Unfiltered Waters

Luka Mijatovic is a newly minted Longhorn, American record holder in the 1000 free, seven-time gold medalist at this year's Junior Pan Pacs and the youngest male to win a national title other than Michael Phelps. The Northern California swimmer joins Katie Hoff Anderson to explain why he committed early to Texas to train under Bob Bowman, why he felt ready to leave his club team now, and how he is setting himself up to make the Olympic team in LA.

Luka walks through the summer that got him here. He had almost no time between Nationals and...

Cam McEvoy holds the 50 freestyle world record at 20.88 and is the reigning Olympic and world champion in the event. In a normal 50 training block, he swims about 1.5K a week. Fresh off Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, the Australian sprinter joins Katie Hoff Anderson to explain the gym-first, low-volume approach he built after Tokyo, why it runs against so much of how swimming has always trained, and why he believes the sport has not even seen its ceiling for strength yet.

Cam walks through the day it started. In October 2022, after more than a year out of...

Kaylee McKeown returns to Unfiltered Waters, and Katie Hoff Anderson catches her in the middle of the hardest year of her career. Kaylee is a five-time Olympic gold medalist, a world record holder and a world champion, and at the time of this conversation she is back to five swim sessions a week at 4K with no intensity and a heart rate monitor tucked into her cap. Glandular fever pulled her out of the Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Championships and left her watching the rest of the world swim fast without her. This is a conversation about...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff continues her Australian series, three and a half weeks postpartum, sitting down with world champion and Australian record holder Sam Short. He just swept the distance triple, the four hundred, eight hundred, and fifteen hundred free, at both Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs, and broke Grant Hackett's twenty five year old Australian record in the fifteen hundred along the way. So what does it actually feel like to become the swimmer you grew up idolizing.

Sam breaks down how data driven his training really is: stopwatch splits, heart rate...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff is back hosting, recording fifteen days postpartum and launching a new run of episodes with Australian swimmers. Her first guest is Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder Mollie O'Callaghan, who made the gutted call to pull out of the Pan Pacific Championships after stress fractures turned up in her back right before Trials. So how do you walk away from a full season of work and still call that choice smart.

Mollie walks through the process: seeing a back specialist, checking in with him repeatedly between Trials...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff is back hosting, recording fifteen days postpartum and launching a new run of episodes with Australian swimmers. Her first guest is Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder Mollie O'Callaghan, who made the gutted call to pull out of the Pan Pacific Championships after stress fractures turned up in her back right before Trials. So how do you walk away from a full season of work and still call that choice smart.

Mollie walks through the process: seeing a back specialist, checking in with him repeatedly between Trials...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson fill in for Katie Hoff, a week from having her baby girl, and sit down with Team USA breaststroker McKenzie Siroky right before the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a personal best in the 100 breast at nationals, capping two hard months when her stroke feel vanished. She tracks nearly every metric of her training. So how does one of the most data driven swimmers on the team find her way back by feeling instead of measuring?

McKenzie ranks her outside of pool priorities: nutrition first...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson fill in for Katie Hoff, about a week out from giving birth, and sit down with Olympic medalist Katharine Berkoff right before the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a hard lesson in Singapore last year: getting sick and having to trust her training instead of her control. The 100 back is the race she says has her heart. So what does it take to let go of what you can't control and still call it a successful meet?

Katharine breaks down swimming straight outdoors: staying close...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson fill in for Katie Hoff, about a week out from giving birth to her daughter, and sit down with Emma Weyant ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. It has been a strange year for her: a full training block with no Olympic Trials to break it up, and one of the hardest, most rewarding stretches of her career. So what does it take to trust a year of work you haven't gotten to prove yet?

Emma walks through the overhaul that has reshaped her stroke work...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson, Katie Hoff's husband, fill in a week before she gives birth, sitting down with Olympic medalist Katie Grimes ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a national title in the 1500 free, but at Pan Pacs she's skipping that race for the 10K open water, an event she hasn't swum in two years and chose to bring back herself. So why give up your best event for one that takes almost two hours and offers no second chance?

Katie explains the swap: a strong stretch...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson, Katie Hoff's husband, fill in a week before she gives birth, sitting down with Olympic medalist Alex Walsh ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a nationals 200 IM she's proud of and has added the 400 IM back into her lineup after years away. It has been a strange stretch: a birthday time trial, and months earlier, the roughest meet of her career. So how does a veteran who has quietly weighed walking away talk herself into wanting one more shot?

