Paige Madden’s Journey Back to Nationals After Missed Opportunities and Traveling the World
Paige Madden experienced a series of significant moments in her swimming career within a three-month stretch in 2021. After missing out on the NCAA Championships the previous year, Madden triumphed at the 2021 NCAA Championships, sweeping the 200, 500, and 1650-yard freestyle events. She not only won all three races by more than a second but also helped her team, the Virginia Cavaliers, secure the national title. Shortly after, Madden became an Olympian by performing exceptionally well at the U.S. Olympic Trials. She earned a spot on the U.S. women’s 800 free relay team and finished seventh in the 400 free at the Olympics, contributing to the team’s silver medal and a world record-breaking performance.
Reflecting on her achievements, Madden admitted it took her some time to fully comprehend what she had accomplished. Graduating from Virginia and swimming professionally presented her with new challenges and uncertainties. While riding the Olympic wave, Madden realized that identifying solely as a professional swimmer was not fulfilling for her. She struggled to find her true identity outside of swimming and felt the need for a change. These realizations led her to explore other avenues, including racing in the International Swimming League and representing the United States at the Short Course World Championships. However, she still felt restless and knew she needed to make a significant shift in her path.
Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing New Opportunities
Madden’s 2022 season began with promising results, but she faced setbacks during the U.S. International Team Trials. A ninth-place finish in the 200 free prelims dashed her hopes of qualifying for the World Championships. It was during this time that Madden disclosed she had been dealing with symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, and had recently been diagnosed with the flu. She attributed her less-than-optimal performance to these health concerns and a lack of focus on her mental well-being. Reflecting on the experience, Madden acknowledged the importance of finding balance and seeking professional help to maintain her mental health.
Prior to the disappointing Trials, Madden had decided to make significant changes in her life. She had always been adventurous and developed a profound love for travel. Consequently, after her time in Italy during the International Swimming League, she made the bold decision to move to the United Kingdom to pursue a master’s degree at Loughborough University. While in the UK, Madden immersed herself in a clinical exercise physiology program, which not only provided her with intellectual stimulation but also allowed her to resume training after taking a much-needed four-month break. Adjusting to a higher-volume training program proved challenging initially, but Madden persevered.
Amidst focusing on her training and academic pursuits, Madden prioritized her health by adhering to proper medication dosage for Hashimoto’s disease, finding a mental health provider, and making dietary changes. This holistic approach to self-care helped her regain her strength and enthusiasm for swimming. She relished the opportunity to compete in various meets, travel to different countries, and broaden her horizons. As months passed, Madden found herself in better physical and mental shape, allowing her to fully embrace the demands of training and competing. With her eye on the 2024 Olympic Trials, Madden plans to return to Loughborough and complete her dissertation while continuing her preparations for one last shot at the Olympics.
While she acknowledges that her professional swimming career will soon come to an end, Madden’s passion for exploring new places and cultures remains unwavering. She aspires to work as a clinical exercise physiologist for a year before pursuing a Physician Assistant (PA) program. Considering various English-speaking countries, Australia holds a special appeal for Madden. As she gears up for the upcoming U.S. Nationals, Madden feels a sense of calm and confidence stemming from her transformative experiences over the past year. Swimming remains an integral part of her life, and she continues to find joy in the routine of training and maintaining her physical fitness.
