Champion's Mojo for Masters Swimmers

• Five Swim and Life Lessons from My Late Father, EP 285

  Hello friends, it’s Kelly. You may have noticed I’ve been away from the show for over a month—the longest break I’ve taken in more than seven years of podcasting. The reason is deeply personal: my father passed away in August at the age of 95. I’ve spent these weeks with him, with family, remembering him, celebrating his life, and navigating the bittersweet gift of grief.In this episode, I want to honor my dad, who first taught me how to swim. Through his simple “swim to Daddy” lessons on Lake Barcroft, he gave me some of the most profound truths I’ve carried into every stage of my life as a swimmer, coach and person.I’ll share five swim and life lessons my late father passed on to me—about courage, trust, health, joy, and resilience. My hope is that these lessons touch your life the way they’ve touched mine, whether you’re a swimmer or not.I'm happy to be back at the mic and look forward to connecting again with you soon! Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

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• How Silence Shapes a Champion: Jennifer Comfort, Ironman Triathlete and USAT Coach, EP 284

  Jennifer Comfort is a USAT-certified triathlon coach, Ironman triathlete, and open water swim observer whose approach to performance blends endurance, mindfulness, and a deep respect for inner stillness.Jennifer didn’t start her journey as a seasoned pro. In fact, during her first triathlon 20 years ago, she basically dog paddled through the swim, terrified to put her face in the water. Today, she’s a multiple-time Ironman and 70.3 finisher, a Boston Marathon qualifier, and a respected coach guiding adult athletes at all levels. She leads open water swim workouts on the Columbia River and supports world-class endurance swims as an official observer.What sets Jennifer apart, though, is how she’s embraced silence as part of her champion’s mindset. In a surprising turn, Jennifer shares how a 7-day silent meditation retreat completely changed her life—sharpening her focus, helping her manage anxiety and depression, and giving her a deeper edge as both a coach and an athlete.Looking for a new challenge? Try silence. Whether you’re a Masters swimmer, a returning triathlete, or simply someone looking to reconnect with purpose and grit, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical advice.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Jennifer went from dog paddling her first triathlon to completing full Ironman races and coaching elite athletesWhat it means to be an open water swim observer, and why that role is vital in endurance swimmingWhy her weekly “Open Water Wednesday” swims are creating a strong local swim communityWhat it’s really like to go completely silent for seven days—and the breakthroughs that can come from itHer advice for first-time triathletes, including mindset, gear, and how to start without feeling overwhelmedPractical tips for using breathwork, mindfulness, and internal awareness to enhance training and racingHow to balance parenting, training, and business with grace and mental strengthNotable Quote: "We're with ourselves 24/7… so we might as well learn to like ourselves a little bit." – Jennifer ComfortThis episode is for you if you:Are a swimmer curious about trying your first triathlon—or returning to the sportWant to bring more mindfulness and presence into your athletic routineAre intrigued by the idea of a silent retreat and what it might unlock in your lifeAppreciate hearing from women who lead, coach, compete, and rise through challengeJennifer’s story reminds us that becoming a champion doesn’t always start with winning. It starts with showing up, staying curious, and sometimes—even staying quiet long enough to hear what really matters.Tune in to learn how silence, grit, and intention shape the journey of a true endurance athlete.Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

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• What is Purposeful Swimming? Matt Moseley's Aquatic Mission. EP 283

  This episode has one of the best comeback stories ever! It's filled with genuine emotion and inspiration and will have you thinking about the purpose of your next swim.  Matt Moseley — a man whose life is fueled by purpose, storytelling, and water. From boardrooms to backstrokes, Matt is not just a world-record open water swimmer, but also a strategic communications expert, environmental advocate, and author of his recently released book, Soul is Waterproof.By day, Matt runs the Ignition Strategy Group, guiding high-stakes campaigns for clients like Johnny Depp, the Colorado Senate, and American Rivers. By sunrise, he's logging record-breaking swims through some of the planet’s most challenging waters — all with a mission: to protect our rivers and reconnect us with what truly sustains life.In this rich and emotional conversation, Matt shares:How he uses extreme swims to raise awareness for clean water and river conservationThe story behind his 25-mile Lake Pontchartrain swim and the jazz musicians who accompanied him from a boatHis inspiring recovery from a devastating leg injury and painkiller dependencyWhy open water swimmers are uniquely positioned to be powerful advocates for our planet’s waterHis work overturning Colorado’s felony murder statute and collaborating with Hunter S. Thompson and Johnny DeppHow mental conditioning and purposeful goals helped him conquer some of life’s darkest momentsMatt’s message is clear: We’re not just athletes—we’re ambassadors. Whether you’re swimming 25 miles or simply wading into a local stream, your story can ripple outward and make a difference.Resources & Mentions:Matt Moseley’s new book: Soul is WaterproofLearn more about American Rivers: www.americanrivers.orgDear Dr. Thompson (Matt’s book about Hunter S. Thompson’s advocacy and legacy)The WOWSA (World Open Water Swimming Association)The Ignition Strategy Group: www.ignitionstrategygroup.comEmail us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

