In part two of my conversation with Adam O'Byrne, we explore his move from marathon swimming into the world of ice swimming.

Adam discusses cold-water adaptation, preparing for an Ice Mile, the physiological and psychological differences between marathon swimming and ice swimming, and how his background as a paramedic influences his approach to safety and risk.

We also talk about earning the Frosted Triple Crown, becoming an Iron Iceman, balancing endurance sport with family and career, and why some of the most important training sessions are the ones that prepare you for when things don't go according to plan.

A thoughtful discussion about challenge, preparation and what Adam calls "training for the moments"

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This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Adam O'Byrne's endurance sport journey spans Ironman triathlon, multiple Rottnest Channel crossings and the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.

In this first part of our conversation, Adam reflects on his progression from AFL football and paramedic shift work into Ironman racing, qualifying for Kona and eventually discovering marathon swimming. We discuss his first solo Rottnest crossing, the lessons learned from a winter double crossing, the importance of crew and community, and what it took to complete the English Channel, Catalina Channel and Manhattan Island swims.

Along the way, Adam shares insights on preparation, resilience, swimming through the night and how endurance sport has evolved alongside family life and career.

This is part one of a two-part conversation with Adam O'Byrne.

Enjoyed this episode?

If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community.

You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates.

https://www.instagram.com/scienceandartofows/ (@scienceandartofows)

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

In this episode, Grant sits down with Dr Jen Walsh, a sleep scientist at the University of Western Australia, for a practical and grounded conversation about sleep — not as an optimisation strategy, but as a fundamental part of everyday life.

Together, they explore how sleep works, why it matters, and how it fits into the realities of early mornings, work, family demands, and imperfect routines. The discussion covers key concepts such as circadian rhythms, sleep pressure, how much sleep we actually need, and what happens when we don’t get enough.

They also unpack common questions around wearables, naps, caffeine and alcohol, early training sessions, and whether a poor night’s sleep before a swim or run really matters.

Rather than chasing perfection, this conversation focuses on helping listeners better understand their sleep and make more informed, realistic decisions within the lives they actually live.

check out Jen's work here:

https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/jen-walsh/

or connect with her on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-walsh/

Enjoyed this episode?

If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community.

You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates.

https://www.instagram.com/scienceandartofows/ (@scienceandartofows)

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.