What if the key to swimming faster in 2025 lies in how you navigate the holiday season? In this energizing episode of Champion’s Mojo, hosts Kelly Palace and Maria Parker share eight actionable strategies to maintain fitness and motivation between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. With the average American gaining up to 10 pounds during the holidays, they provide expert advice on avoiding setbacks and staying on track to crush your fitness goals.

From setting a January swim meet as your motivation to practical tips like keeping tempting foods out of reach, Kelly and Maria dive deep into the art of balancing holiday indulgence with athletic discipline. They highlight how inspirational reads and listens can spark your drive and discuss the importance of yoga, stretching, and body work to enhance recovery and prevent injuries.

Whether you're aiming to shed a few pounds, build strength, or simply stay consistent, this episode offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on making the most of the holidays to set the stage for your best year yet. Don’t miss this motivational roadmap to finishing 2024 Strong and making 2025 stronger, leaner, and faster!

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

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.