Feb. 25, 2024 - 12:00 p.m. ET
Kentucky International Convention Center - Louisville, Ky.

Madison Dagen

2014

Madison Dagen

Hometown:
Pleasanton, California

Age:
14

Gym:
San Mateo Gymnastics
San Mateo, California

Qualifying Meet:
Lady Luck Invitational

            Bio

Q: Do you have a nickname?
“Mad Dog.”

Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
“When I was 2-years-old. My sister started, so I did too.”

Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
“When I was in kindergarten, I remember doing gymnastics in the talent shows with my sister.”

Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete? What about competition appeals to you?
“It was never a question whether I would compete or not. I like competing because I like getting to meet the girls from other gyms. And even though I get nervous, I still like to show how my hard work is finally paying off. I just want to do gymnastics in college.”

Q: What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
“I train six days a week for four-and-a-half hours every day. No, I’ve always trained quite a few hours because I did TOPs when I was younger.”

Q: What is your favorite event?
“Floor.”

Q: What is your favorite skill?
“Over shoots on the bars and two-and-a-halves on the floor.”

Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
“Amen Mi Kisher.”

Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
“Shawn Johnson.”

Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
“I have grown to become a hard-worker and a dedicated person. I’ve learned that if you want a skill, you have to go after it.”

Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
“My dream for becoming a gymnast at a school with a strong gymnastics program has motivated me to be an even better student. I think gymnastics has also taught me to learn to bounce back from mistakes.”

Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
“Never give up on your dreams. If you set your mind to it, anything’s possible.”

Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
“I got to go to the camp in Texas for getting second place at Westerns. I also made B camp two years in a row when I did TOPs. I also made the Level 7 National Judges Cup Team for Norcal and got to travel to Ohio with girls from other teams in Northern California.”

Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
“Yes!”

Q: What are your favorite subjects in school?
“English and art.”

Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
“I’m not sure where yet, but I want to be an elementary school teacher.”

Q: What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
“I want to go to a Division 1 college for gymnastics and later become an elementary school teacher!”

Q: When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities?
“I love hanging out with friends or getting my nails done.”

Q: What is your favorite food?
“Steak.”

Q: What is your favorite movie?
“‘Matilda’ or ‘Stick It.'”

Q: What is your favorite book?
“‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series and ‘Soul Surfer.'”

Q: Who is your favorite musician?
“I don’t have one favorite, but I love pop and country music.”

Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
“My sister Lacy does gymnastics and will be a Florida Gator starting in 2015.”

Q: Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
“I eat steak before every competition.”

Q: What’s on your iPod right now? What type of music do enjoy listening to? How about before a meet when you’re trying to get focused and pumped up?
“Any type of upbeat music. My favorite song right now is ‘Dark Horse’ by Katie Perry.”

Q: If you had to pick three words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
“Motivated, fierce, and hard-working.”

Q: What three words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
“Bubbly, crazy, and happy.”

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