PAIGE MADDEN

60(ish) seconds with: Paige Madden

1. What drew you to swimming?
My older brother, Carl, has always been an inspiration to me. As such, when he got his start in the sport I had to follow. He taught me how much hard work can really pay off.

2. How old were you when you started competing?
4 years old. I cried the whole way down the pool, but I didn’t want any help from the coaches in the water. I was determined to make it to the other side all by myself. 

3. At what point did you realise you were good enough to make a career out of it?
Probably not until I was about 21, when the idea of making the Olympic team became more of a goal rather than a dream. 

4. You're probably most known as a freestyler, but you've also swum IM. Is freestyle your favourite stroke to swim or do you prefer one of the others? 
 Freestyle is definitely my favorite stroke to swim long course. When it comes to short course, however, I love the 200 backstroke. Call me crazy, but it’s my favorite event.

5. Can you tell us what your average daily routine is?
Wake up at 5 am, swim. Come home around 8 am and make a second breakfast and nap. Wake up around noon, eat lunch, then swim from 2-4 pm. Then I come home, have a big snack and get some work done before making a big dinner around 6:30. 

6. How many kilometres would you swim per week?
During peak training times, nearly 70 km. I usually average 55-60 km, however.

7. You turn up to training and your coach says, “We’re doing ‘this’ today.” What ‘this’ makes you want to go straight back home to bed and what ‘this’ gets you pumped to jump straight in the pool?
Go straight back home: breaststroke. Enough said.
Pumped to get in: Long aerobic. I used to dislike it, but now I love it! It’s my bread and butter.

8. Apart from your major wins, what has been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably being elected team captain of Team USA in Santiago, Chile. I’ve always looked up to the team captains on trips, so it was a huge honor to come full circle in terms of leadership. 

9. Where is your favourite place to compete?
If it’s short course, Austin, TX. Long course I loved competing in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

10. Who’s your biggest inspiration?
Allison Schmitt. She’s overcome so much and is such a lovely person. She makes a point to be kind to everyone which is something that I aspire to do.

11. Who’s your fiercest rival? / Who do you love/hate competing against?
When it comes to racing, I’m usually focused on racing myself. It’s always me against the clock.

12. What’s your go-to post training meal?
Chipotle :)

13. What’s your go-to meal on race day?
Banana, oatmeal, Greek yogurt. Keep it simple.

14. What’s always in your competition kit bag?
Fins, a necessity.

15. If you could pass on one piece of advice to a swimmer looking to improve their personal best (PB) what would it be?
Focus on your technique. eo SwimBETTER is a great way to do this!

16. Do you have any advice for athletes trying to balance training and racing with study? 
Buy a planner and plan out your day. It’s so satisfying to cross off your to-dos.

17. If you weren’t a swimmer, what would you be?
I’m an aspiring Physician Assistant, so I would probably be doing that.

18. You can invite five people to dinner, living or dead, who would you invite?
My five best friends of course!

19. You’ve travelled the world racing. Where is your favourite place to play tourist?
There’s so many lovely places I’ve visited, but my favorite probably has to be Paris. I definitely need to go back.

20. And finally, can you tell us about your craziest/funniest/weirdest fan interaction?
I had someone ask me to sign their forehead, that’s always a good one.