Alex traces the reset...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson host in Katie Hoff's place while she stays home to welcome her baby girl, sitting down with four time Olympic gold medalist Bobby Finke ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. It is a different year for him: no Olympic Trials, and a rare full month home in July. He first swam this meet eight years ago. So what does it feel like to chase the same nerves that have carried him to gold every time, on purpose?

Bobby explains how this taper differs from years past...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Todd Anderson hosts alongside Elizabeth Beisel, filling in for Katie Hoff, a week out from giving birth. They sit down with world record holder Kate Douglass, recorded the week before Pan Pacs 2026 and airing during the meet. Her freestyle has surged this season to the point that it now crowds her breaststroke on the schedule. The episode turns on a question she still has not answered: which two events to swim, and whether she can pull off both in one session.

Kate's freestyle jumped to a new level this season after...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel steps in as guest host alongside Todd Anderson while Katie Hoff Anderson is a week out from giving birth. Together they sit down with Katie Ledecky, Olympic champion, world record holder, and the most decorated female swimmer in history, in the days before she races the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships. It's the first international meet of her career held on home soil, something she's still a little stunned by fourteen years in. What follows isn't a career retrospective. It's a look at the machinery underneath the most consistent career in...

n this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel steps in as guest host alongside Todd Anderson while Katie Hoff Anderson is a week out from giving birth. Together they sit down with Olympic champion and world record holder Gretchen Walsh for a wide-ranging conversation recorded just days before the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships. Fresh off a summer of international racing and her first season as a full-time professional, Gretchen opens up about what success actually looks like when you've already won almost everything, and about the one world record she can't stop thinking about.

Gretchen breaks...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff Anderson is joined by swim analyst Kevin Cargill to preview one of the biggest meets on the international calendar: the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships. Whether you've been following the sport all season or you're just tuning in before the first race, this episode gets you ready for everything to watch in the days ahead.

From the biggest storylines and can't-miss races to relay implications and breakout stars, Katie and Kevin break down the athletes, events, and moments that could define the meet. They also discuss what makes this year's Pan...

Greg Meehan returns to Unfiltered Waters for an in-depth conversation reflecting on his first year leading USA Swimming and the challenges that come with guiding one of the world's most successful national teams. Joined by Olympian Katie Hoff Anderson, Greg shares what it's been like settling into the role, navigating major life transitions, and finding clarity after a whirlwind first season.

The conversation explores the future of American swimming, from long-term Olympic planning to developing athletes for sustained success rather than short-term results. Greg explains why broad athletic development, racing a variety of events, and building a...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, it's all about one thing: hot takes. Katie Hoff Anderson sits down with four of Team USA's biggest stars: Phoebe Bacon, Gretchen Walsh, Michael Andrew, and Katharine Berkoff to debate the opinions everyone has but rarely says out loud. From swimming controversies to travel etiquette, social media, music, reality TV, and everything in between, no topic is off limits.

Should the person in the middle seat always get the armrest? Is one pull into the wall during kick sets actually cheating? Has TikTok destroyed our attention spans? Is the 100 freestyle really...

Coach Ray Looze has spent more than two decades building one of the premier programs in college swimming, but this conversation goes far beyond wins and championships. Joined by Olympians Lilly King and Katie Hoff Anderson, Ray opens up about the coaching philosophy that has produced generations of NCAA champions, Olympians, and world record holders while sharing the lessons that have shaped him as both a coach and a person.

From balancing the men's and women's teams at Indiana to creating individualized training plans for every athlete, Ray explains why great coaching is never one-size-fits-all. He dives...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with four of the biggest names in swimming for a rapid-fire conversation about one question: How do elite athletes maximize every area of their lives? Joined by Kate Douglass, Alex Walsh, Patrick Sammon, and Quintin McCarty, this episode explores the habits, routines, and mindsets that extend far beyond the pool.

From meditation and mental resilience to recovery, nutrition, skincare, social media, and race-day psychology, each athlete shares the routines that help them perform at their best. While their answers couldn't be more different, one thing becomes clear...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff is joined by special guest host Lilly King for a conversation with one of swimming's most unexpected breakout stars, Van Mathias, the American record holder in the 50-meter breaststroke and Indiana University's Director of Operations.

