto the blocks.

Smith-King-Dahlia-Manuel
Reply to  RenéDescartes
4 years ago

Phoebe Bacon has now taken up the mantle.

https://youtu.be/bCPhKUhoTf4

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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