Leah Shackley & Kennedy Noble Discuss Backstroke, US Dominance at World University Games
Leah Shackley and Kennedy Noble, teammates at NC State University, took Berlin by storm this summer. At the 2025 World University Games, they swept the backstroke events, finishing 1-2 in the 50, 100, and 200 distances, setting Games Records in all 3 in the process. They also comprised half of the winning 400 medley relay, and Shackley won gold in the 100 fly and as a part of the mixed 400 medley relay as well. The Wolfpack teammates break down their experience in Germany, what it was like being a part of Team USA, and what they're looking forward to this upcoming season in the NCAA.
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Lani Pallister Discusses Historic 800 Free, Katie Ledecky, and Move to SPW with Dean Boxall
Lani Pallister is coming off a massive world championships that saw her win a hat trick of medals (gold, silver, bronze) and nearly upset Katie Ledecky in what turned out to be the best race of the entire season. After the departure of Michael Bohl from Gold Coast, Pallister moved training bases with Dean Boxall, but only started at St. Peters Western in April.
Something has certainly clicked for Pallister in Brisbane, however, as the distance specialist has been hitting best times left and right all season. She breaks down her season, her experience in Singapore, and ultimately the decision to go to Brisbane with Boxall (and not the University of Florida).
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Kyle Chalmers and The Greatest 100 Free Field In History
Today on the GMM Podcast, we dive into the legacy, battles, and future of one of swimming’s greatest competitors: Kyle Chalmers. Kyle burst onto the world stage as a teenager in Rio, snatching gold in the 100 freestyle. Since then, he’s stacked up eight Olympic medals across Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Talking to Kyle is easy and fun. This Aussie makes friends quickly, and he cherishes his relationships with the world’s best sprinters. My title for this post might sound like I’m swinging for the fences, but I believe it’s accurate: we are witnessing a once-in-a-generation 100 freestyle field as we ramp up to the LA 2028 Olympics. And Kyle’s bond with each competitor is intimate, respectful, and fiercely competitive the moment they hit the water.
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How To Become An Olympic Photographer
Today on the GMM podcast we sit down with SwimSwam’s Chief Photographer, Jack Spitser, fresh off capturing unforgettable moments at the 2025 World Championships. Before we dive into Worlds, I wanted Jack to share his story, the journey that led him to becoming SwimSwam’s eyes at the biggest meets in the sport. When he joined us seven years ago, Jack said his goal was simple: he wanted to shoot the Olympic Games. In this conversation, Jack pulls back the curtain. He talks about how he pieced together his gear (no small feat when photography equipment costs more than most used cars), and how he taught himself a craft that blends technical mastery with raw endurance. Capturing images can sometimes be ugly, a grind, pure brute force. But every so often, the work nets gold: that one image that transcends words and burns itself into the memory of millions of fans. Those are the photos that outlive the moment and become history. I’m proud of Jack, not just for the images he delivers, but for the grit, artistry, and persistence behind them. And I’m grateful for the relationship we’ve built at SwimSwam.
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Jamie Jack Trained with Cam McEvoy, Tim Lane in Lead-up to 21.4 50 Free in Irvine
Aussie sprinter Jamie Jack made noise at the 2025 US Summer Championships in Irvine last week. On day 1, he took victory in the 50 free over US Olympians Hunter Armstrong, Caeleb Dressel, and Brooks Curry, posting matching 21.63s in prelims and the final. But Jack still thought there was more in the tank. Taking a day of rest on Day 2, he time trialed the 50 free on Day 3, swimming a 21.43 to make him the 5th fastest Australian man in history and tie for 4th in the world this season. After returning home, Jack sat down with SwimSwam to discuss his season between Australian Trials, where he was 21.8, and US Champs. The SPW product said he discussed a plan with coach Dean Boxall that focused just on the 50 free (only for the rest of the season). That also included training with Cam McEvoy and his coach, Tim Lane, in the lead-up to Irvine.
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.
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