Van's journey is anything but conventional. After stepping away from elite competition to begin his full-time career, he found himself drawn back to the pool with a completely different perspective. Now balancing a demanding job with training, he's redefining what it looks like to chase world-class performance while living a life outside of swimming...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with Devon Allen, one of the rare athletes to reach the highest level in two sports. A two-time Olympian in the 110-meter hurdles and former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Devon shares what it takes to pursue excellence across completely different competitive worlds.

The conversation dives into Devon's unique journey from football standout to Olympic hurdler and back again. He reflects on the injuries that altered his path, the decision to step away from football after Rio, and why focusing solely on track did not produce the breakthrough...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with Rebecca Adlington, one of Great Britain’s most accomplished swimmers. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, former world record holder, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and mother of three, Becky reflects on the journey that took her from Olympic glory in Beijing to building a life and legacy beyond the pool.

The conversation explores Becky’s unique relationship with swimming and competition. While many athletes thrive on race day, Becky reveals that she never loved competing and instead found her joy in the daily process of training. She opens up abou...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with one of the most decorated swimmers in American history, Allison Schmitt. A four-time Olympian, ten-time Olympic medalist, Olympic champion, former world record holder, and longtime advocate for mental health, Allison reflects on the lessons, challenges, and perspective she has gained throughout an extraordinary career.

From the heartbreak of missing an Olympic final by one one-hundredth of a second in Beijing to becoming one of the stars of Team USA in London, Allison shares how failure shaped her mindset and fueled her success. She opens up about...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with former New England Patriots captain and three-time Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty for a conversation about leadership, pressure, preparation, and life beyond football.

After spending 13 seasons with one organization, Devin reflects on what it was really like playing under Bill Belichick, building a championship culture, and earning the trust of teammates in one of the most demanding environments in professional sports. He shares stories from his rookie years, lessons learned from veteran leaders, and the mindset that helped him navigate both success and adversity throughout his...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, we step outside the pool and into a powerful conversation with former WNBA player Sonia Chase, a true pioneer from the league’s early years.

Sonia brings a unique perspective, having lived through the evolution of the WNBA from what she describes as survival mode to the strategy-driven era we see today. We dive into the league’s latest collective bargaining agreement, why it is such a major shift for women’s sports, and what it means for the next generation of athletes.

But this conversation goes far beyond basket...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Unfiltered Waters, we sit down with Caeleb Dressel and Meghan Dressel at their home in Gainesville for one of their most honest conversations yet.

What starts as a visit to the farm turns into a deep, unfiltered look at life beyond the pool. From raising two young kids to navigating identity, marriage, and the realities of elite sport, Caeleb and Meghan open up about the transitions that have shaped this next chapter of their lives.

They talk about what parenthood has really been like, how it’s impa...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with Daniel Wiffen, Ireland’s first male Olympic swimming medalist, fresh off a historic performance in Paris where he won gold in the 800 freestyle and bronze in the 1500.

Daniel takes us inside the mindset behind his Olympic breakthrough, breaking down how detailed race analysis, data, and preparation gave him the confidence to execute on the biggest stage. He walks through the strategy behind his 800 freestyle win, what he was thinking in real time during the race, and how he uses research to gain an edge over the co...

In this special Coaches Edition of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with three of the top minds in NCAA swimming, Todd DeSorbo (Virginia), Annie Lazor (Stanford), and Carol Capitani (Texas), before the NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships.

Coming from the leaders of the first, second, and third place teams, this conversation goes beyond results and into the reality of coaching at the highest level. Each coach shares how they manage pressure during championship meets, lead their teams through expectation and adversity, and balance confidence with vulnerability. From building culture and developing at...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel bring you the men’s edition of “Squad Energy,” sitting down with some of the biggest names in NCAA swimming, Josh Liendo (Florida), Ilya Kharun (Arizona State), Thomas Heilman (Virginia), and Jack Aikins (Virginia), just before the NCAA Championships.

From team traditions and pre-meet routines to trash talk, nerves, and what makes each program unique, this conversation dives into the mindset and culture behind some of the fastest swimmers in the world. You will hear about Florida’s grit, Arizona State’s brotherhood, and Virginia’s energy drive...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with some of the biggest names in NCAA swimming, Claire Curzan (Virginia), Lucy Bell (Stanford), Alex Shackell (Indiana), Caroline Bricker (Stanford), Katie Grimes (Virginia), and Bella Sims (Michigan), for a conversation centered around one theme, trusting your gut.

