What happens when life's challenges pull you away from your passion, only to lead you back years later with a renewed sense of purpose? Michele Kuvin Kupfer, a former member of the 1980 Israeli Olympic swim team and filmmaker, invites us into her world—a world where swimming was once both an escape and a refuge. Despite facing hurdles due to her Jewish background and personal struggles, Michelle's return to the pool as she approached 60 is a story of resilience and transformation.

Her journey back to the Maccabiah Games in 2022 alongside her Israeli teammates highlights the enduring power of sport to heal. Michele is the Co-Director and Executive Producer of the new film Parting the Waters, a Feature-length documentary about trauma, hope, and courage. Besides being a documentary filmmaker Michele is also a behavioral therapist, and educational consultant. She is the co-founder of Difference Diaries, a documentary short film series focused on adolescents and young adults with chronic illness.

We also explore the historical and emotional significance of the Maccabiah Games for Jewish athletes, including the unbreakable bonds forged through shared challenges and triumphs. Michelle’s journey is further amplified through her work in film, where she shares stories of chronic illness and mental health, reflecting her commitment to resilience and community. From overcoming fear to finding joy in new beginnings, this episode celebrates the inclusivity and empowerment swimming offers, inspiring listeners to live fully and embrace life’s possibilities at any stage.

Film website https://www.partingthewatersfilm.com/

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Stevenson, an Olympian (Greece) and world and national holder in Masters swimming, chemistry professor, and long-time volunteer for U.S. Masters Swimming. Chris opens up about his recent return to swimming after a long hiatus due to personal and professional challenges, including the loss of his parents and a demanding role as the Chemistry department chair at the University of Richmond. He discusses how he navigated his time away from the pool, including recovering from a shoulder surgery, and the physical and mental hurdles of getting back into shape after being out of the water for so long.

Chris delves into his reputation for outstanding underwaters, sharing insights on how to develop a strong dolphin kick and improve performance off the walls. He provides practical tips for swimmers of all levels to strengthen their legs and breath control. Chris also reflects on the joys and struggles of balancing swimming with life, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals, finding enjoyment in the process, and re-connecting with the social aspects of the sport.

Show Notes:

• Introduction to Chris Stevenson, a celebrated Masters swimmer, volunteer and chemistry professor at the University of Richmond.
• Chris’ journey back to the pool after a long break due to family responsibilities, career demands, and injury recovery.
• Challenges of returning to swimming after years away, including fitness, feel for the water, and breath control.
• Discussion on developing a strong underwater dolphin kick, with tips for swimmers at all levels.
• Reflections on goal-setting, training with a group, and finding motivation in the process.
• How swimming can still be fun and fulfilling despite the inevitable challenges of aging and time away from the sport.
• Chris' passion for chemistry and how it connects to everyday life.

Mentions:

• Anna Lea Matysek, US Masters Volunteer
• Heather Stevenson, US Masters Volunteer
• David Berkoff, Olympic Medalist
• Matt Barany, University of Richmond Swim Coach

Whether you're intimidated by swimming, chemistry, or both, this episode is a celebration of curiosity, perseverance, and the importance of finding joy in pursuits old and new. Join us for a heartwarming and inspiring listen that promises to leave you motivated and enlightened

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Imagine winning a national swimming championship at 53 and simultaneously preparing to qualify for a senior amateur golf championship--all in the same week. Meet Tricia Good, a phenomenal athlete from the Sarasota Sharks Masters, who shares her surprising journey of triumph at the US Masters Long Course Nationals in Mission Viejo. Learn from her about balancing two demanding sports and the mental strategies she uses to excel in both swimming and golf. With the guidance of her coach, Rick Walker, Tricia's story of returning to swimming for personal fulfillment is a testament to resilience and focus, offering inspiration for those striving for excellence across varied pursuits.

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Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Get ready to be inspired by an extraordinary father-son duo! In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Ian Neville, a recent Summer National Champion in the 100 breaststroke for men aged 18 to 25, and his father, Richard Neville, a National Champion and World Record Holder in the 65-69 age group. Both are members of the Lone Star Masters Team.

Ian opens up about the inspiration he’s drawn from his dad, and how their shared love for Masters swimming has not only kept them both at the top of their game but also strengthened their bond. Both Ian and Richard have incredible comeback stories, overcoming significant health setbacks to achieve personal bests.

You’ll hear about Ian’s intense training regimen, his dedicated coach, and the incredible support from his local swim community in Utah. Ian reveals how swimming played a vital role in his recovery from a rib resection and a blood clot diagnosis, restoring his strength and mobility. His journey is a powerful testament to perseverance and the importance of support from family and friends.

