Author Kim Vanderberg, left, and Avon’s Madison Kennedy. (Photo courtesy Kim Vanderberg, Excelle Sports)
In 2012, Avon’s Madison Kennedy just missed on qualifying for the U.S. Olympic swimming team. Since then, she has gained valuable international experience and has grown as a swimmer.
She won a silver medal at the 2014 Pan American Games in the 400 meter freestyle relay, she won three medals at the short course (50 meter) world championships in Doha in December 2014. In 2015, she won her first national title in the 50 freestyle. In Arizona last month at the Arena Pro Series in Mesa, she had her best time ever in the 50 freestyle in 24.45 seconds – one of the three fastest times in the event by a U.S swimmer.
Kennedy continues to prepare for the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska at the end of June. This week, she’ll be competing in the Arena Pro Series in Charlotte (May 12-15), where she lives and trains with SwimMAC Carolina.
A former U.S. teammate Kim Vanderberg talked with Kennedy recently for Excelle Sports and Kennedy discussed some of the things she has learned to make her a better competitor in the water.
High School
2025 NCCC Winter Tournaments
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2025 CCC Winter Tournaments
Natasha Bloom
May 9, 2016 at 3:41 pm
I remember Madison Kennedy when she was in grade school in Avon and was friends with Jayme Gilchrist. We used to go to YMCA outdoor pool in Burlington with her family and I was always blown away by her swimming skills. I hope that Madison makes the Olympic team this summer. Your family must be so proud!! Good luck Madison!!!!