Short podcast this week about a couple of things going on that you might not be aware of.

1.) BRANT's MUCH improved air quality and renovations going on at the Wayne Gretzky Centre. For this we talk to BRANT president, Suzanne Paulins.

2.) Western University's Regional Training Centre. We chat with Ken Fitzpatrick of UWO about training opportunities. Anyone interested in contacting Ken can do so through email.

As always, you should follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. Details about me and my club can be found on the HHBF website.

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A little pressed for time this week so I decided to replay an interview I did with Sean Baker of the Oakville Aquatic Club. This is relevant because of Tera VanBeilen making the Olympic Team; Sean details what has been done in the past few months to get her there. This interview was recorded in August of 2011 and was originally featured on my blog (not on this podcast). Some good listening.

As always, you should follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. Details about me and my club can be found on the HHBF website.

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This week is an inside look at Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Trials that were held in Montreal from March 27th to April 1st, 2012. Excellent audio from Olympic Head Coach Randy Bennett, National Junior Coach Ken McKinnon, Coach Ron Jacks, Former Olympian Brian Johns, new Olympians Amanda Reason, Brittany MacLean and Olympic nominee and 200FLY Cinderella Man David Sharpe. Lots of audio, I just let the segments run.

Check out my blog if you're interested in my thoughts on Olympic Trials.

As always, you should follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. Details about me and my club can be found on the HHBF website.

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Today I rant about "trying your best" and chat with former Canadian Olympian, Jen Fratesi. Jen talks about how swimming prepared her for her career in medicine and what the sport meant to her. Worth a listen for coaches, swimmers and parents alike... also, get to know your swimming history, people!

As always, you should follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. Details about me and my club can be found on the HHBF website.

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Very quick post: this week I interview Jamie Brough of the OSCC (Ontario Swim Coaches Committee) regarding the announcement of the changes to the Swim Ontario meet and schedule format for 2012-2016. While these are big changes and I have several strong opinions of my own, I strongly feel that this particular episode was not the place for them. The OSCC did not make any actual decisions, just consulted and recommended them, therefore, I allowed Jamie to speak and held my personal opinions to myself. Hopefully this helps to educate coaches, teams, swimmers and parents as to what to expect next season... and to entertain those headed up to Nepean and have a 6 hour car ride ahead of them.

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Last week my blog page exploded due to an article I wrote about 6 reasons to stay swimming even if you're not #1.

This week, I've got THE MAN, himself, our fearless leader, Pierre Lafontaine of Swimming Natation Canada. Pierre will address the importance of staying with swimming as well as talk about Olympic Trials and a few other issues in Canadian Swimming. Very good listen especially for club executives and parents. Pierre is always inspirational. Swimmers will get a lot from it as well.

As always, you should follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. Details about me and my club can be found on the HHBF website.

Music on this podcast from JK Mantis (http://www.jkmantis.com/).  Please support our local artists!

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First episode of 2012 has many interviews from the Austin Grand Prix. Interviews include Canadian Olympic Coaches, Randy Bennett and Tom Johnson. Missy Franklin and her coach, Todd Schmidtz (who I accidentally identify as Schultz in the podcast introduction... sorry, Todd!) as well as Brittany MacLean of Eswim and Chris Hindmarch-Watson, voice of swim meets around the world.

The companion to this podcast can be found at www.austingrandprix.blogspot.com, please check it out!

As always, you should follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. Details about me and my club can be found on the HHBF website.

Music on this podcast from Paul Federici (www.paulfederici.ca). Please support our local artists!

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This week Dave Ling of TSC interviews ME for a change and Ron Campbell of the Cambridge Aquajets calls in to chat about his work educating coaches. Ron did a great presentation at the Swim Ontario AGM a while back entitled "10 Skills and How to Teach Them" (powerpoint slides HERE) which I wanted to expose my club coaches to. Ron talk a little more about that and the state of youth swimming in Ontario.

Anyone that wants to have Ron talk to their club can email him HERE.

As always, you should follow me on Twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. For more information about me or my club visit the Halton Hills Blue Fins website.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

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If you listen to only 1 episode, listen to this one!!! Great interview with legendary swim coach, Paul Bergen where we talk about age group swimming in North America, the future and the history behind the sport. Also, Sean Baker of the Oakville Aquatic Club checks in to talk about another legendary coach, Brian Bond and his current health concerns. This is a great episode!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog: www.coachmikehhbf.blogspot.com. For more info on me and my club, visit the Halton Hills Blue Fins web page.

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This week everyone took off on me to US Nationals in Georgia so I spent some time with the new head coach of the Mississauga Aquatic Club, Kevin Anderson. Also, I provide commentary on Speedo's launch of FS3 and chat briefly with Allan Wrigley of the Pacific Sports Center... then I lose power and have to cut it short... all in all a great show. Check it out! Also, don't forget to follow me on twitter (@coachmikeswim) and check out my blog page.

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