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• The Secret to Olympic & Masters Legend Rick Colella's Lifelong Success, EP 282

  Ready for an extraordinary tale of athletic longevity? At 73 years old Rick Colella's swimming journey spans from Olympic medals to over 50 Masters World records, proving that athletic excellence knows no age limits.Colella's remarkable career began with a fourth-place finish at the 1972 Munich Olympics, followed by a bronze medal in Montreal in 1976. But what happened after his Olympic glory makes his story truly exceptional. While most elite swimmers hang up their goggles after reaching competitive peaks, Colella never fully left the water. This consistent connection with swimming—even during his decades-long Boeing career—has become his secret weapon for sustained excellence into his 70s.Now competing in the 70-74 age group with Puget Sound Masters, Colella has rewritten the record books with over 120 national records and more than 50 world records. His training approach combines old-school discipline with modern technique refinements. Despite his Olympic pedigree, Colella humbly embraced coaching feedback that completely transformed his stroke mechanics later in life. "Your breaststroke timing is terrible," his coach bluntly told him—feedback that helped him adapt to modern techniques and continue breaking records.What drives someone to maintain such dedication for decades? Colella's answer is refreshingly simple: "I just love swimming. I guess I'm not even sure I recognize how much I like it, except that I must, because I never stopped doing it." This passion extends beyond personal achievement. After their son's diagnosis with FSHD muscular dystrophy, Rick and his wife Terry founded a research nonprofit, Friends of FSHD, that now raises nearly $1 million annually—connections he credits largely to his swimming network. The organization is all-volunteer.  We have no paid staff and our sponsors cover 100% of our operating and fundraising expenses. This means that 100% of donations to Friends goes directly to fund research. Rick Colella has emerged as a legendary figure in American swimming through his extraordinary Olympic career and record-breaking achievements in Masters swimming at age 70+.• Bronze medalist in the 1976 Montreal Olympics after finishing fourth in Munich in 1972• Set more than 120 Masters national records and over 50 world records• Trains six days a week with Puget Sound Masters at age 70+• Never fully stopped swimming after his Olympic career, maintaining consistency throughout his life• Found working with a coach after years of self-directed training revealed technique flaws that needed correction• Discovered that mental preparation and attitude significantly impact performance, even decades after Olympic competition• Co-founded Friends of FSHD Research with his wife after their son's muscular dystrophy diagnosis• Organization has grown from raising $180,000 in first year to nearly $1 million annually• Emphasizes consistency as the key to swimming success at any age• Enjoys the intergenerational aspects of Masters swimming and the supportive communityWhether you're seeking inspiration for your own athletic journey or curious about the mindset of champions, Colella's story demonstrates how passion, consistency, and community create a foundation for lifelong achievement. What might you accomplish if you never stopped doing what you love?Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

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• Mastering Mindset: All-American Sara Dunn Navigates Life’s Hardships, from Injury to Grief, EP 281

  When life throws its hardest challenges—divorce, injuries, the loss of a beloved parent, and the relentless pace of a demanding career—what keeps a champion going? For Sara Henninger Dunn, it’s the unshakable mindset she’s honed since her days as a collegiate All-American swimmer and her enduring relationship with the water. In this inspiring episode of Champion’s Mojo, Sara shares how a fierce mental toughness, built from years of competitive swimming, helped her navigate life’s toughest lanes with grace and resilience.Sara opens up about rediscovering swimming after a 20-year break, how the pool became her sanctuary during the grieving process, and why staying active is her ultimate form of self-care amidst a hectic work life. She also shares the rituals, routines, and mindset hacks—like wearing handmade bracelets with personal mantras—that keep her grounded and focused. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional juggling life’s demands, or someone seeking inspiration to overcome personal hurdles, Sara’s journey reminds us that it’s not just about winning races—it’s about winning at life.Tune in for a heartfelt conversation packed with wisdom on grit, reinvention, and the healing power of community and movement.Sara Dunn, state, national, and world record breaker in US Master Swimming, shares her incredible journey of returning to competitive swimming after a 20-year break following an injury in 2015. Her story demonstrates how passion for swimming can transcend time and how the right mindset can lead to continued success at any age.• Returned to swimming after a serious ankle injury prevented land-based cardio exercise• Earned All-American honors (top time nationally) consistently since returning to competition• Uses personal mantras like "make good choices" and "we don't do that anymore" as mental tools• Sets goal times as her phone lock screen for constant motivation and focus• Defines success as being better than she was the day before, not comparing to college-age times• Values the SwimMac Masters community as family who support her in and out of the pool• Recently became chair of North Carolina Master Swimming• Maintains a consistent schedule: swimming Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday, lifting Monday/Wednesday• Would advise her college-age self to "never stop swimming"Find Sara through US Masters Swimming or connect with your local masters swimming program to experience the joys of lifelong swimming in a supportive community.Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

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