From navigating transfers and major life decisions to overcoming injuries, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering their love for the sport, each athlete shares the real moments that shaped their journey. Whether it is finding the right environment, staying when things get tough, or learning to believe in...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with four of the biggest names in NCAA swimming: Anna Moesch (Virginia), Torri Huske (Stanford), Jillian Cox (Texas), and Camille Spink (Tennessee) for a special “Squad Energy” edition filmed just days before the NCAA Championships. From pre-meet traditions and team speeches to accountability, leadership, and what truly makes a championship culture, each athlete shares what drives their team behind the scenes. You’ll hear about Virginia’s push for history, Stanford’s resilience, Texas’s family-first mentality, and Tennessee’s unmatched energy on deck, all while getting a glim...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel break down the full Men’s NCAA Swimming & Diving Championship preview from poolside at Georgia Tech—covering team projections, key storylines, and the races that could decide the meet. With Texas projected to lead, the real battle heats up behind them as Florida, Arizona State, Indiana, and Cal fight for second in one of the deepest fields in recent memory. The duo dives into the impact of the B final format changes, relay strategy, and how momentum from the women’s meet could carry into the men’s competit...

In this special solo episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff brings you a full NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship preview from the pool deck at Georgia Tech, breaking down team projections, top storylines, and the biggest changes heading into one of the fastest meets of the year. From UVA’s pursuit of a historic sixth title to the battle between Stanford, Texas, and Michigan, Katie dives into the athletes, races, and records that could define the meet. She also unpacks the controversial elimination of the B final, what it means for scoring and exposure, and why this year’s ESPN b...

In this special “Fish Outta Water” edition of Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with a group of elite swimmers to talk about something other than swimming. Recorded during the USA Swimming Pro Swim Series in Austin, this episode highlights the passions, hobbies, and talents that these athletes pursue outside the pool. From Carson Foster embracing life as a devoted dog dad, to Matt King designing and handcrafting luxury leather bags, Luke Hobson chasing trophy bass on the water, and Becca Mann building a career as a published author, the conversations reveal the creative, curious, and human sides of athletes we u...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down in Austin, Texas with legendary swim coach Bob Bowman — former U.S. Olympic Team Head Coach, head coach of Texas Men’s Swimming & Diving, and mentor to multiple Olympic champions and world record holders. Bob reflects on the past year of NCAA championships, coaching pros like Summer McIntosh and Leon Marchand, navigating NIL and roster limits in college swimming, and the evolving landscape of USA Swimming. He opens up about coaching philosophy, visualization techniques, leading under pressure, building championship culture, relay strategy, recruiting in the transfer portal era, and what...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with USA Swimming CEO Kevin Ring at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to mark his first 100 days in the role and break down the future of USA Swimming. Kevin shares the organization’s newly approved mission, vision, values, and four key pillars, dives into the 2026 budget deficit and why increased national team investment and bringing Pan Pacs to the U.S. are strategic moves ahead of LA 2028, and explains how USA Swimming plans to grow membership, strengthen partnerships, elevate athlete performance, and improve the fan ex...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Isabeau Levito, 2024 World silver medalist and 2023 U.S. National champion, for a candid conversation about expectations, confidence, and staying true to herself on the road to the Olympics. Isabeau reflects on the pressure of being “one of the expected spots,” the difference between skating because you get to versus because you have to, and how learning to sit with expectations has shaped her growth. She opens up about not giving up on hard days, building a strong ball...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Emily Chan and Spencer Howe, two-time Four Continents silver medalists and one of Team USA’s Olympic pairs teams. Emily and Spencer reflect on the emotional roller coaster of nationals, bouncing back from a rough short program to secure their Olympic spot, and the injuries and setbacks that nearly derailed their journey. They open up about the power of routine under pressure, the level of trust required to throw and catch at full speed, and how eight ye...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Amber Glenn, three-time U.S. national champion and newly named Olympian. Amber reflects on the pressure of performing under expectation, the milliseconds that separate success from mistake, and what it really takes to adjust in real time when things don’t go as planned. She opens up about embracing nerves instead of fighting them, staying grounded through rhythm and preparation, and why taking ownership of her artistry—from music to costumes to hair and makeup—has been centra...