Listen now
Listen in the appEpisode context
ListenWatch
Keep going with Unfiltered Waters.
Listen here, open the show page, or use related short-form video as a discovery path without treating it as the full episode.
Episode Notes
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 learning to tune out outside noise, embracing pressure, and why her competitive switch never flipped until the moment she hit the water.
The conversation also dives deep into identity, mental health, and the power of feeling understood. Allison reflects on growing up in speech therapy, finding her voice as a female athlete, and why she is passionate about helping the next generation of girls stay in sports and advocate for themselves. She shares the role her support system played during difficult moments, the importance of curiosity, and how coaches can create environments where athletes feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Now retired from competition and recently married, Allison discusses life after swimming, navigating uncertainty, and finding purpose beyond medals and records. Honest, thoughtful, and full of wisdom earned through experience, this is a conversation about resilience, growth, and what it means to keep moving forward long after the races are over.
Whether you are an athlete, coach, parent, or simply navigating your own next chapter, there is something in this episode for you.
-----
Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media (https://linktr.ee/unfilteredwaters) for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week.
-----
FOLLOW KATIE ON:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kthoff7/
-----
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
IM8health.com/discount/unfiltered for 10% off
GO TO strava.com/challenges/6023 to join the Challenge
endlesspools.com/unfiltered to unlock $1,000 off
Get 15% off OneSkin with the code UNFILTERED15 at https://www.oneskin.co/UNFILTERED15
dreamrecovery.io use code UNFILTEREDTHIRTY for 30% off
-----
#UnfilteredWaters #Swimming #AllisonSchmitt
Next listen
All from Unfiltered Waters →
Next listen
Devon Allen
2 days ago32:37
Listen guide
How do I listen to this episode of Unfiltered Waters?
"Allison Schmitt" is an episode of Unfiltered Waters. Runtime 30 min. Published June 10, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
Step by step
- Open Spot Sports. Get the free Spot Sports app for background play, lock-screen controls, and offline downloads.
- Or stream right here. Tap play on the episode card above. No app needed.
- Browse the full podcast. Jump to the Unfiltered Waters page for the rest of the catalog.
- Or subscribe in any podcast app. Unfiltered Waters ships on a standard RSS feed, so Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts all work too.
Quick FAQ
- When was this episode published?
- June 10, 2026.
- How long is this episode?
- 30 min.
- What podcast is this from?
- Unfiltered Waters. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
- What does this episode cover?
- Unfiltered Waters covers swimming. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.
