Western Illinois University Athletics

Madison Chao was named the Hampton Inn Scholar-Athlete for the month of January. The senior is finishing up her career in the pool before focusing on graduate school at Western Illinois University.

Favorite Olympic swimmers of all-time?
 
Missy Franklin and Nathan Adrian.
 
Best advice ever received?
 
It’s ok to fail as long as you try again and learn from it.
 
Favorite memory at Western Illinois?
 
Breaking the 200 medley relay record last year at conference with Erica, Miranda, and Marissa.
 
Biggest hobby outside of sports?

Binge-watching movie series with my roommate.
 
Why did you choose your major?
 
I’ve always known that I wanted to have a job where I could be hands-on and on my feet throughout the day and I enjoyed all of the chemistry courses I took throughout high school.
 
Favorite food?
 
Any kind of pasta.
 
Sport you're best at other than swimming?
 
Water polo. I played in high school and it’s the only sport I’ve shown any affinity for besides swimming.
 
Do you have a pre-race routine?
 
Deep breathing and arm circles behind the block.
 
Favorite class or subject?
 
Any of my forensics classes.