SwimSwam Podcast: Tom Malchow on Medaling at His First Olympics

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 sat down with Tom Malchow, the legendary 200 butterflied who medaled at 2 consecutive Olympic games and held the world record in the event before it was taken down by Michael Phelps. Malchow shares his experiences on international stages, including dealing with the pressure of his first Olympic Games.

Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com

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Woke Stasi
3 years ago

Lovely session. I met Malchow in the fall of 2000. He was flying back from Sydney, and I think we were on the SFO to ORD leg. I saw the flight attendant’s manifest of passenger names, and I got really excited to see his name. I went back and introduced myself and he couldn’t have been more gracious. We talked for about ten minutes and asked to see his gold medal. My memory is that he pulled it out and the other passengers were really impressed with him.

MELVIN: I can’t believe you said: “Who got second at the ‘96 trials?” It was Stanford’s Ray Carey. I was there in Indy cheering him on. You looked bummed after the… Read more »

Gold Medal Mel
Reply to  Woke Stasi
3 years ago

Yes. Bummed, and a little relieved know my career was done. Yes, shameful for not having Ray on the top of my tongue. I think I’ve only talked to Ray once since 96.

Woke Stasi
Reply to  Gold Medal Mel
3 years ago

Gracious answer.

Seth
3 years ago

Set a world record, was phelps’ role model, and is a good person!!

Go Tom Malchow!!

He even swam for a rival high school of mine!

Xman
3 years ago

I remember hearing that the original Fastskin was custom made for some Olympic swimmers. How common was this, and did it continue through 2009 or even to present day? Was this limited to the body suits or did they do this with leg skins/jammers. I’m guessing it was more common for women.

I always wondered if Phelps had customer suits made.

Horninco
Reply to  Xman
3 years ago

I would assume the elite swimmers get custom suits, or maybe ones with endorsement contracts

Ghost
3 years ago

Great person.. He made the most of his talent! Great longevity, probably not the most athletic or Best technique but outstanding work ethic and classy person!

Paul Lundsten
3 years ago

Great interview with Tom Malchow. He is and was a class act

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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