
Hosted by Anton Beregovoi · EN
Welcome to Life in Lane 4, a podcast that dives deep into the world of balancing the rigorous demands of swimming and academics. Hosted by Anton Beregovoi, a swimmer from the class of 2027, whether you’re a student-athlete, a parent, or just curious about how high achievers navigate the waters of competition and education, this show is your lane to insights and inspiration. Each episode features candid conversations with swimmers, coaches, educators, and experts who share ways to maintain a 4.0 GPA, while also swimming best times in the pool.
Tune in and learn how to thrive in the fast lane—because life is better in Lane 4!

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Katya Ruslanova, a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania, and TJ Hayes, a rising sophomore at Lehigh University, for the podcast's first-ever dual guest episode. We talk about their experiences transitioning from high school to college, and what makes this conversation especially interesting is how different their journeys have been.Katya and TJ share the challenges, successes, and lessons they've learned while navigating college athletics and academics. Despite both being student-athletes, their experiences have been almost complete opposites, offering two unique perspectives on finding your place, managing expectations, and adapting to a new environment. This episode highlights the fact that there is no single "right" college experience and that growth can happen in many different ways.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with JP Giglio, a freshman at Amherst College, to talk about the mindset and support systems that help athletes succeed. We discuss the importance of staying positive through both successes and setbacks, and how the people around you can make a huge difference in your growth as a swimmer and as a person.JP also shares why keeping an open mind has been so valuable throughout his journey, whether it's meeting new people, adapting to new challenges, or taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Josie Strader, who will be joining La Salle University next year, to talk about the challenges that come with balancing high school, swimming, and everything in between. Josie shares her experience working through the tougher parts of being a student-athlete, how she handled setbacks and pressure, and what helped her keep moving forward. We also get into some fun hot takes and opinions on swimming, school, and the student-athlete experience.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Tim Hanway, a Loyola Maryland commit, to talk about what it takes to balance swimming while going to school and training in two different states. Tim shares how he managed the constant travel, stayed organized, and kept up with both academics and athletics throughout high school. We also talk about how he made the most out of his senior year and the mindset shifts that helped him enjoy the experience more. Toward the end of the episode, Tim reflects on what he wishes he would have done differently during his four years of high school and the advice he would give to younger student-athletes trying to make the most of their time.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Rafae Shafi, a swimmer at Tufts University, and we talk about what it really means to improve in swimming. Not just when you’re dropping time, but also when you’re not. Rafae shares how he’s learned to get the most out of the sport regardless of results, and why progress goes beyond the clock.We also get into how he balances swimming, school, and everything else on his plate, and what’s helped him stay consistent at a high level. A big part of our conversation is about being open, putting yourself out there, and having the confidence to grow, both in and out of the pool.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Matvei Namakonov, a senior at the University of Delaware, two-time NCAA qualifier, and the 18th all-time performer nationally in the 100 breaststroke. We talk about his experience at the 2026 NCAA Championships, including making the A final, and what it takes to compete at that level. He shares how to approach a meet with purpose, stay locked in across multiple days of racing, and what separates good swimmers from great ones. We also get into how he built strong study habits and balanced academics with high-level swimming throughout his time at Delaware. This episode is about discipline, consistency, and making the most of every opportunity.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Luke Schafer to talk about his recent meet and what he took away from that experience. We also get into the differences between private and public school, and how those environments can impact both academics and athletics. Luke shares how he manages his time and stays on top of everything, even with a busy schedule. This episode is focused on learning how to stay organized, handle pressure, and get the most out of both school and swimming.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Jamie Brinsfield, an MIT commit, about what it takes to stand out in both recruiting and academics. Jamie breaks down the recruiting process, including how to communicate with coaches and position yourself as a serious prospect. He also shares what goes into building a competitive college application, from academics to extracurriculars, and how to stay disciplined throughout high school. The conversation also covers practical strategies for staying on top of schoolwork, both in high school and in college. This episode is a clear guide for student-athletes aiming to compete at a high level in and out of the pool.

In this solo episode of Life in Lane 4, I reflect on my own journey and how starting this podcast has helped me grow, both as a swimmer and as a student. I share how the conversations and lessons from past guests gave me tools that helped me reset my habits and take more control of my life. I also break down specific strategies that have made a real difference for me, including improving sleep, warming down properly after practices and meets, and keeping my phone in another room while studying to stay focused. This episode is about ownership, discipline, and making small changes that lead to real progress.

In this episode of Life in Lane 4, I sit down with Heston Steckel, a senior at Germantown Academy, to talk about what it really takes to be recruited at the next level. Heston shares his perspective on the recruiting process, including the work and communication required behind the scenes. He also reflects on how to make the most of your high school years, not just athletically, but academically and socially. This conversation highlights the importance of balance, discipline, and taking ownership of your development both in and out of the pool.