Isabelle Stadden had been a child prodigy in the pool, representing the USA on the international stage multiple times over, accruing numerous accolades well before she even reached college. Attending Cal Berkeley, Stadden continued to rake in awards and honors, becoming an NCAA All-American many times over during her 5 seasons with the Golden Bears.
Weeks after completing her undergraduate degree, Stadden competed at the 2025 US World Trials. In what was supposed to be a springboard for her pro career, Stadden had what she says was one of the worst meets of her life. Her performances in Indianapolis were lackluster and resulted in her first time missing the USA National Team in 7 seasons.
After that, Stadden took a long time away from the pool. 6 months removed from her last competition, the Minnesota native decided to give it one more go around, this time doing it for herself rather than feeling the external pressures of performing for a team or to satisfy others’ expectations.
Stadden moved to arguably the top women’s program in the country, the University of Virginia, to train under the 2024 Olympic women’s head coach, Todd DeSorbo. Just 4 months into training in Charlottesvillle, she went a 2:05.9 in the 200 back at the Westmotn Pro Swim, dropping over a second off of her previous PB of 2:07.28 set in May of 2021. 7 weeks later at the Ft Lauderdale Open, Stadden struck gold again, touching in 2:04.37, becoming the #4 performer in history and #1 in the world this year.
Listen to Stadden as she shares her perspective on returning to her sport refreshed, reenergized, and ready for more, looking towards the end of the summer and beyond.
In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman Hodges and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.
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Music: Otis McDonald
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Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.
She sounds very smart and mature and humble. I will sure root for her to beat – the usual podium people
I know, no hards questions or no access but come on, Teri and her b.s. needs bit more opening…..
The way things are trending, a woman is going to go a 56 in the 100 back by LA. Not sure which one yet, but somebody will!
I think Regan has the best chance. Perhaps more than one person could do it, but if I had to bet on just one, I’d bet on Regan. She’ll have her hands full both at home and abroad, and perhaps she should.
At trials and then fall to bronze at the Olympics.
Only on SwimSwam can you get downvoted for saying the current WR holder has the best chance to go 56 ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Do you mean a child *prodigy*?
That’s exactly what I meant😂 thank you!
been waiting for this!!!!