Mike @ pullkickswim

Mike O'Connell, an Irish coach and masters swimmer based in Sweden. I write about all things swimming; training sets, equipment reviews, competitions, etc.

[Michael T. O'Connell PhD. @MoconnellE]

Saturday was the doctoral graduation day for Chalmers University. It was a great day and a wonderful end to the final chapter of my PhD journey.

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

@AVFCOfficial Wow, thank you Unai Emery

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

Day 3 and 2 more lifetime PBs. Finally got under 58 for 100 free and under 29 for 50 fly. Won silver in both. Relay came 4th. 6 individual swims (2 gold 2 silver), 4 relay swims (3 gold). I am shattered after the weekend. #mastersswimmer #Swimmer #swimming #swimlife

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

Swedish Masters champion! Day 2 saw my 1st individual gold since 2021 (200 free), strangely I was awarded gold for 200 back despite coming in 2nd )only those representing Swedish clubs can claim gold). Both relays won. Times weren't great, but I like the medals #mastersswimmer

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

Day 1 of the Swedish Masters Championships and what a day. Only one swim (the relay), and I finally break the 26 second mark for 50 free giving me a lifetime best and my first SM gold since 2021 #mastersswimmer #mastersswimming #swimlife #swimmer #swimming

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

Second day at Ullbergstrofén and my 50m free. Dive could have been better, got the breathing strategy wrong because i haven't swam it long course in 2 years, but the time was OK (26.94). Onto Swedish Masters Championships next! #Swimmer #swimlife #mastersswimmer #mastersswimming

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

Some pictures from my 50 fly today in Ullbergstrofén. Felt sluggish and I haven't done enough sprint fly training, but still got a 29 so not bad. Onto the 50 free tomorrow. #Swimmer #swimlife #swimming #mastersswimmer #mastersswimming

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

What a day. 3 relays, 3 individual events, 6 gold. All over 4 hours with two relays being the race directly before or after an individual race. Swam 50 free 4 times and got 26 for each. #Swimmer #swimlife #mastersswimmer #mastersswimming #swimming

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

First competition for Aalborg Masters. 2 events so far and 2 gold! 4x50 medley relay and 200m freestyle #masterssimning #mastersswimmer #swimlife #swimmer #swimming #mastersswimming #svømmer

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

My review of the Akron Blue Sea racing suit is now up. A solid all rounder this suit is great value if you can find it #swimmer #swimming #swimreview #swimlife #mastersswimming #mastersswimmer #swimsuit #techsuit
https://t.co/GGrwIw8dvZ

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

The best thing about bumper plates is they make me look much stronger than I am #mastersswimmer #masterssimning #mastersswimming #swimlife #Swimmer

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

Today I attended the opening of the new Irish consulate in Göteborg!

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

I never thought I would be able to say that I once coached an Oscar winner. Congratulations to former Kingdom SC swimmer Jessie Buckley on your award! #oscars2026

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

Representing Göteborg Sim in Gothenburg's second ever St. Patrick's day parade (yes it's a few days before the big day) #stpatricksday☘️ #Swimmer #swimmingcoach #swimlife

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

First competition since 2024 and I'm just back after illness. Only 2 events, second in both, bests times in both and almost made my long term targets in both! Maybe I need to focus more on sprinting! #swimmeet #swimlife #Swimmer #swimming #mastersswimmer #mastersswimming

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

It can be tough being away from my family during the days I'm in Denmark, but at least the power sockets in my Danish apartment always seem happy to see me. #Denmark #Danish #danishlife

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

I've had my laptop for over 2 years (a gift from my father in law). I always assumed it didn't have a camera until today when I noticed a key I've never pressed. Turns out the camera was in the key.

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

@JonathanMcCusk3 Yeah, I haven't been on here in ages. Lot of people seem to have left the platform. Anyway, first competition of the season should be next week if I better in time. Let's see how that goes.

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

I'm seriously considering entering the European Masters Swimming championships this summer depending on my training and health over the next two months. #swimmer #swimming #mastersswimmer #mastersswimming

[Mike @ pullkickswim @pullkickswim]

@dejv_musil @swimiller Ah I see. Thanks!