The SECRET Behind Breaking Records at 41
Rich Roll
22 sept 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Utilize long breaks for deep recovery in training
Multi-year breaks from swimming were a blessing in disguise, allowing the body to fully recover from years of high-volume training.
Mix workouts to prevent fitness plateaus in your routine
To stay fit and avoid plateaus in her late 50s, she mixes up her routine with specific classes like Solid Core and Rumble Boxing.
Establish biological passport to prove clean performance
To counter doping rumors at age 41, she voluntarily participated in a new USADA program to create a biological passport, proving her performance was natural.
Address hormonal changes to enhance recovery in training
While training at age 45, she noticed hormonal changes made it impossible to recover between morning and evening races, affecting her performance.
Overcome mental block of training less for success
The biggest obstacle in her late-career training was mentally accepting that she needed to train less than younger athletes to be successful.
Train for efficiency to enhance performance in the pool
For her comeback at 41, she shifted from training for pure strength to focusing on efficiency and functional movements that translated better to the pool.
Implement 'one all-out 25' test to assess fatigue
Her coach used a single, timed 25-meter swim to gauge fatigue, sending her home to rest for the weekend if the time was slow.
Incorporate resistive stretching for enhanced recovery and flexibility
She found resistive stretching, which works on Chinese meridians, to be more effective for her recovery and flexibility than Pilates.
Identify your learning style to enhance technique
A legendary coach first had her evaluated to understand her visual learning style before attempting to change her technique.
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