Richard’s story is equally inspiring. He shares how swimming helped him rebuild his strength after battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or someone who appreciates stories of resilience, the Nevilles’ journey will motivate you to face your own challenges with grit and determination. Don’t miss this uplifting conversation that celebrates the tenacity and drive of true champions.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

27 Year Old Jenna Campbell, a former NCAA D-1 Swimmer at Cal Berkeley is a brand new Masters World Record holder for the 25-29 age group in the 200 long course meters freestyle with a blistering 2:02.06. Join us at the Mission Viejo pool as Jenna opens up about her unexpected triumph and the journey that brought her back to the water as a member of the Colorado Masters. From her competitive days at Cal Berkeley to rediscovering her love for swimming through a triathlon group in Colorado, Jenna's story is one of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of athleticism.

In this special on-deck edition of Champions Mojo, Kelly Palace and Maria Parker explore Jenna's remarkable transition from college swimming to Masters competition. Despite taking a break after college, Jenna achieved an elite time of 2:02 at age 27, close to Olympic trial standards, all while focusing primarily on triathlon training. Listen to her candid reflections on the challenges and joys of returning to the sport that has shaped her life. This episode is packed with inspiration and valuable lessons on how to navigate life's transitions while staying connected to your passion. You'll also enjoy Kelly and Maria's popular "Takeaways" from the interview to help you get your MOJO ON!

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Could a pediatric surgeon's sage advice revolutionize your swimming performance? Join us for a captivating episode of Champion's Mojo, where we sit poolside with Dr. Peter Yu at the US Masters Long Course Nationals in Mission Viejo, CA. As both a skilled surgeon and masters swimmer for Novaquatics Masters (NOVA), Dr. Yu offers a treasure trove of insights into the latest trends he sees in Olympic and master swimming.

Discover the critical role of dry land training, the surprising benefits of engaging in other sports, and how personalized nutrition strategies, including creatine and salt supplementation, has enhanced Pete's performance in the water. Hear firsthand how Dr. Yu draws fascinating parallels between the mental preparation needed in surgery and swimming, providing a balanced approach to training and mental resilience.

Wrapping up the episode, hosts Kelly Palace and Maria Parker give their key takeaways on the profound wisdom shared by Dr. Yu. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your swimming game and be inspired by leaders in the sport!

We kindly ask you to leave a five-star review on iTunes to help others discover the Champion's Mojo Podcast. Stay connected with us on social media or visit championsmojo.com for more inspiring content and updates.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Can a former US Olympian and Stanford University Star rediscover the joy of swimming decades after his peak? A member of the Santa Barbara Masters, meet Dave Sims, who not only embraced the sport again in his 40s but also shattered national records along the way since returning to the sport two decades ago.

In this fun on-deck edition of Champions Mojo, we chat with Dave about his journey from the 1980 Olympic team to becoming a masters swimmer. Hear how Dave made the remarkable transition from excelling in long-distance events to mastering breaststroke and butterfly, and even taking on the challenge of learning breaststroke at 47. His story is an inspiring testament to keeping the sport fresh and fun by continuously challenging oneself with new events and strokes.

At 62, Dave Sims is more passionate than ever about swimming and committed to a lifetime of active living. Inspired by swimmers in their 90s and even over 100 who still compete, Dave shares his training regimen that balances swimming three times a week with dryland exercises. Join hosts Kelly Palace and Maria Parker as they explore Dave’s philosophy on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and his unwavering enthusiasm for the sport. This episode is packed with insights and motivation for anyone looking to embrace lifelong fitness and the joy of swimming.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

What if you could shatter world records while excelling as a top pediatric surgeon? Join us for a compelling conversation with Ellen Reynolds, a master swimmer extraordinaire and recently retired pediatric surgeon, who has done just that. Ellen who hails from Boise, Idaho, opens up about her journey from learning to swim at age three to setting 20 national and/or world records this year alone. We explore her groundbreaking medical career, including her innovative work with pectus excavatum patients, and discuss how she managed to balance her intense professional life with her passion for swimming. And how these two have pursuits have been synergistic.

In this episode, we delve into Ellen's meticulous training regime that evolved after 20 years of consistency in the pool. Discover how she initially focused on fitness routines involving walking, elliptical workouts, and strength training before ramping up her swimming workouts. Ellen shares the strategic importance of balancing hard and easy sessions, and why the myth of endless long-distance training is just that—a myth. Her experience illustrates how adapting workouts to fit an unpredictable career can lead to outstanding athletic achievements.

As we wrap up, Ellen offers invaluable insights into the community aspect of master swimming and the impact of hormone replacement therapy on women's health. We discuss her plans post-retirement, her personal motto, and some fun facts that give a glimpse into the champion's life outside the pool. Listen in for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and the powerful message that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and achieve greatness.

The Menopause Society mentioned in the interview can be found at https://menopause.org/

Ellen's current swimming achievements:

• Meet results for Ellen M Reynolds (389 swims)
• Top Ten achievements (255 individual, 3 relay)
• All-American Honors (14 years pool individual, 6 years long distance individual, 1 years long distance relay)
• All-Star Honors (1 years long distance, 9 years pool)
• USMS Records
  (pool individual: 53 currently held, 72 lifetime ,
  pool relay: 1 currently held, 1 lifetime,
  long distance individual: 4 currently held, 5 lifetime records)

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.