FOR GOLD
“ It really is a surreal and euphoric experience , but the older I get , the more I realize it ’ s about the entire journey leading up to standing on top of the podium that really matters .”
Musselman echoes that sentiment , adding that “ It is always an honor representing this country . … To possibly go to my third Olympic Games and have my husband , family and friends there to support is something I will never take for granted .” Having her husband , Patrick Woepse , with her this time is especially poignant for Musselman as he is undergoing treatment for lung cancer , but has encouraged her to keep working toward her Olympic goal despite his diagnosis .
“ Patrick has been my inspiration through this journey ,” Musselman says . “ He is steadfast in his love for me as I train for the Olympics and while he battles cancer at the same time . It ’ s been amazing to navigate this together and find ways to enjoy this life we are creating — as hard as it is at times . We are trusting God ’ s plan for us and praying continuously for his healing and comfort .”
With the Olympics less than two months away , the water polo team recently returned from a test event in Paris , training against France , playing a game in front of a sold-out crowd in the Olympic venue and even attending a Taylor Swift concert in the arena where many of the team ’ s Olympic quarterfinals and semifinals will be held .
“[ We ] got to sightsee and experience the venues we will be in ,” Musselman says . “ Once we go back for the Olympics in July , it is all business and no adventures outside of the Olympic events . I am looking forward to connecting with my team and displaying everything we have worked so hard for .”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME Water polo is a passion for both Musselman — who played for Corona del Mar High School then University of California , Los Angeles , graduating in 2022 with a degree in physiological science — and Gilchrist — who played with Newport Harbor High School then University of Southern California , graduating in 2014 with a degree in communications .
Sports have always been part of Musselman ’ s life as her dad played professional baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets .
“ I was lucky to have parents who invested time in
USA Water Polo player Maddie Musselman
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